[cod] Linux vs. Windows

[Chris Adams]

8% here for CS Source 32 players 3.06 CPU :-)

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Chris Adams
Fragzzhost

T (07005) 964 855
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-----Original Message-----
From: Christopher Choo [mailto:chrischoo at fragnetics.com] 
Sent: 20 November 2004 18:33
To: cod at icculus.org
Subject: Re: [cod] Linux vs. Windows

Ahhh a Windows vs Linux discussion!

I'm one of those small-time hosts but so far it appears that at least
for CoD,
the Windows and Linux versions are on-par, although the sample size I
have is
pretty small (2 Windows CoD servers vs 1 Linux CoD server). The plus on
the
Linux side is that Ryan is extremely quick on the patches and it beats
the pants
off the Windows developers.

As for another game such as CS Source I'd have to disagree it runs
better on
Linux than Windows. In most cases Linux servers are an afterthought so
it's not
surprising to me that Windows appears to run many games better. It is
due more
to politics, in terms of the M$ monopoly, rather than a real technical
advantage
IMO. Our CS Source 32-player Windows server runs at about 15% (of a P4
3.06)
while a comparable Linux machine (P4 2.8C) runs it at 25%. I've not come
across
many cases where the Linux server runs more efficiently.

Given that, I don't think there is a clear winner because there are good
things
both systems offer. Linux has better security by default, whereas the
learning
curve for Winblows is significantly lower in terms of n00b-friendliness.
There
are a number of developers who release Windows game servers first, so
the
first-mover advantage is there for the taking for Windows hosts. Cheap
versions
of Windows (eg XP Home, Pro) are less stable than their equivalent Linux
counterparts, and appear to crash much more often. The point about free
(gratis)
software is more attractive with Linux, but there are many GPLed or
low-cost
Windows equivalents too.

Overall I would personally recommend keeping a fair share of both types
of
machines, but if you're out to make a point, I guess Linux rocks your
boat
unless you were one of those who were dying to run a Doom III server on
Day 1.

Flame on! :P

Regards,
Christopher Choo
Fragnetics