Right now my site is running off a windows server. I would really like to implement some PHP scripts into my site, but for that I need a linux server. My domain hosting service does offers linux servers for about $1 more a month but I worried that if I switch it screw up all the search engine traffic I'm getting. I will still have the same domain by my sites IP is likely going to change. What do you guys think?
Changing server types wont affect rankings. >>would really like to implement some PHP scripts into my site, but for that I need a linux server. You can run PHP scripts on a windows server . Contact your provider for this option.
Why would switching your server type increase or decrease your PageRank? Don't sound logical to me at all.
server type is not a criteria for your serp and page rank. i think it's a criteria for your visitors . it only effects your site speed
Switching the server type won't affect your website PR or SE rankings at all. If the server location is changed then there will be effect on your search results and browsing speed. For ex : If your website is hosted on US server and now its moved to UK server then in this case search engines categorize your website as a UK website and you get better ranking in UK and the UK people will get better browsing speed.
If they are using a different DNS for there windows hosting, then yes you will lose some traffic for about a day until the DNS resolves and points to the linux server. However if they use the same DNS servers for both there windows and linux package then you have nothing to worry about. Changing hosting plans like that will not have any effect on your SERP's unless by some stroke of bad luck the bots hit your website the day you change DNS servers and they don't see your website.
I have changed from Windows to Linux, and also moved from one hosting company to another. There have been no noticeable effects, so I think you'll be ok. Good luck!