Key Difference:  Windows hosting refers to the hosting of web services that runs on the Windows operating system. Linux based hosting refers to the hosting of web services that runs on the Linux operating system. Thus, the main difference between Windows and Linux based hosting is due to the different operating systems.

Linux and Windows are two important operating systems on which one can host the website. These provide the required platforms for hosting. Both have their own set of features that comes along with certain advantages and disadvantages.

Many people get confused thinking that the operating system that is running on the system (building environment of a website) effects the hosting of a website. However, it depends upon the hosting platform that is used for hosting the websites.  Windows based hosting provides the benefit of integrated Microsoft products. It supports scripting languages for dynamic content like ASP.net, Cold fusion, Visual C++. Microsoft specific applications like MS SQL databases and IIS are only allowed to run on a Windows hosting platform.

Linux hosting employs Linux servers to host the websites. Linux operating systems work under the GNU license which means that it provides the access to source code easily and anyone can modify it. Linux operating systems are easier to upgrade and can be easily expanded if required. It is important to mention that a website works just fine on either of these platforms. Few differences occur due to the differences in the underlying platform.

Comparison between Windows and Linux based web hosting:

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