dodbits

Ok you have picked your provider if you have read the last article.

One more thing  you might want to check... do they supply Windows servers or Linux? Maybe both?

Linux or Windows ?

What one is best for you is up to what you like. Some say the Linux servers are much more stable, while I have found a lot of Linux servers and operating systems are more stable... this is not what you want to base it on!

What should be a big factor is what you intend to do with the server. Server mods now enter into the equation. Just forget the old argument of Linux vs Windows for one moment OK ? Read on.

Are you going to plaster the server with every known plug-in that you can squeeze in? If so... what are they and will they work on Linux or Windows? Now not all have problems and will work on both but there is the occasional problem where a plug-in will not work.

 Take this problem for example, there is a server plug-in for MetaMod that blocks "rented" Steam Cafe Account clients from connecting to your nice new server. These people can't be banned, they just keep getting a new steam ID by simply restarting their client. Big problem if someone targets you all the time.

There is a plugin that will detect these fools and not let them in . Works well, however... NOT FOR LINUX , at least there was not when I wrote this.

So if you want Linux or Windows... its up to you. Just remember to look beyond the stability and "it's best" hype. Don't listen to all nubs that say one is better than the other... each have as many flaws as the other and I have found if the rental company has good servers on a good connection for a good price then each OS will run well.

I guess the final word on this is... without doubt Linux is more stable. If you and the server owner know Linux or Windows well... it's fine. If not you are in trouble or on a learning curve. A windows server will be fine if it is setup correctly... just like the OS Desktop Linux vs Windows... its usability and fit for purpose that maters!