Linux vs. Windows

by Vikas Yadav marketing

Linux vs. Windows

When it comes to selecting the best operating system, there is a never-ending battle that begins between Linux and Windows. Both the operating systems are good on different parameters, and it’s quite hard to differentiate between them on certain points. Before jumping into the differentiation points where they both give each other a hard time, let’s understand a little about both the operating systems.

What is Windows?

Windows is a licensed operating system whose source code is inaccessible. Mainly designed for business owners and users with no programming language, this operating system is straightforward and easy to use. It comes with features such as multiple operating environments, virtual memory, client-server computing, etc. Windows comes with portability and extensibility features that help users a lot.

What is Linux?

Linux is known to be a free and open-source operating system that is based on UNIX standards. It offers the user a programming interface as well as a user interface, along with many separate developed elements that are free from proprietary code. It comes with the feature of being loaded and unloaded at run time.

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What is the difference between Linux and Windows?

When it comes to differentiating between the two operating systems, you can’t use a single base point. Instead, you need to find differences between the two based on several parameters. Let’s explore some using the most common heads.

Types of users: when it comes to finding the types of users, the Linux operating system has three types of users, namely: regular, administrative, and service. On the other hand, Windows has four types of users, namely: administrator, standard, child, and guest.

Usage made by users: If you compare the usage made by users, you will find that around 92% of the world’s PCs use Windows as their default operating system. Many users comment that Linux is limited to server applications like activities. However, with time, many PC vendors have started selling Linux as their pre-installed operating system; but still, Windows is the most preferred one among the two.

Type of Kernel used: Linux works to consume more running space by using the Monolithic Kernel. Compared to this, Windows uses a micro-kernel that consumes less running space, but it also tends to lower the system’s running efficiency compared to Linux.

Storage of files: In Windows, files are stored in directories or folders on different drives, namely, C, D, E, etc., whereas Linux follows a tree-type structure that begins with the root directory, which is followed by its branch directories and so on.

Security issues: When it comes to security issues, however, Linux takes the lead. Its security system is less vulnerable as its stability comes from its multi-user architecture. While Windows faces maximum security and stability issues as it is designed for a single user,

Compatibility: In terms of compatibility, Windows is compatible with almost any software because of its plain and simple legacy support, while Linux is still struggling with the basics to compete with Windows.

Simple and easy to use: Windows is a simple and easy to use operating system. When you buy a laptop or PC, it already has Windows installed on it and the user can start working on it without any particular tutorial, whereas Linux has had to undergo several updates like Linux Mint and Ubuntu that have made Linux easy to install for non-technical users.

Privacy: When you work on Linux, you are working alone. It is the operating system that does not spy on you. It’s just you and your system. However, the same thing doesn’t go well with Windows. When you work on Windows, you are given the choice to sync or not sync your system. This choice follows certain other terms and conditions. In terms of privacy, Linux was ruled out.

Reliability: In terms of reliability, Linux does well. When you work with Linux, you do not need to worry about re-installing the system in case of a crash or slow work. Linux will help your system run faster and smoother. On the other hand, Windows doesn’t promise such a thing. If your system crashes or runs slowly, all you have to do is restart Windows.

Which to select? Linux or Windows

Before you choose between the two, you need to figure out the purpose you want to fulfill. Here are a few segments that describe your purpose well.

If needed for multimedia: For multimedia applications, both Linux and Windows work well. But there’s a minor difference. On Linux, almost all multimedia applications come at no cost, whereas on Windows or OS, you need to pay a hefty price.

If open source is required: Without a doubt, this favors the use of Linux because it is open source and allows you to avoid all of the updates and reboot options that come with working with Windows.

For programming usage, Linux supports all sorts of programming languages and it is the best operating system that is largely used for programming purposes.

Which one to select from the duo is a tough choice? Each had its own features, benefits, and drawbacks too. It all depends upon what you are trying to achieve with the operating system and how it fulfils your work purpose. Thus, select accordingly.