What are Linux & Windows?
They are types of Web Hosting platforms; more specifically they are the operating systems that run on the servers hosting your website - our servers.
Which one you choose depends on your website requirements such as what programming language it is built in, what type of databases it requires to support specific functionality and applications, and if you want to use external apps such as WordPress or Joomla.
Linux
Web Hosting
Linux is an open-source operating system. It supports a wide selection of web programming languages including PHP, Ruby and Python and also supports MySQL databases which can be used for a variety of website applications.
Our Linux packages come with cPanel, an easy-to-use web-based control panel that enables you to manage every aspect of your website, in just a few clicks.
With Linux hosting you can add any of our free 1-Click Installs web applications such as blogs, forums, polls, wikis, calendars and much more to your website in seconds. So if you want to create a WordPress Blog for example, choose Linux hosting.
Windows
Web Hosting
Our Windows platform is built in partnership with Microsoft to run IIS 10 on Windows 2019. Your site will run as if on its own virtual server as we offer an isolated application pool.
With built-in compatibility for a wide range of scripting languages, existing pages should not need re-writing. It also comes with MsSQL databases.
As a rule of thumb, if you know that your website needs ASP, .NET or IIS (Microsoft Web Server), then you will need Windows hosting. It is also worth noting that the platform you choose for your website has no relevance to the software your Mac or PC runs at home or the office.
Get the flexibility you need
Single Platform Packages
Choose Linux or Windows when you buy Starter, Professional or Premium web hosting. Linux gives you access to our FREE 1-click Installs.
Web Hosting PackagesDual Platform Packages
With Reseller Hosting, you get greater flexibility and a choice of both platforms on a per domain basis in your Online Control Panel.
Explore Reseller Hosting* Get a FREE .uk .co.uk .me.uk or .org.uk domain name registered for 1 year with any of our Annual and Multi-year Web Hosting, CloudSite, CloudShop and Microsoft 365 Packages. Offer does not apply to renewals or transfers.