Difference between "net start servicename" and "sc start servicename"

NET *is not* just for service related functions.
SC *is* just for service related functions.

Therefore - you get more options for dealingwith services with the latter
command than the former. Neither works any bettrfor stopping/starting
services - if that is what you are asking.


NET /?
NET [ ACCOUNTS | COMPUTER | CONFIG | CONTINUE |FILE | GROUP | HELP |
HELPMSG | LOCALGROUP | NAME | PAUSE | PRINT |SEND | SESSION |
SHARE | START | STATISTICS | STOP | TIME | USE |USER | VIEW ]

NET START /?
The syntax of this command is:
NET START
[service]


SC
DESCRIPTION:
SC is a command line program used forcommunicating with the
NT Service Controller and services.
USAGE:
sc <server> [command] [service name]<option1> <option2>...

The option <server> has the form "\\ServerName"
Further help on commands can be obtained bytyping: "sc [command]"
Commands:
query-----------Queries the status for aservice, or
enumerates the status for types of services.
queryex---------Queries the extended status fora service, or
enumerates the status for types of services.
start-----------Starts a service.
pause-----------Sends a PAUSE control request toa service.
interrogate-----Sends an INTERROGATE controlrequest to a service.
continue--------Sends a CONTINUE control requestto a service.
stop------------Sends a STOP request to aservice.
config----------Changes the configuration of aservice
(persistant).
description-----Changes the description of aservice.
failure---------Changes the actions taken by aservice upon
failure.
qc--------------Queries the configurationinformation for a
service.
qdescription----Queries the description for aservice.
qfailure--------Queries the actions taken by aservice upon
failure.
delete----------Deletes a service (from theregistry).
create----------Creates a service. (adds it tothe registry).
control---------Sends a control to a service.
sdshow----------Displays a service's securitydescriptor.
sdset-----------Sets a service's securitydescriptor.
GetDisplayName--Gets the DisplayName for aservice.
GetKeyName------Gets the ServiceKeyName for aservice.
EnumDepend------Enumerates Service Dependencies.

The following commands don't require a servicename:
sc <server> <command> <option>
boot------------(ok | bad) Indicates whether thelast boot should
be saved as the last-known-good bootconfiguration
Lock------------Locks the Service Database
QueryLock-------Queries the LockStatus for the SCManagerDatabase
EXAMPLE:
sc start MyService

Would you like to see help for the QUERY andQUERYEX commands? [ y | n ]: y

QUERY and QUERYEX OPTIONS :
If the query command is followed by a servicename, the status
for that service is returned. Further options donot apply in
this case. If the query command is followed bynothing or one of
the options listed below, the services areenumerated.
type= Type of services to enumerate (driver,service, all)
(default = service)
state= State of services to enumerate (inactive,all)
(default = active)
bufsize= The size (in bytes) of the enumerationbuffer
(default = 4096)
ri= The resume index number at which to beginthe enumeration
(default = 0)
group= Service group to enumerate
(default = all groups)
SYNTAX EXAMPLES
sc query - Enumerates status for active services& drivers
sc query messenger - Displays status for themessenger service
sc queryex messenger - Displays extended statusfor the messenger service
sc query type= driver - Enumerates only activedrivers
sc query type= service - Enumerates only Win32services
sc query state= all - Enumerates all services& drivers
sc query bufsize= 50 - Enumerates with a 50 bytebuffer.
sc query ri= 14 - Enumerates with resume index =14
sc queryex group= "" - Enumeratesactive services not in a group
sc query type= service type= interact -Enumerates all interactive services
sc query type= driver group= NDIS - Enumeratesall NDIS drivers

 

For more details about SC functions, you can refer to

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc990289(v=ws.10).aspx