Introduction
An operating system is a very important component of a computer. The operating system has three purposes. The first purpose is to control the computer hardware. The second one is the management of the multitasking ability of a computer while the third one is to service computer programs. There are very many types of computer operating systems, the most famous one being windows. Windows is facing stiff competition from another operating system called Linux. What are the differences between windows and Linux?
Makers of the Operating systems
To start with, all the types of windows are made by Microsoft while different varieties of Linux are made by different companies like Slack ware and Mandrake among others. The other difference is that windows is a closed source operating system while Linux is open. This means that it is easy to make adjustments and modifications on Linux which can make the computer perform better. Linux can be customized in different ways that enable functionalities like sharing of files and networking. Windows cannot be customized in any way which means that it is not user friendly.
Booting
When it comes to booting, windows can only boot from one place which is the partition. This is in contrast to the more flexible Linux that can boot from a logical partition and an extension. The flexibility of Linux is evident in its ability to store data in home directory unlike windows that stores data anywhere in the system. This makes migration from one computer to the other using windows very difficult. Migration in Linux is very easy because all the files are together. Linux is so flexible that it is possible to upgrade one version to another. This migration does not affect data and settings.
Flexibility
The other difference between windows and Linux is that Linux is more secure than windows because the former is not attacked by virus. The open source nature of Linux is the one that keeps it safe because this nature enables fast fixing of viral holes. Windows has higher chances of exploits and lower levels of security and that is why it is highly susceptible to viruses (Haag & Cummings2004).
Cost
Linux, being an open software is available free of charge while windows is very expensive. With Windows, chances of falling into legal trouble are high because it is easy to violate copyright. Accessing Linux is easier than accessing windows because the later uses secret codes and formats that are costly to unlock. Windows is usually founded on DOS while Linux is founded on UNIX which means that Windows GUI is restricted by the marketing standards of the maker. However, for Linux, its GUI is standardized and this implies that there are no marketing restrictions.
Security
Finally, when it comes to features of network, the two operating systems differ radically. Network features usually provide a platform for development for an operating system because they enhance data processing capabilities. Linux is more advanced in network features and can be used as a scientific work station unlike Windows which can only be used for the general, less complex business applications. However, Windows has a more polished appearance when compared with Linux. Its network components are also less intellectual meaning that many games for kids are likely to be windows based. Linux usually holds more intellectual capacities and it does not have much avenue for computer games. In conclusion, it is important to note that between Windows and Linux, Linux is the most user friendly operating system and it is also more advanced, more flexible and more secure than windows
References
Haag, S, & Cummings, M (2004).Management Information Systems. NY: McGraw-Hill