There has always been a debate between individuals as to which one among Windows and Linux is a better operating system. While one set of users claims that by using Linux you can save your money, many other users say that Windows is a better operating system in terms of usability and flexibility of running a wide variety of software.
This article is all about Linux vs Windows, and it highlights all the key differences between Linux and Windows to help you choose the best operating system for you.
What is Linux?
Linux is among the most popular operating systems used today. In reality, Linux is a family of operating systems based on the Linux kernel, which was created in 1991.
Over the years, Linux has gone through several changes and modifications to become one of the best operating systems, especially for servers and supercomputers. Linux uses the Linux kernel, which is basically the heart of the Linux operating system; it is the central component that provides services to all the other programs on the computer. The kernel runs various background tasks and helps to manage computer hardware and processes required to ensure the proper functioning of the operating system.
What is Windows?
Microsoft Windows is a proprietary operating system and graphical user interface. It has been the predominant operating system for computers since the early 1990s. The first version of Windows was released back in 1985, and since then, several updated versions of Windows have been released. At present, the latest version of Windows is Windows 11, which Microsoft released in 2021.
Windows Vs. Linux: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Here are some key differences between Windows and Linux:
| Windows | Linux |
| Windows is a licensed product and you need to purchase it. | Linux is free of cost. |
| Windows is less secure than Linux.
| Linux employs better security measures. |
| Windows file name is case-insensitive. | Linux file name is case-sensitive. |
| It uses a Microkernel. | It uses a Monolithic kernel. |
Linux vs Windows: Security
Security is a vital aspect of any operating system. When comparing in terms of overall security, Windows is not as secure as Linux.
Linux is an open-source operating system that has had more than its share of security vulnerabilities. However, it manages to get them fixed on time due to its strong developer community that can view the source code of Linux and contributes towards its betterment.
On the other hand, Windows is a proprietary platform and does not have a user community that can contribute to its source code. Microsoft does not release the source code of any version of Windows. Therefore, no one has access to view or modify it.
Linux vs Windows: Performance
There are a lot of advantages of Linux over Windows. The main one is that Linux works much faster than Windows. The secret behind this speed is the way computers use their processing power. In Windows, all the processing power is focused on one program instead of spreading it out among different programs.
Linux can run hundreds of programs simultaneously instead of a few large programs. These individual programs can open and close faster than one large program would.
Linux vs Windows: Ease of Use
People who use Windows would recommend using Windows since they feel that using Windows is easier than using Linux. But there are many individuals who believe that Linux is much easier to use than Windows. So, which OS is actually easier to use: Linux or Windows? Well, it might actually depend on your needs and familiarity with each operating system.
Linux is an open-source, advanced computer operating system. It is built on the Linux Kernel, which is known for its impeccable speed and reliable performance. You can use it right out of the box without paying much attention to the technicalities of administration. But sometimes, even a technically savvy person may find it difficult to administer Linux because of its over-complicated nature.
If you want an easy-to-use operating system that can meet your personal and professional needs, Windows OS would be a great choice. It saves you from facing a lot of technical errors and helps you use your computer in the most efficient way possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both operating systems are great in their own ways. If you want to pick one that is ideal for you, it’s important to consider your needs. Also, you should be aware of the key differences between Linux and Windows to make an informed decision.
The debate between Linux vs Windows has no clear winner. The advantage of Linux has always been stability, security, and customization. On the other hand, Windows OS is well-known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. So, picking one among them entirely depends on your personal preferences.
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