What's the difference between Linux hosting and Microsoft hosting?

I'm starting a website with 1%26amp;1 and their hosting plans have either Linux hosting or Microsoft hosting. Does it matter what OS I'm using or is this how the server runs? What are the differences?

What's the difference between Linux hosting and Microsoft hosting?
Differences will arise when it comes to applications that you're going to use on the server to support your web site.





If you plan to rely on open-source PHP or Perl-based systems, go with Linux. Also, if you plan to send e-mails from your scripts, it is much easier to do that from Unix too.





In general, unless you have some Windows-specific application or technology that is going to support your web site, there are really no good reasons not to prefer Linux.





Linux is much more reliable and secure than Windows.
Reply:It really only matters (to you) if you are going to get involved in the server admin. You won't; it doesn't; unless of course you want to make a political statement, or there is a price break.
Reply:I believe that they probably have servers running both Windows and Linux, so I would suggest you look into what the differences are.





Good luck and I hope I helped you!
Reply:Linux hosting is generally more secure, the only "real" differences is that Microsoft Hosting can run "Frontpage Extensions", but if you are using "Normal" web editors (not Frontpage of microsoft ones for example) there is absolutely no difference ... Linux just is smoother and more reliable.
Reply:Linux is a more secure, reliable platform for hosting websites from little 1-pagers to full-blown ecommerce web sites.





They are far less likely to be hacked.





Go this route.