Web hosting can be a difficult field to understand especially if you are just starting out and have no prior experience when it comes to website management.
Over the years, different Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and CentOS have been the go to option for most hosting providers. However, this proved to be very difficult when it came to server setup and follow up management, which was the case for all types of unmanaged hosting.
Because of this, people need an operating system that they are familiar with and which they can utilize without extra effort. Hence why when Windows Server was introduced, users could finally get what they wanted.
What is a Windows VPS?
The term has been circulating around the field hosting for the past decade and what it actually means is a virtual private server that uses Windows as an operating system.
VPS servers are extremely powerful and most importantly - scalable, which is why a vast majority of website owners and administrators are currently recommending them. This server type combines powerful hardware and optimized resources in order to achieve maximum performance.
There are both shared CPU and dedicated CPU servers with the major differences being the reserved cores for each virtual machine. While the former is cheaper, dedicated CPU VPS servers are extremely powerful and can be utilized to run heavier applications that require complex computations.
However, what we are here to talk about is Windows as an operating system. Both types of VPS servers can employ Windows Server, allowing users to run their configuration through a familiar user interface.
Why is Windows a better choice for beginners?
As we already mentioned, Windows is quite intuitive for many users as is the most widely utilized operating system on the market. While Linux and other OS have been slowly creeping up, Windows remains the most popular and used system in the world.
With Windows Server, you get a user-friendly interface that is very easy and intuitive. Also, making any changes and installing additional software is substantially easier due to the fact that the server has an UI.
On top of that, most providers that offer this particular hosting option also allow customers to access their Windows VPS through RDP - a remote desktop connection. The RDP protocol itself is also created and managed by Microsoft, meaning their personal data and information is going to be strongly protected.
Cons of Windows VPS servers
If there are any drawbacks to this service is that you are required to buy a Windows Server license in order to utilize the OS.
There are a plethora of different versions including older ones such as Windows Server 2012, 2016 and new ones such as the latest 2022 version. It all comes down to preference and functionality. Just keep in mind that older versions will eventually become outdated and will no longer be supported, so it is a good idea to choose a more contemporary one.
While you can purchase the license separately from the official Microsoft store, most hosting providers offer you the option to buy it directly from them for a lower price. This makes it easier to manage your server as everything will be in one place.