Linux vs. Windows dedicated server

[M4ngo]

Hi,

I am in development for of a fairly large web-app (PHP/MySQL). Currently I am hosting on Linux (CentOS) using Apache in a Virtual Dedicated Server with RackForce.

I am a one-man show. I have about a decade of Windows development and server admin experience. I have zero experience with Linux.

This decision was made to go with Linux because of a partner who is no longer with me, and in principle I agree that Linux is probably a better choice technically.

However, I am faced with a serious problem: I have to administer the server hosting a mission-critical web-app for thousands of paying clients.

If (when) something goes wrong, it will take me ten times longer to solve it on Linux because I wont even know where to start. On the other hand, one might say because the app is mission critical - it should be hosted on Linux. I want to be technically on solid ground, but I have to be realistic.

Should I stay the course with Linux. Maybe I need to get some classes in at my local polytechnic institute? Or, is the reduction in stress and time I could be spending on making the application better by switching to Windows a far greater benefit?

Any advice appreciated.
TIA

[speed]

You can outsource system admin to a 3rd party such as rack911. Plus saves you having to look after it when you want to go out, sleep or whatever.

[kettlewell]

If your framework is already on Linux - then leave it there.

It really leaves you with 4 options.
1. learn to admin Linux
2. Find a local college kid or other freelance linux guru/admin
3. Use your hosts hourly rate to fix things ( if they provide it)
4. Use managed services - There is a premium for this service, but may be worth it. (3x-10x more expensive)

I've programmed and admin'ed Unix for over 10 years, but I've learned that to do better in my own business, I need to be more "hands-off", and am looking into managed services (option #4)

Each of the options has pro's and con's, some are cheaper than others, while others are a better value.

Don't confuse value with cost. They are distinctly different.

There is no easy option, but if you have 1000 paying clients, then you really have 1000 reasons to push towards the better value, and not worry so much about price, and be creative with keeping things profitable.

Just my 2 pennies.

Matthew Kettlewell

[netman4ttm]

If the app is running only php and the database is MySQL and you really are good with Windows server I would make the switch.
While Windows would not be my choice I would not risk the site going down on a server I could not administer.
Building Apache, PHP and MySQL on Windows is very doable and for you the best choice.
A badly constructed Linux server is going to be more of a security risk then a wellput together Windows server.
Windows 2008 actually requires you to turn on the services you need.

I would test test test. PHP on Windows might need modules added that are included in a Linux distro.

[seopo]

You need to be able to deal with any issues immediately... so if you can't admin yourself you need a solid plan, period.

Otherwise when it hits the fan you will have 1,000 calls plus the stess of trying to learn about a system just to fix it and that won't do anything for your stress levels!

[edhan]

Based on your situation and experience, it will be best for you to stick with Windows. As you have paid clients and not knowing much about Linux will definitely be a bad idea to switch as the clients might leave and you will be losing business.

Or you can run Windows first while you learn more about Linux. Until you have more familiar and getting the hang of it, then you can choose to switch when time comes. That way, you will be able to retain all your current clients and mastering Linux at the same time.

[NetProwler]

Stick to Windows unless you plan to get a managed hosting in Linux. I have a decade of experience too in Linux - but many a times, it takes a lot of time for me to change some thing in a Windows machine. Administering linux through CLI is second nature to people used to Linux. For windows it is all a matter of clicking on the GUI. These days you get GUI tools for linux too - Webmin.

In a mission critical situation, you will be better off doing what you have been doing all these years.

[netman4ttm]

I would make one other suggestion. Take a look at BSD. OpenBSD is probably the most secure server OS you could ever use. You give up very little, compared to Linux, and gain an OS that has security as its prime goal.

[chowell]

Linux all the way IMHO.

We use Linux Server Management Security Backup and Support Solutions by rackAID

[kgun]

Lamborghini Diablo or Porsche Carrera GT ?

I have heard that Porsche is faster, and as such probably more risky.

I have heard that Linux is faster.

[sfatula]

Take a course at your local community college if you want to learn some admin. Still, if you are not familiar with the OS you are using, not good. I would never use Windows personally, but, I also wouldn't use a system I know nothing about.

You could also scale back a little to a shared hosting service so that you do not have to admin the site. Shared hosting can be a good thing. Most sites do not need a dedicated, or even virtual dedicated server.