Why so many Windows servers?

[grepwood]

I notice that a lot of people in the bug section declare that their server runs on Windows.

Why is there so little people running servers on UNIX systems?

[Djinnii]

More and more people are running their servers from home and home invariably means Windows/Microsoft or Mac.

It wasn't till I came home to my parents where my internet isn't good enough (5mb down 1mb up) to host a server.

[Jay?]

Most people are intimidated by unfamiliar operating systems. The fact that more and more people are capable of hosting their own servers, means that they're more likely to use an OS they're more familiar with.

[Schilcote]

Because Windows is DAS UBERSYSTEM.

Seriously, it's just because since the majority of Minecraft server owners are not professionals, and a Windows server is way easier to get your hands on and get working.

[Jay?]

Windows server is way easier to get your hands on and get working.

Maybe if you're already familiar with windows. Realistically, Servers are just as easy to set up using linux as they are on windows, it's just a matter of where your experience is.

[Schilcote]

Mmmmhhh... I wouldn't say that. Depends heavily on the distro, of course.

[Mikeambrose3]

I have always used CentOS 5.8 for my server, it runs perfect, and the reason you see little unix OS help request is because the owners are more professional in their field. Using Windows for hosting servers is not a bad thing, and from what I see core distribution runs better (That might just be me, but hell)

[grepwood]

Mmmmhhh... I wouldn't say that. Depends heavily on the distro, of course.

Not heavily. And differences are very little. Possible variables:

- Java 7 is or isn't in official repo

- you need or need not to configure iptables

- you need or need not to be a member of wheel group

- you need, or need not to be a sudoer

- you may need to, or may not need to configure SELinux

- you may or may not be aware that your default shell needs to be rehashed

[Djinnii]

I have always used CentOS 5.8 for my server, it runs perfect, and the reason you see little unix OS help request is because the owners are more professional in their field. Using Windows for hosting servers is not a bad thing, and from what I see core distribution runs better (That might just be me, but hell)

Really?

I've been working with Windows and Unix servers for the better part of 15years now, and my windows server have NEVER been as stable or responsive as my Unix ones.

(One example I actually used today for something totally different, my Unix web+irc server has been running non-stop with no interruptions or restarts for 2 years now. In contrast my Windows box has to be rebooted practically every other week.)

[Bangers]

There's a simple reason that more people use Windows. Familiarity.