Windows has been my all time favourite operating system for years. No doubt Windows is the most popular operating system available. For all those who want to use their computer systems for basic jobs simply go for Windows. But the developer and geeks who have customised requirements from their operating system try different other operating systems. Another operating system which is also quite popular is Linux. Linux is an open-source and free operating system. People love to work on Linux for many reasons.
If we talk about Linux vs Windows, then telling the best one in not that easy as it depends on the need of the user. ve Both Linux and Windows have a lot to offer to their users.
So, which operating system you should opt? Difference between Linux and Windows? Are you planning to make a switch between Linux and Windows? In the war, “Linux vs Windows“, here are a few things you need to know.
Difference between Linux and Windows You Need to Know
Let’s get to know that which operating system is better for you is by comparing Linux and Windows in terms of user interface, security, graphics, gaming and other features.
1. Accessibility of source code: Linux vs Windows
This is the first biggest difference between Windows and Linux. Linux provides full access to its source code to the users. Which means you can access the code and even make unlimited changes to it. Each Linux distributions has its not features and working and you can change any of it according to your need.
On the other hands, you can never get access to the source code of Windows. So, Windows doesn’t allow its users to look up into its source code. You only get the executable file of the Windows operating system.
Well, accessibility to source code has both good and bad points. First of all, if the source code of an operating system is all open to the people out there then those malicious developers or hackers can misuse it or take advantage of weak points of the source code. Also, it is good for those people who want to understand the software completely and want to modify it. Hence, it depends on you which Operating system you like on the basis of accessibility of source code. If you want to have full access to the source code then Linux is for you otherwise Windows is great.
Winner: Linux
2. File Structure: Linux vs Windows
Another crucial difference between Linux and Windows. The file structure of Linux is far different from that of the Windows. In Windows, you get separate drives like C drive, D drive, the desktop files, the document directory all are the separate ones. Files are displayed in a hierarchical tree structure. But in Linux it is like a single file tree where all the drive and directories are part of the single file. It doesn’t provide you MyDocument or program files, unlike Windows where all such things can be clearly seen and easily understandable. But in Linux, you will need to study all the file structure separately in order to understand it.
Winner: Windows
3. Licensing: Linux vs Windows
In Linux, there is free of license whereas in Windows it has many restrictions regarding the software’s license and its paid. Linux is a free open-source software which can be edited, modified both commercially and non-commercially under the terms of GNU General public and other respective licenses. You can install it on any number of machines for free.
Windows on the other hand is a paid operating system. If you buy 1 license then you can run Windows legally on only 1 machine. If you want to install Windows on five machines then you will have to buy five licenses of Windows operating systems. This is one of the reasons why developers prefer to work on Linux.
Winner: Linux
4. Registry: Linux vs Windows
If you are a Windows user then you must have heard about Registry and also might have used it for some purpose. Registry saves the low-level settings for Windows and for some applications too which choose to use registry. The regsitry saves a lot of crucial data. It is important in many respects.
But In the case of Linux, there is no such feature. Instead, it stores the setting on program-by-program. So, if you alter or change any program’s settings then it will not harm the other programs setting if something goes wrong.
So, Linux configuration is modular, unlike Windows.
Winner: Linux
5. Hardware support: Linux vs Windows
I Found the Windows hardware support better and best than that of the Linux. If you want to install Linux operating system on your system then make sure that every piece of hardware is compatible with Linux as it’s hardware support is not that good. This was the huge problem years ago. Though it has been improved now some still exist.
On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about the hardware you want to install Windows on your system as hardware support would not be a problem in this case. You will have to search for the correct driver. Otherwise, each hardware or device you attach to the Windows system, it is assured to make it give it’s 100%.
So, Hardware support of Windows is far better than the Linux which makes Windows winner of this section.
Winner: Windows
6. Ease of use: Linux vs Windows
Windows is the easiest operating system to work on. It’s interface, design, and functionality is really easy for its users. You don’t need to go deeper to understand the operating system. Just install it and start working on your system. So, it’s great for those who just want to do their work on the system. Windows is perfect fit for even those who know very little about technology and gadgets. Even my Grandma uses Windows for some basis tasks like playing a movie or song.
Whereas, it is quite difficult to understand Linux in order to work on it. You will have to learn how to do day-to-day function. If there occurs any technical issue then trouble shooting it can become really irritating. You might also find the user interface not so pleasing.
Winner: Windows
7. Package manager: Linux vs Windows
The best thing about Linux is its Package Manager which enables you to browse, download and install programs directly from it which is quite convenient as you don’t have to search over other browsers to get that particular program.
But for Windows, there is no such program and you need to search for the program you want to install in your system you have to go through several steps in order to install it. First of you need to visit the developer’s website, search for the programs, download it and then install the .exe file of the program on your Windows system.
Winner: Linux
8. Changes through versions: Linux vs Windows
Windows has retained the same basic interface through all its versions. Though in Windows Vista it made some little changes to its interface, but that was almost as same as the previous one. Also, in Windows 8 there came complete new tiled interface which was not liked by many. And now in Windows 10, it is restored to the same one but the transitions and effects are something new in it. That’s not much change to the look of its Interface.
But in the case of Linux, you can easily switch to the interface of the operating system without worrying about the re installations etc. as its interface is served from the core system. Also, there are some utilities such as GNOME and KDE etc. which makes it easier. Since, Linux is an open-source operating system it gets a lot of updates and rich features get constantly added to the operating system.
Winner: Linux
9. Driver Setting: Linux vs Windows
All the popular driver manufacturer companies focus more on the drivers for Windows than that of the Linux due to Windows widespread grasp on drivers. so, finding the best compatible driver for Windows is much easier. You can find and update almost every driver just by visiting the manufacturer’s website, browse the latest update of the driver and update it.
But you will get highly irritated to find the latest compatible drivers for your Linux system. Especially for the gaming, as gaming on Linux is not that good as in Windows.
Winner: Windows
10. Flexibility: Linux vs Windows
Linux is quite more flexible than Windows. As it lets you alter the appearance of it as per your wish. For example, if you want to change the appearance of Desktop of your Linux system then you can easily do that. You can convert it from simple to that mind-blowing 3D Compiz.
But in the case of Windows, you have to stuck with that old Microsoft desktop theme. The only thing which you can change it is wallpaper and nothing else.
So, Windows is rigid whereas the Linux is really flexible.
Winner: Linux
