Difference between Linux and Windows Operating System explained
Before I start to discuss the difference between Linux and Windows, we must know about the basic fundamentals of these popular operating systems.
These are the contents that I am going to discuss in this article about the difference between Linux and Windows.
- What is an Operating System?
- Difference between Linux and Windows OS
- Access
- File System
- Purpose of Use
- Security
- Reliability
- Cost Effectiveness
What is an Operating System?
Ans:
An Operating System is the most important system software that manages Hardware and Software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It allows other applications to run on a computing device.
Without an Operating system, all the other soft wares and applications will be useless.
Difference between Linux and Windows operating system:
1. Access
This is the main difference between Linux and Windows operating system. Where in Linux you have full access than in Windows where you have no access to the operating system. Linux is a non-propitiatory and open-source operating system. But on the other hand, Microsoft Windows is a proprietary operating system owned by Microsoft.
So there are companies like Redhat who made their own version of Linux distribution. But for windows, we have to use the same product which was provided by Windows itself only.
2. File System
Linux has a tree-structured file system where root ” / ” is the main directory, other sub-directories stay under root only.
In Windows, there are data drives like C, D, E, where files are stored.
3. Purpose of Use
Generally, when someone heard about windows operating system, they generally say it is more user-friendly. But in reality, it depends totally on the user whether it is easy to use or not. Because of the purpose of which the user tries to interact with the Operating system decides the user-friendliness.
Linux is basically used as Server and windows for the client. Although the vice versa also happened as both the Operating system has its own version of Server and Client distro. Generally,
Microsoft Windows generally have some pre-installed applications with GUI (Graphic User Interface) which provides user to execute their work with some few clicks, which is good if you consider client experience. But on the other hand, Linux comes with both GUI and CLI (Command Line Interface). SO if you want to use Linux Servers which are mostly CLI based, then you need to know those all important commands to go forward. Otherwise, You can not move forward, you will be stuck in the same place.
4. Security
Important things to know that if you are using a Linux Server, you need to know all the commands otherwise you can not go far, as all you get in that server is a blinking cursor as it has been installed in minimal mode. The reason behind it is, the more you install the application on your server the more you make it vulnerable to the world.
On the other hand, there is a lot of pre-installed software that comes with any Windows system along with its GUI, which certainly makes it less secure and vulnerable if you consider security.
5. Reliability
If you consider back-end servers, Linux is much reliable and fast than any other operating systems. It has a strong focus on the management of the back-end process, system security, uptime, etc.
Although in recent times you can say Windows has made great improvements in reliability and all the other departments, still it is less secure and less reliable than Linux as it has sacrificed a lot of the things while making it a bit user-friendly. Windows systems are mostly used for client usage.
6. Cost Effectiveness
Last but not the least, most of the Linux software is totally free for installation along with its kernel and GNU. You just need to pay for a subscription when you want help or support from distributions like Red Hat. But still, you have some distribution like Centos, Ubuntu that is the totally open source and demands no money.
But for Microsoft Products, you need to spend a good amount of everything you want to buy. Although pirated versions are available on the internet, it does not give you full access to that product. And you have no access to change windows kernel.
Note*
Its totally depends on the purpose of use. SO it’s up to you to tell me which is a better operating system.
Conclusion:
So, guys, I have tried my best to simplify things so that you can have a better understanding and user experience. Now it’s your turn to pay me back.
I am expecting your responses. If you like this content inspire me by just commenting or liking this article. Your responses will motivate me to do better and deliver better. Even if you do not like this article then also tell me by commenting below. I will try my best to improve my skill.
So thank you guys, Have a good day.
