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Linux /Unix Vs. Windows

COST

The total cost of running an environment based on Linux/Unix distributions vs. running an environment of a Windows Distribution is extreme. The chart below gives you the basic software cost.


(Image from Cyber Source, 2000)
In a server environment, based on the cost of a configured server through Go Daddy, a Linux Server is still considerably less per year than that of a Windows Environment:

Linux 2 Dual Hard Drive with Raid
Operating System Linux: Red Hat Fedora Core 4
Hard Drive Configuration Dual 120 GB Drives with Raid 1 (Disk Mirroring)
Bandwidth: 500 GB
Processor: Pentium® 4w/Ht - 3.0 GHz
Ram 2 GB
Control Panel: Cpanel Unlimited
Firewall: External Hardware Firewall
Software options- Any number of Open Source Software is available, PHP, ASP, JAVA or CGI
Supports multiple languages at no additional licensing fee
Monthly Rate $196.27 Windows 2 With Raid and Unlimited Domains
Operating System Windows Server 2003 STD Edition
Hard Drive Configuration Dual 120 GB Drives with Raid 1 (Disk Mirroring)
Bandwidth 500 GB
Processor Pentium® 4w/Ht - 3.0 GHz
Ram 2 GB
Control Panel Plesk Control Panel Unlimited
Software Options Plesk Pack Pro
Includes Spam Assassin, Tomcat, And Application Pack. MS SQL, Event Manager, Support Ticketing System, 1 Language Pack, and Game Hosting.
Firewall External Hardware Firewall
Monthly Rate $231.30

In all fairness to Windows, the above cost does not include the cost of training and man power. Most users are already familiar with the Windows Environment and Microsoft Products, such as Word and Excel, whereas they are not as familiar with the Linux Environment. It is also true, that an experienced Linux Administrator is necessary, though there does not need to be one on staff, as this can be outsourced at a considerably reduced rate.
This also does not take into consideration the cost of security and privacy. Both operating systems have their weaknesses. The first step in figuring...