Updated May 8, 2023
Differences Between Linux vs Windows
Windows is a series of operating systems, computer operating system (OS) developed by Microsoft for personal desktops/devices or computers (PC). Each operating system has a graphical user interface (GUI) with a desktop that allows users to view all files, videos, etc. It runs on x86 hardware, such as AMD and Intel processors. So Windows OS comes with almost all companies that make PCs or laptops. Linux is an open-source operating system based on UNIX, created in 1991. It is software that sits underneath all other software on a computer. Users can modify the existing code and develop distributions from it as it is an open-source operating system. Linux is mainly used as a server – as most of the web pages over the internet are generated from Linux servers and
What is Windows Operating System?
The first version of Windows OS was released in 1985; a simple GUI, an extension of the existing disk operating system (MS-DOS), and a significant release. From my perspective, the 1995 consumer release integrated Windows and DOS with built-in internet support. Most of the PC is currently running on the Windows operating system only. The latest Windows OS version is Windows 10, which is presently ruling the market.
What is a Linux Operating System?
Linux is an open-source operating system based on UNIX, created in 1991. The Linux operating system also comes with a graphical user interface (GUI) with some necessary daily software. It is also used with Linux running on desktop computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles, digital storing devices, eBook readers, cameras, and video recorders.
Head to Head Comparison Between Linux vs Windows (Infographics)
Below is the Top 9 Comparison Between Linux vs Windows:
Critical Differences Between Linux vs Windows
Following are the Differences Between Linux and Windows:
- Linux is an open-source operating system, whereas Windows OS is commercial.
- Linux has access to source code and alters the code per user need, whereas Windows does not have access to source code.
- Linux will run faster than window’s latest editions, even with a modern desktop environment and operating system features, whereas Windows is slow on older hardware.
- Linux distributions don’t collect user data, whereas Windows contains all the user details, which leads to privacy concerns.
- Linux is more reliable than Windows, as in Linux; we can kill applications if they are hung through the x kill command, whereas, in Windows, we need to try multiple times to kill them.
- Linux supports a wide variety of free software than Windows, but Windows has an extensive collection of video game software.
- The cost of Linux software is almost as all programs, utilities, and complex applications such as open office are free. Still, windows also have many free programs and utilities, but most of the programs are commercial.
- Linux is highly secure because it’s easy to identify bugs and fix, whereas Windows has a large user base and becomes a target for developers of viruses and malware.
- Corporate organizations use Linux as servers and operating systems for security purposes at Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc., whereas gamers and business users mostly use Windows.
- Linux and Windows have the same priority over hardware and driver support in the present situation.
Linux vs Windows Comparison Table
Below is a detailed comparison of Linux and Windows.
| Basis for Comparison | Linux | Windows |
| Access | In Linux, the user can access the kernel’s source code and alters the code according to his need. It has advantages, like bugs in OS will fix quickly, and disadvantages, like developers may take advantage of any weakness in OS if they find it. | In Windows, every user won’t have access to the source code; only members of the selected group will have access to it. |
| Flavors or Variety | Linux has various distributions which are highly customizable based on user needs. | Windows has very few customization options available. |
| Licensing | In Linux with GPL- Licensed operating system, users can modify the software, reuse it in any number of systems, and even sell the revised version. | In Windows, with a Microsoft license, users won’t have access to source code (can’t modify the software), and based on the number of permits – we can install it only on those computers. |
| Command-line | In Linux, a command line is a handy tool for administration and daily tasks, but for end-users, it doesn’t make much difference. | We have a command line in Windows but can’t use a Linux command line. We need to run and enter cmd; the command line will open. |
| Run level | Linux has an inbuilt ability to stop at different run levels; with this, we can work using a command line and GUI if anyone has an issue. | In Windows, if we encounter any problem to fix it, we need to reboot at run level 3 as an administrator/ root to find and fix the problem. |
| Usability | Linux is complicated to install but can complete complex tasks easier. | Windows gives users a simple system to operate, but it will take longer to install. |
| Support | Linux has support via a massive community of user forums/websites and online searches. | Windows has support that is easily accessible, online forums/ websites, and it has paid support also. |
| Updates | In Linux, users have complete control of updates; we can install them whenever needed, which will take less time without rebooting. | In Windows, updates will come at inconvenient times, such as giving a print to the printer, but suddenly an update pop-up will come, which frustrates users and takes more time to install. |
| Security | Linux is more secure than Windows, where hackers or developers of viruses will find it difficult to break through Linux. | Windows is the primary target for developers of viruses and malware, and it is most vulnerable without anti-virus software. |
Conclusion
Finally, it is an overview of Linux vs. Windows. After reading the differences between Linux and Windows articles, I hope you will be interested to know more about these operating system internals. Users looking to change operating systems from Windows to Linux or vice-versa will have a good idea of the advantages and disadvantages of both Linux and Windows operating systems and decide based on their requirements and have more advantages. These are the differences between Linux and Windows operating systems, and in my opinion, I feel that Linux has more advantages than Windows operating systems.
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