This thing with Window and Linux/Unix.....Each has its strengths and weaknesses. I run Windows 2k3 Server for asp sites and I also have Apache/PHP/PERL/MySQL installed also. Why run APPM on a windows server?
The php/perl for windows does not do the job. All kinds of errors even on some of the simple scripts when running them thu IIS. But put them thru Apache, and they run great. So instead of running 2 servers, I just run them both on the same box which happens to run Windows as the OS. Have been doing it for over 4 years now without any hitches.
As far as windows goes, no its not free, but once the initial purchase is done, say $200 for the OS, thats it. There is no 'keep paying and paying and paying' as a previous post put it. I ran Win2k Advanced server for 3 years and just upgraded to Win 2003 with very little cost. Windows does have bugs and security issues, but the fixes are free and forthcoming. Linux/Unix has its security issues and bugs too, but Ive only heard about them and not experienced them since I don't run that.
So if you like windows and .asp/.net or apache/php/mysql, who cares? You like what you like. Some people like Ford cars, some Chevys. So what? They both do the same thing. Point A to B. Some people like fat women, some like skinny ones...big deal.
But when all is said and done, everyone makes money no matter what they use, whether they paid for the OS or not. Some make more than others. Im sure there are plenty of windows hosts that make a killing....as do plenty of Linux hosts.
Why all the fuss over an OS? Just give the poor bastard what he needs if you can and make some money from him. If you can't code in .asp/.net go find some php work. if you cant code in php...go find some .asp work. This forum has it all for anyone.
Flaming a person is worthless. It benefits no one. And most of the time it makes the flamer look like a loser...
Just my 2c worth