Web hosting is a vast universe – offering a multitude of options to websites. Also, in recent times, more and more businesses are opting for an online presence due to the demand for online services by consumers. With the rising number of websites going online, the demand for web hosting services is also on the rise. While leading and established web hosting companies do have a loyal consumer base, the need and demand for personalised hosting services have also seen growth in recent times. This need for personalised targeted hosting services is fulfilled by Reseller Hosting services.
What is Reseller Hosting?
To put it simply, Reseller Web Hosting is where you buy server space and necessary hosting resources from a parent web hosting company, re-package the resources into smaller plans, and re-sell these hosting plans to your end-consumers. So, if you, as a business, were to opt for Reseller Hosting, it would give you the ability to offer hosting to your clients. Essentially, your company could model itself as a web hosting provider. This is a great start for upcoming entrepreneurs who are keen to start their own web hosting company or for those professionals (web designers/ developers) who would like to add another service they can provide to their clients.
When you are choosing a Reseller Hosting account for yourself from the bigger hosting company, each choice comes with its own features and functions. Of the choices you have to make, a great debate rages on which Operating System (OS) you should opt for. The two most popular OS are Windows Reseller Hosting and Linux Reseller Hosting. Although they’re similar in many aspects, there is a fine line of difference between the two. That is what we’ll be exploring today. Chances are you’ve heard of both, given how ubiquitous they are in the tech world.
What is Linux Reseller Hosting?
A Reseller Hosting setup that is hosted on a Linux Operating System is known as Linux Reseller Hosting solution. The Linux Operating System (OS) is one of the most popular platforms in the world. It comprises different components – bootloader, kernel, init system, daemons, graphical server, desktop environment and applications. Linux is widely known for being one of the most reliable computer ecosystems in the world. It is free – meaning that you can install it in as many computers you want to without paying anything for the software or service license. It is incredibly secure and open-source, meaning it is handled by a community that works to create and manage the Linux platform. It also offers a variety of distributions (nearly all of which can be downloaded for free) and once again installed on as many systems as you like. It is also easier to install, as compared to other Operating Systems. Linux is widely appreciated by developers for its ability to scale with your needs. It’s open-sourced nature also allows it to adapt to most environments.
What is Windows Reseller Hosting?
Windows Reseller Hosting is when the Reseller Hosting setup is run on the Windows OS. Microsoft Windows, also simply known as Windows or Windows OS, is a computer OS developed by the Microsoft Corporation. Just like Linux, Windows is one of the most popular Operating Systems in the world and comes with a lot of benefits. It is extremely easy to use, and many people are reluctant to make the switch after using Windows for years. Furthermore, Windows OS offers a wide selection of software to fit your needs. It offers support for all hardware, as Windows is used by 95% of users. Another great advantage is backwards compatibility – which allows you to operate an older version of the OS, and simultaneously update the services you want. Windows Hosting is also incredibly easy to set up and also offers easy configuration.
So, how do you make a choice between two of the world’s most popular, reliable and stable Operating Systems – especially when it comes to Reseller Hosting? Let’s examine the differences between the two, based on different needs and factors.
Difference Between Linux Reseller Hosting and Windows Reseller Hosting
- Budget:
Of course, with every choice you make, you have to consider your budget. As mentioned, Linux is an open-source platform; as a result, there are no licensing fees involved with Linux-based services. Windows, on the other hand, has a high licensing fee. Thus, Linux Reseller Hosting is a much more affordable option than Windows Reseller Hosting.
- Customisation:
We have mentioned how similar the two options are, but customisation is one of the biggest points of difference. While both offer options to customise, Linux being open-source is more customisable. Thousands of developers work round-the-clock on Linux to make it better every second. When it comes to Windows, as it is a licensed product, the scope of customisations is limited. For system admins and web professionals, Linux-based Reseller Hosting is the preferred choice due to the higher control and customisation that it offers.
- .Net benefit:
A key feature in developing web applications, .Net benefit works well with Windows Reseller Hosting services and helps you develop web applications much faster than Linux. So, if you’re looking to develop applications, Windows-based Reseller Hosting would be the right choice.
- Stability:
Reseller Hosting plans provide good stability, and both Windows and Linux are known worldwide for their stability. However, Linux wins this by a narrow margin because of its open-source nature. This allows it to adapt easily to a variety of different environments and can be developed or updated frequently to do so.
- Security:
Though both are secure, Linux does offer better security based on its open-source nature. With so many developers overseeing and monitoring the OS for issues, it’s very likely that any vulnerabilities and threats are arrested before they can cause real harm. Windows, though it is secure, is more prone to attacks from virus or malware.
- Configuration:
Configuration plays a key part in installing Reseller Hosting services. This is because the configuration of the system can potentially activate or deactivate any installed applications. If the complexity of the configuration has you worried, it’s best to opt for Windows Reseller Hosting as it is far less complicated than Linux. It only takes a few minutes with Windows, whereas Linux configuration could stretch for a few hours.
- Applications:
Different hosting services provide different features for application installation. Linux (due to its open-source nature) provides higher applications compatibility as opposed to Windows. However, this comes down to the user – how many applications do you want to install on the server? Are the apps compatible with the Operating System? There are many apps that run flawlessly on Windows but fail on Linux (and vice versa). This one does come down to individual choices.
Summing Up
As you can see, both Windows Reseller Hosting and Linux Reseller Hosting offer great and distinct benefits. Which one you choose depends on your requirements and your preferences. If you need an affordable and customisable solution, then Linux Reseller Hosting is the best option for you. However, if you need the ease-of-use offered by Windows, seamless configuration and .Net benefit, then opt for Windows Reseller Hosting. No matter the choice of OS, Reseller Hosting is an excellent way to set up your own web hosting business and earn high profits.
HostGator provides both Windows Reseller Hosting and Linux Reseller Hosting plans, backed by expert support, powerful tools, flexibility and scalability. Visit the website to see the plans, features and tools provided to start your Reseller Hosting business!
To know more about the other web hosting categories and to choose the right option for your business, visit our Hosting Blogs Category.
