Everyone wants the best operating system for their PC, and the battle between Linux and
windows is ancient. In the mind of many people, confusion is to choose which
one is the best, Linux or windows. However, you have to select the operating system
according to your requirements.
We are here with the complete guide to help you figure out
the difference between Linux and windows. This article will also help you choose your
operating system according to your requirements. Before moving further to their
comparisons, a brief discussion of both the operating system is mentioned below.
Linux operating system
The Linux operating system was developed in the early 1990s by Linus Torvalds. It is an
open-source operating system based on UNIX, hence allows you to customize the existing
code and built various versions of it to re-use and sell it again. Linux is at the top of the
priority list for setting up servers. Hence most of the web pages are served via a system
backed of its version.
Windows operating system
Windows operating system was developed first in 1985 by Microsoft company. It has a massive number of users worldwide at present. It has come several updates, always with some unique interface over the years. The Windows operating system is designed to
work on x86 hardware, AMD, and intel. The latest version of Windows that is currently
available in the market is windows 10, and it was released in 2015 July.
Based on certain features and areas, we will compare both the operating system to guide you
to select the operating system according to your requirement.
1. License and price
the Linux operating system is generally a free and open-source operating software that you
can use without paying for it. However, in the paid version, you will get additional
support from the developers. Under general public license, Linux offers its users to
customize, re-use, and even sell its newly built version.
Windows operating system has the Microsoft license, and it restricts its users from accessing the
source code. So you are unable to modify it at the standard level. The license of Microsoft
ranges from 70$ to 200$. You can install it on a specific number of computers per your
purchase.
2. Speed
When we compare both the operating system based on their speed, Linux wins. Linux
minimizes the bogging while using multiple processes. Linux has the file system Ext4, which
maintains the efficiency of the device. Now defragmentation doesn’t exist in Linux.
When we talk about the windows, it slowdowns to an intolerable
level, even in minimal use. Memory and disk hogging while using multiple processes are very common in
windows.
3. Comfort of use
The ease of use of both the operating system varies depending upon the users. however,
Linux operating system has improved continuously over the years and is always coming
back with some new features and interfaces. The Linux operating system setup process
is quite simple, and it has become more east with the development of the Linux mind. The
installation process of Linux doesn’t require excellent technical knowledge. You can install it
yourself and perform the activities like playing music and videos, email, etc.
In the present era, windows dominate the market due to their vast popularity and many users. This operating system is pre-installed on most devices, and if you are
getting a new one, there is a high probability that windows are already on your device. You
will have to follow some simple criteria to install windows on your device.
4. Privacy
Nowadays, Microsoft has started to focus on the advertisement, but there is no decrease in its
users, and everyone prefers windows for their PC. Windows know everything that you do
on your PC. It is possible due to the sync with one drive and Cortana analysis.
However, the Linux committee considers the privacy of its users. Linux comes with built-in
state of the art encryption. So it offers its user better security from a third-party tool.
5. Variety
Linux is open-source operating software, allowing you to modify its large distribution according to the requirement. Besides this, you can also alter the code of this
operating system.
Windows don’t allow everyone to customize it. However, it is possible for only a few users
as it is available for them only.
6. Support
Linux also has its users around the globe. So it provides you the online support. To support
their users, Linux provides a support website. Besides, it also helps its users through
forums and question boards.
Windows operating system provides you the help support through an online help system, so it
has its dedicated websites and forums. Besides this, you can also get support through a large
number of videos and boos available in the market about the windows.
7. Command line usage
In the windows operating system, we use cmd to open the command line and perform various
activities. But in Linux, a convenient and powerful tool is used for administrations to complete
the task.
8. Run level
A run level is the first process started during booting. These levels are generally identified
using numbers. In Linux, you may stop at different levels. However, windows reboot at run
level 3 for an administrator. And quickly, it can resolve the issue.
9. Security
Insecurity, we consider the Linux operating system more secure than a Windows
operating system. As Linux is an open-source OS, users can quickly review the vulnerabilities
and fix the issue fastly.
Windows is also in the way to improve its security feature over the years, but still, it is the
the first target of hackers is its huge user base around the globe.
10. Gaming
In gaming, no one can mess with the windows. Windows are the clear winner of the race with
a considerable margin. The Linux operating system is entirely away from the gaming market.
11. System updates
Windows come with some annoying updates pop up, which may appear any time on your
screen, which is quite miserable. The users with less knowledge about update settings
have no other option but to wait until the update process is over.
In Linux, you will have complete control over the update. And it doesn’t require a reboot like
windows to complete the update process.
12. Reliability
Linux committee has the complete focus on its system security, process management, and
over the years, it has been improving continuously. So Linux is a well secured and reliable
operating system.
Microsoft, too has improved its reliability factor over the years. Windows restricts the many
features to be a user-friendly OS, which may lead to security vulnerabilities and system
instability. So windows are less reliable in comparison to windows.
Conclusion
In this article, we have mentioned almost all the pros and cons of both the operating system
and tried to figure out the best operating system for you depending on your requirements.
Hope, our efforts are successful in enhancing the knowledge about both the operating system
which will help you distinguish between them based on various points discussed above. Go
for the best one.