All About Operating Systems, Part 3: Advantages of Windows® Over Open-Source Operating Systems
When it comes time to choose an operating system, here are some of the reasons you may want to go with a Windows platform.
Security. Window’s closed-source nature is designed to keep the system’s workings privy to only a select group of Microsoft®-employed developers. This is in stark contrast to most other dedicated server operating systems that are open-source, meaning that they can be modified by anyone with the knowledge and ability to do so. This level of secrecy naturally lends itself to a more secure network; the less information hackers have to work with, the theory goes, the less damage they can do.
Compatibility. Because it’s backed by Microsoft, Windows typically has the jump on Linux® systems when it comes to compatibility with brand new hardware. This is because Linux’s community of developers don’t usually have access to new hardware before it comes out — and Microsoft, with its powerful corporate backing, often does. So, Windows tends to sync up better, and more conveniently, with brand new hardware on the market.
Support for other Microsoft Software and Services. It is no surprise that an operating system from Microsoft supports all other Microsoft services. Any developers using Microsoft SQL Server, Access Databases, ASP/ASP.Net programming, etc. will require a Windows server operating system.
So, if you’re looking for a quality brand name to back up your Aplus.net dedicated server, and if you prefer a service-oriented provider over the ability to make your own adjustments, Windows is almost certainly the choice for you.
This is complete FUD !
How so, Mick? We’re not trying to get people to choose Windows over Linux, we’re trying to inform them fully about both so they can make the choice that’s best for them.
If you see a specific error in what I’ve written, please let me know. If you’re just a big Linux fan, then hang on — we’re going to be talking about Linux’s advantages, too.
I really like the posts you have been making aplus.net, and you guys pretty much answered the questions I had regarding choosing Windows over Linux.
I am a Windows User, and prefer it after trying other OS (e.g Mac, Linux).
And it never occurred to me that Opensource Products does run the risk of being abused, since the sources are available for free.
Not sure why Mick thinks it’s a complete FUD, but the information are useful nonetheless.
Your choice and opinions also depend on the type of user you are. For instance, I am not a coding guru and don’t need to make any kind of major changes to my OS or server.
So, if you give me a box with cool tools (e.g. Windows Server) I will go with that. But not Linux.
Similarly, a technical user would love to poke around regardless of the type of OS he has. In this case since Linux is opensource, it’s quite easy to play with that.