Windows vs. Linux
March 3rd, 2014 by Rossy GuideGeneral introduction
Windows and Linux have very similar Graphical User Interfaces (GUI’s) they are in fact, very different systems.
Windows source code is a very closely guarded secret, and any ‘hacking’ into the software itself is considered an offence and breach of copyright. Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world; it is used by most business, academic institutions and homes. It is considered to be a very user friendly system and there are many different versions out there to fulfill the needs of every user, for any use.
Linux is very different, most versions of the Linux operating system are available freely throughout the Linux website and Linux itself it not actually a profit making organization; the use of the logo, software and all other related software is available for all to use however they wish to use it. However, despite this piece of sophisticated software being free, it is by no means the most widely used in the world.
Advantages and disadvantages of Windows
Below is a chart to help illustrate the major advantages and disadvantages of Windows operating system.
|
Topic |
Windows |
|
Price |
Microsoft Windows can run between $50.00 – $150.00 US dollars per each license copy. |
|
Reliability |
Microsoft Windows has made great improvements in reliability over the last few versions of Windows; it still cannot match the reliability of Linux. |
|
Software |
The large amount of Microsoft Windows users, there is a much larger selection of available software programs, utilities, and games for Windows. |
|
Hardware |
The amount of Microsoft Windows users and the broader driver support, Windows has a much larger support for hardware devices and almost all hardware manufacturers will support their products in Microsoft Windows. |
|
Security |
Microsoft has made great improvements over the years with security on their operating system; their operating system continues to be the most vulnerable to viruses and other attacks. |
|
Support |
Microsoft Windows includes its own help section, has vast amount of available online documentation and help, as well as books on each of the versions of Windows. |
Advantages and disadvantages of Linux
Below is a chart to help illustrate the major advantages and disadvantages of Linux operating system.
|
Topic |
Linux |
|
Price |
The majority of Linux variants are available for free or at a much lower price than Microsoft Windows. |
|
Reliability |
The majority of Linux variants and versions are notoriously reliable and can often run for months and years without needing to be rebooted. |
|
Software |
Linux has a large variety of available software programs, utilities, and games. However, Windows has a much larger selection of available software. |
|
Hardware |
Although hardware manufacturers have made great advancements in supporting Linux it still will not support most hardware devices. However, for the hardware devices that have driver support they will usually work in all versions of Linux. |
|
Security |
Linux is and has always been a very secure operating system. Although it still can be attacked when compared to Windows, it much more secure. |
|
Support |
Although it may be more difficult to find users familiar with all Linux variants, there are vast amounts of available online documentation and help, available books, and support available for Linux. |