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Ubuntu Linux vs Windows Server comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
8.0
Ubuntu Linux offers cost savings, prolonged equipment lifespan, reliability, and efficiency, eliminating expensive licenses and enhancing operational stability.
Sentiment score
1.4
Windows Server improved efficiency and system stability, providing value and competitive advantages despite challenges in quantifying financial returns.
We're very competitive commercially and technically because of it.
We've seen value in Windows Server because the systems work smoothly without any problems.
Windows Server offers excellent value for money, particularly when compared to alternatives.
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.6
Ubuntu users benefit from effective community support and forums, reducing the need for formal technical support.
Sentiment score
6.3
Microsoft's customer service is praised for efficiency but varies by region, with some needing premium contracts for best support.
Our in-house team can also solve most issues.
If you go through a partner who sells or supports Windows, the support could be around seven out of ten, because Windows relies on these partners for assistance.
Microsoft's technical support for Windows Server has been lacking, with rare responses even with premium support.
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.1
Ubuntu Linux scales well across different organizations, supporting diverse infrastructures with appropriate hardware, open-source tools, and expert administration.
Sentiment score
8.2
Windows Server is widely recognized for scalability, easily supporting small to large user bases with occasional complexity in large deployments.
I rate its scalability a ten out of ten.
It's definitely scalable.
The solution is used extensively in our organization, and we have plans to increase the usage.
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
7.9
Ubuntu Linux is generally stable, especially LTS versions, but may encounter issues during upgrades or as a virtual machine.
Sentiment score
7.8
Windows Server's stability is praised for resilience, improving since 2012, but minor issues persist, especially under heavy load.
We have experienced no blue screens or crashes and often achieved an uptime of 2,000 to 3,000 days without any issues whatsoever.
Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.
The tool is stable.
 

Room For Improvement

Ubuntu users want better Windows compatibility, enhanced stability, user-friendly interface, improved gaming, and seamless integration with other systems.
Windows Server needs improved performance, security, user interface, integration, pricing, patch management, command-line tools, and technical support.
Additionally, a more secure implementation would be good.
The solution should improve its stability.
From a security perspective, sometimes, malware attacks and hackers take advantage of the tool's vulnerabilities.
Deploying antivirus and firewall software on the server is advisable, but having an external firewall adds an extra layer of security.
 

Setup Cost

Ubuntu Linux offers a free, flexible operating system with optional paid support, ideal for cost-conscious enterprises managing servers in-house.
Enterprise Windows Server licensing can be complex and pricey, with variable costs and flexible options for procurement and management.
The setup cost is free.
It is quite expensive.
Previously, a Windows Server with two processors cost around two 154 euros annually, but now it is estimated to be around 3,000 to 4,000 euros for the same configuration.
On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the most expensive, I rate it ten out of ten.
 

Valuable Features

Ubuntu Linux offers strong security, stability, and flexibility with a user-friendly interface, extensive support, and no licensing fees.
Windows Server offers easy integration, robust security, and scalable solutions with features like Active Directory and virtualization support.
I find the terminal valuable for pasting some commands and using some software as well.
Windows Server is a stable and scalable solution.
The most valuable features of the solution stem from the fact that every Microsoft product is scalable, flexible, secure, and available on a certain budget.
The IP directory is the most valuable feature.
 

Categories and Ranking

Ubuntu Linux
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
2nd
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
139
Ranking in other categories
OpenStack (1st)
Windows Server
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
4th
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.5
Number of Reviews
185
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of March 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 14.5%, down from 23.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows Server is 9.0%, up from 8.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Kevin Haury - PeerSpot reviewer
Linux's advanced terminal empowers versatile usage and ongoing secure development
Initially, there was nothing complicated. It's easy since I have many years of experience with it. However, if I were a beginner with Linux, it could be completely disruptive compared to Windows. So, I would have to spend some time practicing with Linux to understand how it works and how I can accomplish the same tasks compared to Windows. Maybe one month, at least.
NirajSingh - PeerSpot reviewer
User-friendly platform streamlining client connectivity
We are using Windows Server to connect our client software. We use it to access client systems and work on SQL databases Rather than purchasing and setting up infrastructure, we are using Windows Server, which obviously saves some costs. Windows Server is fulfilling our daily work-life purposes.…
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
University
11%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Educational Organization
8%
Computer Software Company
13%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Educational Organization
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Which would you choose - Ubuntu Linux or Oracle Linux?
Ubunto Linux is a complete Linux operating system that is freely available with both community and professional support. This solution is suitable for both desktop and server use. It has a very app...
What do you like most about Ubuntu Linux?
It has a good support system for loading databases.
What needs improvement with Windows Server?
I think there is room for improvement in the stability of older versions. Additionally, Windows Server could be more power-efficient, especially for individuals doing labs or studies on personal co...
What is your primary use case for Windows Server?
Windows Server ( /products/windows-server-reviews ) is the operating system we run on our servers. We use it in the IT department, primarily as the OS for our servers.
 

Also Known As

Ubuntu
No data available
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Samsung, eBay, AT&T, Walmart, Cisco, Time Warner Cable, Bloomberg, Best Buy, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Ericsson, Orange, Wells Fargo
Rakuten, Rackspace, Tyco
Find out what your peers are saying about Ubuntu Linux vs. Windows Server and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.
842,296 professionals have used our research since 2012.