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Linux Vs. Windows

Introduction

Operating systems is the backbone of computing. Linux and windows are the main operating systems being used widely today (Comino & Manenti, 2005). Choosing between the two operating systems can be a daunting task since these operating systems both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Despite the disadvantages, Linux emerges to be the better of the two operating systems in terms of price, virus attack, software cost and reliability (Comino & Manenti, 2005). Linux also comes in many flavors like Ubuntu, Red Hat, SuSe, Lycoris, Knoppix and Linux Mint (Petreley, 2004). Linux is a very customizable while windows which is very popular, easy to use and comes with a number of flavors like Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 line (Petreley, 2004) Both Linux have both Server and Desktop systems but Linux is the best to use for a File Server as it is not attacked by viruses and is very stable (Comino & Manenti, 2005).

Linux vs. Windows

According to Mearian Lucas 2002, “Linux is customizable in a way that windows is not. The concept of the user interface is the same, but varies from one flavor to another”. For example, “the task bar may default to being on top or the bottom” (Mearian Lucas 2002).

Windows is compatible with many hardware and software programs since it is used by many people. Since most programs are very compatible with windows viral attacks are very prone in windows systems hence it reliability is compromised (Comino & Manenti, 2005).

Mustonen (2003)notes that, “ many of the software programs, utilities and games available on Linux are free ware or open source”. This lowers the cost of software as majority of windows software programs are very expensive line (Mustonen, 2003). Many user around the world use windows but windows suffers to the indignity of the Microsoft Product Activation Service and you might be asked to provide a Microsoft key incase you upgrade one or two major components of windows (Mustonen, 2003). Linux still has its problems in terms of case of use and hardware compatibility but it is still the better option (Petreley, 2004).

Petreley (2004) state that, “one can change the desktop to your own way incase you do not like defaults” . New versions of windows like Windows 7 have come with a better user interface and better appearances in the Aero Theme and are more stable than its preceding versions line (Petreley, 2004). However, many software’s and hardwares are incompatible with this version whereas new Linux versions (distributions) offer support for softwares and hardware drivers via their online support center which can be installed and updated via command line (Petreley, 2004)

In conclusion, Linux is good and stable and can be used for several months without needing to reinstall unlike windows, which crushes now and then making it the better option than windows (Petreley, 2004)

REFERENCES

Comino S. and F. Manenti, Government policies supporting open source software for the massmarket. Review of Industrial Organization, 26(2), 217. 2005

Mearian, Lucas. “Wall St. Leans Toward Linux.” Computer World : 1‐2. 2002

Mustonen, M. Copyleft – the economics of Linux and other open source software. InformationEconomics and Policy 15(1): 99-121 2003

Petreley, Nicholas. “Security Report: Windows vs Linux.” The Register : 1‐24. 2004