We performed a comparison between Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Server based on our users’ reviews in four categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.
Users of Windows Server 2016 feel that it is a very user-friendly solution. Furthermore, they note that its active directory feature is highly valuable. They also note that it is highly scalable. However, many users feel that its security capabilities could be greatly improved. They also feel that the graphical interface could be better.
Comparison of Results: Based on the parameters we compared, Red Hat Enterprise Linux seems to be a slightly superior solution. All other things being more or less equal, our reviewers found Windows Server 2016 rather expensive to purchase and not as secure as it should be.
"RHEL's effect on our organization's management and efficiency is noticeable because we check all the compliance boxes when we run STIG machines."
"The solution's operating systems are phenomenally resilient and stable. The good part is that Red Hat has backing and support. Also, combined with IBM, it gives more confidence to my customers."
"The most valuable features are the specification and technical guides, they are most important the security."
"With Red Hat, the community is so robust. Most of the time, while waiting for a Red Hat engineer to call us back, the solution to the issue is already provided."
"The knowledge base they offer has proven to be quite efficient and we haven't encountered any significant challenges."
"One of the valuable features is that it's convenient."
"The product is easy to use."
"Management is portable and easily automated so deploying or installing packages and running updates is seamless."
"The initial setup was straightforward. We had it fully installed within one or two hours."
"Integration with other Microsoft solutions like Exchange and System Center Configuration Manager has the great ability to manage all of the different features on system support, like upgrading, securing, and troubleshooting different Windows systems for clients."
"The scalability is okay."
"It's easy to set up and deploy."
"We have many applications which require Windows Server, such as SQL Server and an application server that acts as a middle layer."
"The installation is not difficult. I found it to be very straightforward."
"The tool is easy to access and manage. You don't have to take any backups."
"It is easy to use, and its performance is good."
"I agree that, when first downloading it, it makes sense that I have to provide my information. But when I want to update, it shouldn't be necessary. Sometimes, I'm just doing a proof of concept and once I'm finished, the server is gone... If Red Hat would remove that requirement, that would be great."
"I would like to see the GNOME system monitor feature, which shows CPU usage and other aspects. It will help to save time."
"A targeted package tailored for small and medium-sized businesses can help increase business."
"New products need better documentation. The websites also have a single sign-on to get you from one side to the other. As a partner, I had a problem finding out how I needed to connect and to which side of the solution."
"If they can make the integration with Ansible easier, that would be ideal."
"The solution's ecosystem is good but it would be better to create cohesive components in all of the development tools."
"Security could be increased."
"The biggest thing that the solution could introduce is an even slimmer version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux."
"The administration interface should be more user-friendly."
"Windows Server should lower pricing."
"The technical support needs to be improved."
"It would help if Microsoft made it lighter to run on the servers and made troubleshooting much easier."
"The product has certain shortcomings related to security capability in the area of incident response, making it the tool's component where improvements are required."
"The user interface needs improvement."
"Its updates need to be faster, so that's an area for improvement."
"The solution could improve by increasing security."
More Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) Pricing and Cost Advice →
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is ranked 1st in Operating Systems (OS) for Business with 167 reviews while Windows Server is ranked 4th in Operating Systems (OS) for Business with 180 reviews. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is rated 8.8, while Windows Server is rated 8.0. The top reviewer of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) writes "Highly stable, good knowledge base, and reasonable price". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Windows Server writes "Easy to setup, stable and caters to my wide range of use cases but lacks user-friendly interface". Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is most compared with Ubuntu Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise, Windows 10, CentOS and Oracle Linux, whereas Windows Server is most compared with Ubuntu Linux, Windows 10, Oracle Linux, Windows 11 and CentOS. See our Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) vs. Windows Server report.
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We monitor all Operating Systems (OS) for Business reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.