Tell me more ×
Geographic Information Systems Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for cartographers, geographers and GIS professionals. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 12 down vote favorite

We're in the process of trying to decide where to host our GeoServer installation in production.

Are there any major pro's / con's to hosting on windows vs. linux?

share|improve this question

3 Answers

up vote 9 down vote accepted

I would say this all boils down to what you have expertise in setting up and supporting. Since it runs in the application server of your choice there shouldn't be any difference with the app itself.

share|improve this answer
1  
This seems like the most pragmatic answer... thanks! – John Weldon Aug 28 '10 at 22:46
up vote 8 down vote

Personally I'd go with Linux over Windows for a server, some of that is experience on my part. But it is also things like being able to ssh to the Linux box from home to do late night reboots, log file checks etc.

I also find that Linux boxes are more stable than Windows boxes (no annoyingly "urgent" reboots for updates etc).

share|improve this answer
While the Unix OS generally requires less reboots, those updates will still restart services (with varying levels of impact on your sites/users). See blog.inetu.net/2009/10/beware-the-uptime-braggarts – mwalker Aug 27 '10 at 19:28
@mwalker: Both uptimes and reboots are becoming irrelevant as soon as you have at least two machines to provide your service. It's ease of maintenance that counts - imho. – relet Aug 27 '10 at 19:50
@relet: totally. With VMs being the popular choice today, multiple machines make a lot of sense. I love being able to snapshot / rollback an image when testing an update / upgrade / etc. – mwalker Aug 27 '10 at 20:13
up vote 7 down vote

Ideally, there is no difference. The hosting platform is just that, a platform. You expect it to be nice and sturdy, hold up your application, and not interfere.

Of course if you application requires Windows or Linux then the choice is easy, but that's not your question.

Are you going to be managing your own host? Do you have a personal preference? The Windows Server, Linux server, and Java platforms are all mature enough now that I do not think there are any compelling technical reasons to select one over the other.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.