Linux VPS will run cheaper. As others have said it overall depends on what you are going to use it for. Windows has a good bit of hurdels most of the time I find. If you can do what you need on a Linux VPS you will be better off in many ways.
Some of these DDoS attacks are massive like the one that hit namecheap. The problem is beyond choosing the right company. GoDaddy was hit last year too. Initial estimates show the attack size was over 100Gbps, These attacks are getting bigger and bigger so don't hold a grudge against Namecheap.
Very interesting to note this: "Our investigation found that the attack was made through insecure passwords." Pretty basic practice to keep passwords secure. There are many ways to gain access but I believe the first potential open door for an attack or infiltartion starts right there.
While Western Digital has the best reputation across the web hositng industry in particular, Seagate drives again and again continue to be ranked as some of the worst drives on the market.