Linux vs Windows: Difference and Comparison

Key Takeaways

1. Linux is an open-source operating system that has left an indelible mark on the computing world.
2. Windows, first introduced in 1985, has been a dominant force in personal computing.
3. Linux is known for its robust security features, and it’s less susceptible to malware and viruses due to its user and permission model. At the same time, Windows is a common target for malware and viruses, partly due to its popularity.

What are Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system that has left an indelible mark on the computing world. It was founded by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and embodies the principles of freedom, flexibility and customization.

One of the fundamental strengths of Linux is its open-source nature. Unlike proprietary operating systems like Windows, Linux’s source code is freely available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. This open philosophy has led to a vast and diverse ecosystem of Linux distributions, each tailored to specific needs.

It is known for its stability and security. Due to its open-source nature, the community quickly identifies and patches any vulnerabilities. In terms of software, Linux offers a wealth of open-source applications.

What is Windows?

Microsoft Windows was first introduced in 1985 and has been a dominant force in the world of personal computing. It is distinguished by its graphical user interface, making it accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to experts. The start menu, taskbar, and desktop icons have become iconic elements of the Windows experience,

The Windows ecosystem boasts vast software, much of which is unavailable on other platforms. Microsoft Office is a prime example used worldwide for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. The Windows store provides access to various applications, from productivity tools to multimedia software.

In the corporate world, windows have maintained a strong presence. Features like Active Directory, BitLocker, and Group Policy have made it a preferred choice for business environments.

Difference Between Linux and Windows

1. Linux is known for its robust security features and is less susceptible to malware and viruses due to its user and permission model. At the same time, Windows is a common target for malware and viruses, partly due to its popularity.
2. Linux is a popular choice for software development due to its robust command-line tools and a wide array of development libraries. At the same time, Windows provides tools like Visual Studio and is commonly used for software development, particularly for Windows-based applications.
3. Most Linux distributions are free and open-source, reducing software licensing costs, while Windows requires the purchase of licenses, which can be a significant cost factor, especially in enterprise settings.
4. Linux has a vast and active online community, providing extensive documentation, forums, and user support. In contrast, Windows has official support channels and extensive documentation from Microsoft, but it may not be as community-driven as Linux.
5. Linux is preferred for server environments due to its stability and reliability, while it is also famous for desktop and development use. Windows is widely used in desktop computing and for server applications, particularly in enterprise environments.

Comparison Between Linux and Windows

Parameters	Linux	Windows
Security	Known for robust security and is less susceptible to malware and viruses	A common target for malware  and viruses
Compatibility with software development	A popular choice for software development	Provide development tools like Visual Studio
Licensing	Free and open-source reducing licensing cost	Requires the purchase of a license
Support and documentation	Vast and online community providing extensive documentation	Official support channels that are not community-driven
Server VS Desktop	Preferred for server environments due to its stability and reliability	Widely used in desktop computing

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978044452769150010X