I would like to start an on-line business. When looking for an affordable host, I was asked if I wanted to use a Linux server or Windows server. What is the difference and what kind of issues do I face if I elect to go with the Linux, as it is much more affordable? Priscilla

I assume you're talking about a web host. In that case you should go for Linux (or Unix). Windows is a workstation class OS and performs that job rather well. It's not the most stable (or secure) platform in the world, but both Win2k and WinXP are acceptably stable enough for workstation use. Microsoft took that workstation OS, added several server programs to it, and relabeled it Windows 2000/2003 Server. What that did was make windows much more unstable and buggy. The server programs that it uses are dripping with security holes and bugs. The result is that sites that run on a windows server are often down due to a server malfunction, and your website can be easily hacked. Not good if your business depends on your site. You actually have a pretty easy decision, that being "which hosting platform is the most secure and reliable?". In this case the answer is definitely Linux.

It kinda depends on what kind of webapps you're planning to run on your server. If you're looking to run ASP then you're stuck with windows. Money not an issue? Where do you live and when are you not home? I'm not gonna rob you, I'm just gonna steal some stuff

You don't have to use ASP though. Use CGI if you need that kind of functionality. Sun does has an app called Chili!Soft that runs ASP on Unix, but unless you absolutely need ASP, I have to suggest CGI.

Priscilla, I'm currently running 6 Linux servers, 1 Sun Solaris and 1 Windows 2003 SBS. Within your question I'm going to make a couple of assumptions: 1. You're not working with the servers, your ISP or hosting service does. In which case you don't need to learn how to build out and deploy a server, just run your online business. Go with the Linux. I've found some fairly easy Linux web servers that allow you to play FrontPage if you go that route. 2. You are actually going to buy the server and install it yourself. Go with Microsoft. Linux is free and all the apps are free but it is hell learning everything about it just to get it up and running. Much less troubleshooting a problem. MS Servers are pretty much cookie cutters depending on your needs. Disregard Deputy DooDah's opinions on MS reliability and security. Linux has not as many security gaps but that's because it's mostly non-Windows hackers who despise Microsoft is why most of the attention is there. Most of the large Enterprise Companies rely heavily on Microsoft Servers for day to day business.