Linux or Windows VPS For Me ?

Hello Experienced VPS Hosting Advisers,

I don't have experience with Unix apart from running websites on Shared Hosting like in the past. Never really dealt with Linux. Only WHM & cPanel. Hostings were on Unix OS ofcourse.

MY CURRENT PROBLEMS & REQUIREMENTS
I use Windows on my home laptops and home pc.
Now using Android OS on my Smart Fone.
I use them 3 devices to surf the internet.
And learn PHP programming. Am beginner level programmer student.

I was learning PHP programming on laptop and pc using WAMPP then XAMPP as LocalHost. Never used LAMPP.
I use NotePad++ PHP Editor. Don't know any other.
Nowadays in winter, it is too chilli to sit Infront of the pc for too long in a big room and so I continue learning PHP programming using my Smart Fone in bed under the heavy blanket. I have installed "anWriter" PHP editor (it is like NotePad++) and "AWebServer" on Android. It is like Wampp/Xampp.
The Webserver has Apache, Mysql, PhpMyAdmin and PHP Interpreter.

Problem is, I can't get the phpmail() function to work on my Windows OS pc or on my Smart Fone (Android) as I am not good with configurations. Found instructions on Google how to set things up but following them does not fix the issue. Hence, looking for a webhost to rent a VPS instead because the host will set the PHP to send-out mails using mail(), SendMail or phpmailer or whatever. Aslong as PHP is set for the Vps to send-out emails then I can continue testing my PHP scripts to send-out emails.
Once I got the SendMail or phpmail() to work properly on my website (VPS), my PHP programming project should be complete and my website up and running.
I am writing a PHP script that will email me when everytime my link gets a visitor. Hence need the PHP to send-out emails. Outgoing emails.

I also need to run a Web Proxy. Will use the GPL "Mini Proxy" PHP script.

I also need access to port 3306.
I will be releasing a few computer softwares (.exe). For windows platform. They will dump data to my website's Mysql database on the Vps.

QUESTiON.
Which OS should I install ?
I had intentions to install CentOS since I read it is used most on VPS. But I don't have experience with Linux. If it got GUI interface and settings are not rocket science then I may manage it after following instructions.
Was thinking of installing on the unmanaged Vps:

* LAMPP, Webmin

With a Windows OS and Xampp/Wampp background, do you reckon I will manage the CentOs ?
I might need SMTP if PHP SendMail or phpmail() won't work. Problem is, I don't know any SMTP Server for Linux. Nor got any experience installing any on Linux.

Or you think I should install Win OS instead and then install Xampp/Wampp on it ?

I have used "Argosoft Mail Server" (Pop & SMTP) before on Windows OS. And so installing that should not be a problem.
I don't have experience with any other Mail Servers be they Windows or Linux.

I haven't ordered any VPS yet due to spoilt for choice whether to install Windows OS then WAMPP/XAMPP and then Argosoft Mail Server to get the PHP mailing resource up and running or install LAMPP & Webmin.

It comes to this. If the PHP on my VPS is able to get phpmail() send out emails without any problem then installing a Mail Server (SMTP) on my VPS is not needed. In that case, I will go for LAMPP & Webmin option.
Else, I will have to write PHP code for my PHP script to use SMTP Server and I don't know how to install one on Linux. Hence, will need to install "ArgoSoft Mail Server" on Windows OS.
So what is your advice ?
Should I install LAMPP & Webmin first and test the VPS's PHP to see if it has configurations in place or not to send-out emails using phpmail() ?And, If it does then stick to LAMPP & Webmin.
Else, I uninstall Linux and install Win OS. Yes ? But which Win OS options should I pick ? I have never used any Windows Webserver before. Don't have experience.
For cgi, I need PHP. Not Asp.
Don't want IIS Webserver but Apache. Apache is installable on both Linux (LAMPP) and Windows (WAMPP/XAMPP)
And another reason why I haven't ordered from any host yet is because I don't know what type of VPS to go for. Xen, KVM or openVZ.

I read articles and others tell me that OpenVZ is oversold and is slow. I should opt for Xen.
Tonight I read on lowendbox.com that, Xen is good for Linux and KVM is good for Windows.
Can someone confirm this.

Now you know my problem and my requirement. So how can your advice help me get up and running on my website asap (as soon as possible) ?

Remember, I won't be using my pc or laptop to build my website but my Android OS smart fone.
Hence, VPS Control Panel must be accessible via internet by fone. Ok ?

So you've considered that a virtual private server is the best to go for your professional. Good! Control, confidentiality, dedicated resources, extremely awesome hardware.

Now that you've acquired that first step out of the way, it's time to make your next VPS hosting choice - what kind of operating system must go for?

You have two OS choices: one or the other Linux or Windows. They are alike in a lot of ways and cover the same simple functions, such as permitting you to store your professional information, track requests and scale up your possessions as necessary - in a outer layer what a VPS is all about.

Eventually, the selection will be determined by your individual requirements and inclinations. Windows deals Microsoft SQL, Access Support and additional abundant values but will have to pay extra for it. The Express Version will only have limited features. If low-priced is your main concern, then Linux would be the correct select for you subsequently you will get the features and power deprived of having to pay too much for it. You will have to spend some time listing out the essential features that you would want for your site before you choice any particular selection. With virtual private servers you would anyhow get price savings and great features. With little research, you would be able to choice the precise type of VPS operating system for your requirements.

Linux is much better and easy to use. You can buy the VPS hosting server from TheStack. Right now they are providing New Year OFFER as well for VPS Server Hosting. Use this coupon code to avail the discount: NEWYEAROFFER25. Website: thestack.net

Folks,

Thank you both for your replies.

Check contaboDOTCOM.
I like their packs. Had my eyes on the 3rd, 4th & 5th row packs starting from the left. Unfortunately, their architecture is KVM. Need XEN.
KVM will be too slow for my requirements so say many people. Articles hint KVM slow and insecure and a new unstable boy in town compared to old, stable XEN. Hence, looking elsewhere.
I need to run a Web Proxy and a Searchengine with a Web Crawler. Apart from the Web Proxy, I will build the rest with my beginner level PHP skills.

Been searching for a host for half a week now. Tired. Exhausted Google. Now trying Bing.
Only found 25% on google. Rest I found on Bing using same keywords. Bing better!
Probably emailed a hundred hosts now with my enquiry. Only about 10 got back to me.
Most hosts are based on KVM. A lot on OpenVZ.
Hardly any on XEN!

I need:
* XEN VPS
* Linux OS like CentOs 7
* Unlimited Bandwidth
* LAMPP
* Free Control Panel like WebMin
* Remote Access to Port 3306
* Price not over $10/mnth.

On contabo.com, I can get all that for $5. But they don't have XEN VPS. Only KVM.

Can anyone suggest me a stable host with a good customer support and a good reputation ?