Looking to buy a new computer and confused about whether it has Windows or Linux? Below you will see a comparison between the two operating systems Linux and Windows. The Linux or Windows question is an old controversy that has been around for years. It is important to mention that the “best operating system” cannot have a single answer, as “best” depends really by the requirements of the user.
Below we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of both systems, hoping to make a fair review with specific criteria.
Both Linux and Windows can be considered among the top operating systems since both have established their place in the world of computers. Below we will look at some features of the two operating systems to make a comparison that will help you choose an operating system for your needs.
Here are some key differences between the two systems:
1. Licensing
Linux OS, most utilities and libraries are completely free, open source for use and modification. Although paid distributions are available with additional support in the market, their prices are not so high. Linux, under the GNU General Public License, allows users to modify, reuse, or even sell their own modified versions.
The Microsoft Windows operating system comes with a Microsoft license, which does not give users access to the source code. So no modification can be done at standard user level. THE license Microsoft's software costs between $70 and $200 for standard versions of Windows and can only be installed on the "n" number of computers specified by the license.
2. Ease of use
This is a difficult comparison, as the results may vary from person to person. However, Linux has upgraded its usability over the years. With the release of distributions such as: MX Linux, Linux Mind, or Ubuntu the installation process has become much simpler. Through constant updates, people with little or no technical knowledge can easily install software and easily run simple activities such as email, play music and videos, and browse the Internet.
Due to the dominance of the Windows market, which often comes pre-installed on new devices, people have become accustomed to the Microsoft operating system, and believe that Linux is used by hackers.
In fact, a lot has changed. Linux and especially the distributions mentioned above have become easy to use and in fact much easier to use than Windows.
3. Support
Linux has a huge user base around the world, so there is a huge amount of web support available. The Linux OS community provides support to users through forums, support sites, wikis and faqs.
The Windows operating system has integrated web help systems, dedicated websites and forums. In addition, many videos and books for Windows for people of all skill levels are available online.
4. Variety
Linux is open source and can be easily modified. So there are many distributions available that are highly customizable (without knowing the code), based on the needs of each user. If you know code, you can change it yourself and modify your operating system completely.
In the Windows operating system, customization is not easy and minimal customizations are available.
5. Speed
When it comes to speed, Linux reigns supreme. Unlike Windows, Linux minimizes “bogging” when using multiple processes. The system files Ext4 στο Linux κάνει εξαιρετική δουλειά στο να διατηρεί τα αρχεία και την συσκευή σας γρήγορη και αποτελεσματική. Η ανασυγκρότηση δεν χρειάζεται στο Linux. Τα Windows μπορεί να το επιβραδύνουν απαράδεκτα και σε ενοχλητικά επίπεδα. Το hogging μνήμης και δίσκου είναι συνηθισμένες δυσλειτουργίες όταν χρησιμοποιούνται πολλές διεργασίες.
6. Privacy
In recent years, Windows has become more and more annoying. Ads appear, and although Microsoft says users can turn them off, the company has decided to run ads. In addition, Windows knows what you're doing on your PC, syncing with OneDrive and analyzing behavior through Cortana. Not to mention telemetry.
Linux users, on the other hand, run an operating system that takes its users' privacy seriously. Linux devices may have state-of-the-art encryption built-in, which means users can be assured of better security and less intrusion from third-party applications.
Tip: Prefer distributions developed by developer communities rather than companies (see Canonical-Ubuntu, RedHat-Fedora)
7. Security
Linux is generally more safe from Windows. Although Linux attacks are still detected, due to open source technology, anyone can check for vulnerabilities, which makes the identification and resolution process faster and easier. Meanwhile, even though Windows is constantly taking steps to improve its security system, it is still the primary target for malicious users. Because it is the operating system installed on most systems, Microsoft will always be vulnerable to new threats.
8. Run level
The Run level can be defined as the state of init (the first process that starts at startup) and the entire system that determines which services work. Run levels are determined using numbers. So Linux can stop different RUN levels, while Windows must restart at run level 3 for the admin to manage the problem.
9. Use the command line
In Linux OS, the command line is a very convenient and powerful tool used for management and daily tasks. In Windows, the "cmd" command can be used to open a command prompt and run a basic set of functions. They also have PowerShell to cover the limited command line commands.
10. Reliability
Linux OS, since its initial release, has placed great emphasis on system security, process management and, in general, long hours of operation. Over the years, Linux has never changed its focus on the above. Therefore, it can be described as a very secure and reliable operating system.
On the contrary, although Microsoft is constantly adding improvements over the years, it cannot catch Linux. For reasons of user friendliness and ease of access, its system is often unstable, and weak in security. Windows Update has become a nightmare for some users of the operating system.
11. System updates
In Linux OS, the user has full control over when and what to install with the updates. In addition, since no reboot is required, the update process is much faster.
Windows, however, is known for its sudden updates that occur at times they should not. For novice users who do not know much about update settings, there is no choice but to let their computer download and install the updates whenever it wants. Of course then comes a restart.
12. Games
Windows wins in games. Steam, Epic and many other clients are available to Windows users giving them the opportunity to play small and large games. Linux is slowly trying to find its place in the gaming market, with the introduction of beta support in many games, it still has a long way to go. If you have a Linux operating system, you will not have a large number of games. In addition, graphics card manufacturers are focusing their support on Windows due to increased demand.
Linux vs Windows: Key points to remember
- Linux is an open source operating system, while Windows is one commercial operating system
- Linux users can access the source code of their operating system and make changes as they wish, while Windows users can not (not easily at least)
- Linux runs faster than Windows, while Windows tends to slow down more over time
- Windows collects data to improve the consumer experience, while Linux does not
- In terms of reliability, Linux is much more reliable than Windows
- In games, Windows has the advantage, as most developers create games only for Windows
- Linux is a very secure system and bugs or vulnerabilities can be easily fixed due to the open source platform, which is not the case with Windows
Conclusion
Well, this article is an overview of the difference between Linux and Windows operating systems. If you want to change your operating system from Linux to Windows or vice versa, we hope that the above will provide you with valuable information about the pros and cons of both systems.
