What is the difference between LINUX hosting vs. WINDOWS hosting.

he most prominent difference is when you are going to use your web site for Database Access or database functionality.
With a LINUX server one uses MySQL or PostgreSQL Databases and .php files to interact with the database.
On a WINDOWS server one uses MSSQL, MySQL or an MS Access Database and .asp, .jsp etc. files to interact with the database.

Some of the advantages of LINUX hosting over WINDOWS hosting:
The LINUX hosting packages offer many FREE and READY-MADE ADD-ON applications such as:
*hit counters
*guestbook systems
*bulletin/forum board applications
*Web Calender
*eCommerce (shopping cart) systems etc. etc.

When hosting on a WINDOWS server one has to search the web extensively for free applications...

** BOTTOM LINE **
If you are not going to develop your web site with extensive MS SQL or MS Access databases using .asp technology, choose LINUX hosting.