New webmasters are perplexed when they have to choose between Linux and Windows hosting. In fact, there is nothing like one type of hosting better than the other. It all depends on your needs.

The basic criterion for choosing one of these hosting solutions is the development language or database you intend to use with the website. Operating system you use at home has no bearing on the hosting account you choose.

If you are going to use PHP, Perl, Python, or CGI scripting, choose a Linux hosting account. If you plan on using an application to blog, podcast, or create a shopping cart, discuss with the developers to find which language they would use for the application.

Windows hosting will be the choice if you are going to use ASP or ASP.NET. Applications developed in ASP.NET would typically require some programming on your local computer before it can be used online. Another reason is database compatibility. If your website would collect data from an Access database, a Windows server will be able to integrate with it in seamless manner.

Windows hosting services are usually opted by businesses with larger budgets and a specific need for Windows web hosting.

For someone, who just wants to create a straightforward website and don’t have any special requirements, Linux based web hosting system will be better choice as it will be efficient as well as cost-effective. The majority of free and commercial software that you may need to run on the website have been developed for Linux hosting and run smoothly out-of-the-box on it.

Linux hosting is cheaper, the reason being Linux is a free open source system. Web hosting service providers need not pay licensing fees for using Linux, unlike Windows. This allows service providers to offer lower prices for Linux web hosting.

The majority of tutorials on the web also assume that your website is running on Linux based system, so you will find it easier to get help.

Factoring in these points when deciding on website hosting in India will help arrive on right decision.