Which OS for a dedicated server? Windows 2008 or linux?

domainingin

domainingin

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Hi, I have got a server that needs to be re-built and need to decide about the operating system.

Would you recommend Windows 2008 or linux for a dedicated server?

Thanks
Dan
 
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Depends wholly on which one can you use better (or your server admin), which one you personally prefer and if you wish to use Cpanel (only Linux) or other server management software.

Edit: If you really don't find either one as answer after those, I'd say Linux unless you want to run an app or software on your server that needs Windows. Linux is in my opinion a more stable and resource friendly server, and Windows as the OS restricts rather many things.
 
What are the specs of the server ?

If i have a server with good specs and i know i will be needing windows server soon , i give roughly 25% resources to my windows server and the rest to linux .

I use the above setup very often and it works out fine , additionally if you use vsphere client then you can adjust the resources between operating systems whenever you want to (no need to rebuild the entire server) .

But if your server isn't that good and you have no use for windows (like you only want to host websites) , you should go with linux .
 
Thanks for the answers.

Intel i5
Haswell
4 Core
16GB RAM
2 x 2TB HDD

and I just run websites and might try to have a VPS for a software tool, so the idea with 25% windows might be a good solution.
Is it difficult to install both on the server?
Thanks
Dan
 
domainingin said:
Thanks for the answers.

Intel i5
Haswell
4 Core
16GB RAM
2 x 2TB HDD

and I just run websites and might try to have a VPS for a software tool, so the idea with 25% windows might be a good solution.
Is it difficult to install both on the server?
Thanks
Dan
Click to expand...

Your specs are fine for the kind of setup i was suggesting , but it probably won't be worth your time if this is a one time thing (better get a windows vps separately) . If you still want to get dirty here is something to help you - http://www.murraypicton.com/2010/08/how-to-install-windows-on-a-linux-server/ , it talks about windows xp, but the process is similar for any windows version you want to install .
 
I suggest you windows OS, it was better for quick setup and maintanance. If you don't know how to configure linux server any wrong doing (there are many half baked tuts on net if you followed them) results in hacking of your server.
 
iamsolo said:
I suggest you windows OS, it was better for quick setup and maintanance. If you don't know how to configure linux server any wrong doing (there are many half baked tuts on net if you followed them) results in hacking of your server.
Click to expand...

That is non-sense , if you don't know how to use the tool does not mean it is broken or has problems .
 
If you're just using it for websites, definitely go with Linux. You don't need to install 2 systems although it's possible - you'd end up wasting a ton of server resources. Instead, just find a cheap windows vps for your tool to run on.
 
The OS really depends on your requirement. If you do not require windows components such as ASP.NET or MSSQL, then I would recommend Linux OS, it will save your OS costing too.
 
Install windows, and add Hyper-V role. You can create vps using Hyper-V. Bothe Linux and Windows.
You will need additional ip for the vps.
 
iamsolo said:
I suggest you windows OS, it was better for quick setup and maintanance. If you don't know how to configure linux server any wrong doing (there are many half baked tuts on net if you followed them) results in hacking of your server.
Click to expand...

And Windows is known for exceptional security!?
 
Linux Little Difficult But More Reliable.. Windows More Easy But Less Reliable..
 
LostConnection said:
He never said that, and I agree with him. Windows is easier to make secure without investing too much time learning how to configure a Linux server.
Click to expand...

He didn't state that, but I'm sure you understood the context at play here. Frankly, without considering the technologies your hosted sites utilize, it's foolhardy to assume Windows to be more secure than Linux with a comparable amount of knowledge and effort. Feeling comfortable with the Windows GUI does not mean your server is in fact secure. Bottom line is that if you can't or won't do your job as a systems administrator, neither option will be particularly secure.
 
If you want to use both Linux and Windows in the future, the easiest (not thinking of OpenVM, Xen, KVM virtualisation) I would get a Windows OS installed on it and then install something like VirtualBox (free and easy virtualisation software) and then you can install LInux in that.

Best of both worlds
 
Depends,

What is the use of server and what type of programs/scripts you are willing to use ? If they are Linux based then, use Linux. If they are windows based then, use windows.
 
Hi there,

If you have no decided yet then Linux is best option because it is stable secure and very reliable where you leave it alone and it keeps working without even your efforts :)

domainingin said:
Hi, I have got a server that needs to be re-built and need to decide about the operating system.

Would you recommend Windows 2008 or linux for a dedicated server?

Thanks
Dan
Click to expand...
 
Windows software can run under Linux, and Linux software can run under Windows... but seriously, the OS is largely chosen based on what software you want to run, nothing else. You can run BOTH OS's and be done with it! But if you do go that route you might not get optimal use of memory, cpu, etc. It really just depends on what you want.
 
domainingin said:
Thanks for the answers.

Intel i5
Haswell
4 Core
16GB RAM
2 x 2TB HDD

and I just run websites and might try to have a VPS for a software tool, so the idea with 25% windows might be a good solution.
Is it difficult to install both on the server?
Thanks
Dan
Click to expand...
Run your main OS as Linux and VM Windows.
 
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