Just a question that's been nagging me lately

[thenocturnalhoodie]

So I've been a linux user for about three months now, and I love it. I also know about linux's server capabilities and everything. I even tried building an email server of my own (I got too lazy, didn't finish).

Anywho, I was just wondering if any of you could shed some light on why in the hell companies would choose windows servers.

I was thinking about it. Linux is free. Windows is not. Linux is very secure. I don't know about windows servers, but I doubt they're as secure as linux ones, keeping in mind how insecure windows OS is.

The only two arguments I've ever seen for using Windows as an OS is:
1) applications and games available only for windows
2) Paid tech support.

So my thoughts are, since you're running a server, you DON'T need the applications or games, because that's not what you're doing with it. And the tech support issue is really resolved because of the forums and dedicated linux users.

I don't know how coherent this is. But what would be the benefit at all of using windows servers? I'm not at all familiar with them, and I am just curious, really.

[bodhi.zazen]

Thread moved to recurring discussions as it appears to be another Linux vs Windows discussions.

FYI: Every OS has advantages and disadvantages. A simple google search or searching these forums will yield the information you seek and many many opinions.

[Yashiro]

Windows is easier on the surface to admin. You push a few buttons and say "there, job done". Usually it's not "job done", but it's good enough for alot of people because their knowledge and appreciation of the technical issues are so low.

Additionally, and probably more importantly, you can offload some of the risk by blaming Microsoft for any problems that arise.
This works on corporate levels and also down to the guy in the server room.

Then there's always the community. With Windows you can sit there all day and play push button whack-a-mole until it eventually works. Sometimes a tip or two helps but generally it's not too hard.

With say Debian, you're left to your own devices. If you need help you have to brave the on-line ridicule of people who proclaim they're infinitely smarter than you, ask why don't you know how to use XYZ terminal commands and to RTFM.

[mb_webguy]

Tech support isn't really an issue, btw, since there are numerous companies that provide tech support for Linux distributions to companies or individuals. For example, Canonical provides tech support (http://www.canonical.com/services/support) for Ubuntu.