In this article, we will talk about Windows vs Linux operating systems and how they compete with each other. The way one uses a computer highly depends on the operating system installed. Even though most people will choose macOS or Windows as their operating system, if you want something that you can customise, Linux is also a good way to go.

Linux is based on an open-source foundation that is widely popular among developers and has more customisation options than any other operating system. On the other hand, Windows is typically used by most non-coding audiences with little or no technical knowledge and who want easy UI and features. In detail, let's run down the blog to know the differences between Linux and Windows for your operating system's reason-based decision-making. 

A Brief About Windows Operating System

Microsoft's Windows is a graphical operating system that has been released in several versions, and the most recent one is Windows 11. The very first version of Windows was released as a graphical operating system for MS-DOS in 1985. 

Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems from Microsoft. It is available in two versions: 64 bit and 32 bit. Both client and server versions are supported that are the plain and easy-to-use operating systems. It's mostly intended for people who don't know how about programming. As a result, it is mostly employed for commercial and other industrial uses.

A Brief About Linux Operating System 

Linux is an extremely robust, flexible, free and open-source operating system that is ideal for coding purposes. It's unique and distinct from other operating systems since it's open-source, which means you can customise it by editing the source code. It includes both code and a graphical user interface.

The Linux kernel is the foundation for a number of operating systems. In 1991, the very first version of Linux was published. This operating system is most typically used on servers, but it is also available in desktop variants. Popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.

Difference between Linux and Windows

1. Command-line

The most useful tool of the Linux system is the command line, which is commonly referred to as Terminal. It is utilised for administrative purposes as well as day-to-day tasks. It is not very practical for regular users, but it is crucial for programmers. 

Windows has a command line, but it isn't quite as powerful as the Linux terminal. For daily tasks, the majority of users prefer the GUI alternatives.

2. Ease of use

In recent years, Linux has improved dramatically in terms of usability. Linux Mint and Ubuntu, for example, have gone to extremes to make installation and setup as simple as possible for non-technical people to get on with their daily tasks.

Because of its widespread use, Windows is the default operating system on many devices. If you buy a new laptop or computer, there's a good chance it'll arrive with Windows operating system. Users have been accustomed to clicking the toolbar and launching their favourite apps for so long that making the changeover is difficult.

3. Updates

Users of Linux have complete control over updates. The user can install updates at any time, and the process is also quick to execute.

Windows updates are a pain to deal with. The updates will arrive at any time and will take an excessive amount of time to install. When you turn on your computer, updates are sometimes immediately begun. Moreover, the user has limited control over updates.

4. Compatible Software

Because Windows has more desktop users, it also has the largest assortment of commercial software from third-party developers, many of which are incompatible with Linux. By a large percentage, it also contributes to video games.

There is a lot of software available for Linux, and most of it is entirely free and straightforward to install. Additionally, with the help of compatibility layers such as WINE, various Windows apps can be run on Linux. Linux is more compatible with open-source applications than Windows.

5. Security

At some point, every Windows user has encountered security and stability difficulties. Because Windows is such a widely used operating system, hackers and spammers routinely target it. Windows (retail versions) were designed from the ground up to be simple to use on a single-user PC with no network connection and had no built-in security protections. Microsoft's Windows Update programs frequently distribute security fixes. These are sent out once a month, with urgent updates sent out at shorter intervals or as needed.

On the other hand, Linux is based on a multi-user design, making it far more stable than single-user operating systems such as Windows. Because Linux is community-driven, with continuous inspection by developers worldwide, any new issue gets resolved in a matter of hours, and the required solution gets quickly distributed. 

6. Reliability

Since its introduction, the Linux operating system has emphasised system security, process control, and uptime. Linux has never strayed from this core focus over the years. As a result, it has a reputation for being a secure and trustworthy operating system.

On the contrary, even if Microsoft's dependability quotient has improved over time, it still falls short of that of Linux. For the sake of user-friendliness and ease of access, it has sacrificed several functionalities, which could lead to system instabilities and security vulnerabilities, making Windows less trustworthy than Linux.

7. Source Code

Linux is an open-source operating system, whereas Windows is a proprietary operating system. Individuals have access to the Linux source code and can change it to meet their needs, but Windows does not.

