The difference between Linux hosting and Microsoft hosting

What's the difference between Linux hosting and Microsoft hosting?

Differences will arise when it comes to applications that you're going to use on the server to support your web site.

If you plan to rely on open-source PHP or Perl-based systems, go with Linux. Also, if you plan to send e-mails from your scripts, it is much easier to do that from Unix too.

In general, unless you have some Windows-specific application or technology that is going to support your web site, there are really no good reasons not to prefer Linux.

Linux is much more reliable and secure than Windows.