Windows vs Linux

Windows vs Linux

On November 20^th, 1985 Microsoft has presented “Windows” as the first graphical interface attached to MS-DOS. Linux kernel appeared to the public at 1991, as a collection of C-files made by a Finnish student named Linus Torvalds. Both operating systems have been improved much since their birth date. Who is the winner is a question to answer in this short article by presenting the most obvious pros and cons of both systems.

Code

The code of Linux is open source and it is possible for people to modify it. On the other hand, the code of Windows is available only to a closed group of programmers which are hired by Microsoft to develop it.

Cost

The cost of Linux is zero since it is intended to be free. Windows is a paid operating system which costs several dollars to buy.

Minimum hardware

The minimum requirements for a Linux PC are 700 Mhz processor with 384MB RAM while for a Windows PC 1000 Mhz processor with 1GB of RAM. So it is possible to convert an old computer to a useful linux machine.

File structure

All files in Linux are linked to the same “file tree” and the classic Windows file structure is simply not there. So you cannot find “My Documents” or “Program files” or the drives C: or D: in linux.

Registry

Windows have a registry where all settings of the computer are organized and saved there while Linux applications store their settings in a program by program basis.

Application source

A windows application is usually downloaded from a website and it is then installed on the PC. In linux there is a feature called “Package manager” from which you can search and download any application you need.

Command line

The command line is an important tool in Linux since it is possible to arrange many things: install, remove packages, navigate through files, list files etc. 

Drivers

When you buy a device or computer component is accompanied with a driver CD which is proper for Windows operating system. Even if there is not a driver CD, it will be possible for Windows to search online and find the proper driver. The lack of Linux drivers is an old story but it has the tendency to improve and provide compatibility in a big variety of devices nowadays.

Security

Both operating systems present vulnerabilities which can be exploited by malicious coders. Windows is the number one target since it maintains the biggest user community. So it is a matter of numbers that attackers will mainly focus on developing Windows viruses.

Reliability

Linux servers can run for months without even a single reboot and this fact makes Linux a proper operating system for servers. Windows cannot reach this level of reliability yet.

Support

Linux support is offered through forums, tutorials, manuals etc. and it is free. Windows offers a frequent update process: patches, service packs etc. directly from Microsoft.

User-friendly OS

Windows is a more user-friendly operating system and it is easier to operate than Linux. Linux can also become easy to access for the average user but it demands a minimum training.

Gaming

Windows is the winning platform for gaming since the majority of games are developed for Windows.

At the end, windows can be suggested to users who are intended to use mainstream commercial programs or games developed exclusively for windows. Linux is an operating system for people who want to make an average use of a computer with free office suite, free video and music players etc. It can also be a proper system for server platforms for advanced users.