Windows only allow restricted members to access the source code. Therefore, issues like bugs in the OS take more time to get resolved, and only a few developers get to work on flaws. 

8. Privacy 

If you use Linux, you have an operating system that does not track your activities. Moreover, most Linux computers have built-in military-grade encryption as an option. You may rest assured that data theft is not a severe concern to a user.

Over the last few years, Windows has become more ad-driven. Users will undoubtedly be given the option to opt out, but who can help the ingenious registry hacks that are plainly part of Redmond's plan? Windows can monitor users' activities and offer to sync them to the Microsoft One-Drive service or study their habits in order to improve Cortana (the Microsoft personal assistant).  

9. HOME Directory 

In Linux, a directory called /home/ is generated for each user.

For example, consider the user account "Zach" In the directory "/home/zach," he can keep his personal files and directories. He will be unable to save files outside of his user directory and has no access to other users' directories.

The approach is comparable to Windows' C:Documents and Settings.

Whenever you boot the Linux operating system, the standard working directory is your user directory (in the example above, /home/zach). As a result, the directory "/home/zach" is also known as the Home directory, which is incorrect.

10. Gaming

By a considerable margin, Windows dominates the gaming race. Windows users have access to Steam, Epic, and a slew of additional programs to play AAA and indie games.

While Linux is making inroads into the gaming business, thanks to the addition of beta support for a number of games, it still has a long way to go. If you buy a Linux operating system, you will be missing out on a lot of games. Furthermore, graphic card makers focus on compatibility with Windows because of the larger user base.

Windows vs Linux: Head-to-head Comparison Table 

In the following table, we will go through the Linux and Windows differences, and the answers to the questions is Linux better than Windows or Why Linux is better than Windows. 

Points of Comparison 

Linux

Windows

Source Code

In Linux, users have the access to the kernel's source code and can modify it to suit their needs.

The source code will not be accessible to all users in Windows; only members of the designated group will have access to the same.

Diversifications

Linux comes in a variety of distributions, each of them is extremely adaptable to meet the demands of the user.

Windows has a limited number of customisation choices.

Licensing

Customers of the Linux operating system with the GPL license are free to alter the code, re-use it on other platforms, and even sell the modified version.

Users without licenses will not have the access to source code (and hence will not be able to modify the software) and will be limited to installing on a certain number of computers.

Command-line

The command line is a very important tool for management and daily activities in Linux. It is a robust tool for programmers and individuals with technical knowledge. 

We have a command line in Windows as well but it is not as effective as Linux.  We need to start the computer and type cmd, which will bring up the command prompt.

Run level

We can operate with both command line and GUI if there's an issue because Linux has the option to stop at different run levels.

If we face a problem with Windows, we must reboot at run level 3 as an administrator/root to locate and resolve the issue.

Usability

Linux is difficult to set up, but it makes complex jobs easier to execute.

Windows provides users with a simple operating system, but it takes longer to install.

Support

Linux has a large user community with forums/websites and an online search engine.

Windows has easily available assistance, as well as online forums/websites and premium support.

Updates

Users in Linux have complete control over updates; we may install them anytime we want and they will take less time without requiring a reboot.

Updates in Windows arrive at inappropriate moments, such as when you are sending a print job to the printer, and an update pop-up appears, causing users to become frustrated and taking longer to install.

Security

Linux is more secure than Windows, hackers and viruses will have a hard time breaking through Linux.

Windows is the most common target for viruses and malware, and it is also the most insecure without anti-virus protection.

Conclusion

This article covered practically all of the differences between Windows vs Linux OS. In the end, it can be said that no operating system is superior to the other. On the other hand, both are distinct and cater to a particular user and market needs and both the operating systems have different marketing objectives.

Linux provides excellent speed and security, but Windows provides excellent simplicity of use, allowing even non-technical users to operate efficiently on home computers. Many corporate businesses utilise Linux as a server and operating system for security reasons, whereas Business users and gamers mostly use windows. When it comes to cost, there are a number of points to consider when comparing the costs of these two operating systems. we offer that you buy linux vps and you practice.

People also read: