What OS do you prefer for servers, Windows or Linux? Why?

Linux..

Compared to Windows Server, Linux handles more functions without issue, and doesn’t require reboots nearly as often. That’s because Linux doesn’t have memory leaks in the same fashion as Windows Server, and only needs to reboot when there’s a kernel update

Both Operating Systems have their own pros and cons. If we talk about windows, it has user friendly interface but needs to be upgradation. On the flip side, Linux is an open source and more secure Operating System. 

I prefer Windows because I work with the Microsoft Blazor framework and also have complete compatibility with other Microsoft products like Azure, DevOps, SQL Server, and so on.

Linux is made for servers and Windows been made for desktop.

Windows server license is very high compared to Linux almost free of charge. 

Linux also more rubost and secure. Updates on Windows servers takes ages and faulty to complete 99% of the time. 

Most of the web apps that gets hacked are hosted on Windows servers. 

In the web hosting industry, Linux is often considered the best operating system for server hosting. This free software has been available to everyone since 1992 and, thanks to its simple modular architecture, can be adapted to suit individual needs and expertise. You will only incur costs if you use a paid support package. With its reliability, stability, and efficiency, Linux has proven itself in the most prestigious web and email server environments.

If you plan to use PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, or MySQL, Linux is an excellent choice.

I prefer Linux for servers, and here’s why:

Linux is known for its uptime and reliability. Servers running Linux often require fewer reboots, which is essential for critical systems.

Most Linux distributions (like Ubuntu, CentOS, or Debian) are free and open-source, reducing licensing costs compared to Windows Server.

Linux offers a high degree of customization. You can tailor it to run only the services you need, minimizing resource usage and potential attack surfaces.

Linux is generally considered more secure because of its permission model, frequent updates, and active community support. It’s also less targeted by malware compared to Windows.

Linux is lightweight and performs well, especially on servers handling web hosting, database management, or application development.

Linux supports a vast range of software, programming environments, and virtualization tools. It’s also compatible with a wide range of hardware, making it ideal for diverse server setups.

That said, Windows Server has its strengths, especially in environments where Active Directory, .NET applications, or Microsoft-specific tools are essential. The choice ultimately depends on your specific use case and organizational requirements.

Personally, I prefer Linux for servers, and here’s why:

Stability and Performance:

Linux is rock solid when it comes to stability and can handle heavy loads without breaking a sweat. It’s the kind of system you can set up and not worry about much, which is crucial when you’re running important applications or services.

 Security:

Linux has a strong reputation for security. Since it’s open-source, there’s a massive community constantly checking and improving the code. Plus, it gives you more control over who can access what, which is great for keeping your server locked down.

 Cost:

One of the big draws of Linux is that it’s free. There are no licensing fees, which can save a lot of money, especially if you’re running multiple servers. It’s a great option for startups or any business looking to cut down on expenses.

Flexibility:

Linux is super customizable. You can tweak it to do exactly what you need, whether that’s optimizing for performance or setting up a specific environment. This flexibility is a big deal if you want your server to run exactly the way you want it to.

Open-Source Ecosystem:

A lot of the tools and software you’d want to run on a server, like web servers, databases, and scripting languages, are made to run on Linux. It just fits together really well, and there’s a ton of support out there if you need help.

Command-Line Interface:

The command-line interface on Linux is powerful. Once you get the hang of it, you can manage your server more efficiently than you could with a graphical interface. It’s great for automating tasks and getting things done quickly.

 Community Support:

Linux has a huge, active community. If you run into any issues, chances are someone else has already dealt with the same problem, and there’s probably a solution out there. The community aspect really makes a difference when you’re managing servers.

Resource Efficiency:

Linux is generally lighter on resources compared to Windows. It can run smoothly even on older hardware, which is ideal if you’re trying to get the most out of your servers without needing the latest and greatest equipment.

That said, Windows does have its place, especially if you’re dealing with Microsoft-centric software or need specific applications that only run on Windows. But overall, for most server needs, I find Linux to be the better choice because of its stability,  security, and flexibility.

Linux is a good OS for server management.

Linux is known for its stability and efficiency, particularly in handling heavy loads, making it ideal for web servers and high-performance applications. Being open-source, Linux provides flexibility and customization options. Administrators can modify the OS based on their needs. Also most Linux distributions are free, which can significantly reduce costs for businesses that need to deploy multiple servers. In security, Linux has a strong reputation for security, partly due to its active community and frequent updates.

Linux — Why I Often Prefer It:

Stability & Performance: Linux servers are known for their stability and uptime. They handle loads efficiently and rarely need reboots after updates.
Cost: Most Linux distributions are open-source and free, which makes them cost-effective, especially for large-scale deployments.
Security: Linux tends to have a smaller attack surface and offers robust security features. Also, being open-source, vulnerabilities are often spotted and patched quickly by the community.

Windows — When It’s the Better Choice:
Microsoft Ecosystem: If your applications rely heavily on Microsoft tech like .NET, IIS, MS SQL Server, or Active Directory, Windows Server is the natural fit.
Ease of Use: Windows Server’s GUI can be more approachable for teams less comfortable with command-line administration.
Compatibility: Some proprietary enterprise software is Windows-only, so if no choice in certain corporate environments.
Integration: If your infrastructure revolves around Microsoft products and services, Windows offers tight integration and management tools.

Summary-

For most general-purpose, high-performance, scalable servers, especially web servers, containers, cloud deployments, I prefer Linux.
For Microsoft-centric environments or specific enterprise apps, Windows Server is the go-to.

Linux.
considering the cost, customizability and security Linux would be prefferd over windows.

It depends, servers are mere hardware, you acquire them to run certain applications.

Let say that I say Linux preferably (Red Hat) is prefered OS for servers, which is also correct to certain extent too,

Lets take an example to understand this, the person who has posted the question is working with "Medical and Diagnostic Center" and assume that his "Medical and Diagnostic Center" is using certain windows or Mac based software to run its operations, then it won't matter whether Linux is good or not. Because for the "Medical and Diagnostic Center" in this example will require windows server any way.

In general context usually Linux distribution are open source, have better security implementations, and are generally efficient.