An operating system is software with a set of programs that manage PC resources and organize the user’s work, provide the main functions of the computer (task scheduling, memory and resource management, networking, etc.).
The most used operating systems are Windows and Linux.
Windows is a licensed operating system developed by Microsoft with closed source code. The world first saw this operating system in 1985. It was based on the MS-DOS kernel. Over time, many different improved versions of Windows have appeared, but the architecture of the kernel has not changed much.
The Linux operating system was created by the programmer Linus Torvalds in 1991. The Unix family of similar operating systems that run on the Linux kernel. This OS uses a monolithic kernel with elements of modular architecture to improve performance. This allows users to actively download and upload data.
Which operating system should I choose? Let’s compare Windows and Linux.
Windows operating system is simple and straightforward for any consumer, so it is well suited for home use. Windows is installed on about 87% of the PCs worldwide while Linux is installed on only 2%. This low popularity of Linux is due to its complexity. The main area of use for Linux is server software.
Let us compare the main criteria:
1. Kernel.
Windows uses a micro-kernel which gives low system performance and takes up little space. Linux has a monolithic kernel which guarantees the quality of the system but consumes a lot of resources.
2. File system.
In Windows, all files have their place in directories (folders) on special drives (C:\, D:\, E:\, etc.). Files and folders in Linux have a tree structure. Even external devices can be referred to as files. For example, directories are files; mouse, keyboard are files; files are files.
3. Usability.
Because of the high popularity of Windows, users are so used to their favorite programs that it is already difficult for them to change anything. But Linux has improved a lot lately and it is much more comfortable to use. Linux Mint and Ubuntu are the easiest to use.
4. Security.
The popularity of Windows means that most viruses are created for it. And since this operating system was not originally designed for networked PCs and has no built-in security features, viruses can easily gain access to system files. That is why Microsoft releases security patches and updates once a month.
Linux has a very good level of anti-virus protection. The kernel is open source and the system is controlled by developers from all over the world. Any security problem is solved within a few hours with the patch received. Most IT professionals choose Linux precisely because of its high level of security.
5. Privacy.
Not so long ago, Windows started to spy on its users: it monitors the keystrokes of the keyboard, the sites visited, listens to voice messages, and collects all sorts of information. Where this information goes after that is classified. Linux users can be at ease in this respect. Their operating system does not spy on them. The system allows the encryption of the embedded disks.
6. Reliability.
Windows needs to be rebooted often. If there is a failure or slowdown, the PC hangs up, you install a program, uninstall a program, update Windows, etc., you have to reboot the system. With Linux you do not have to do this very often. The operating system will work for a longer period of time.
7. Games.
Windows is perfect for gamers. Compatibility with software is assured here. Linux is still in the process of development.
8. Programming.
Linux offers a full range of programming applications and supports almost all programming languages (Python, C/C++, Java, Ruby, Perl). Therefore, this operating system is preferred by developers worldwide. Windows is almost not suitable for programming.
Windows operating system is very simple, logical and ideal for home use as well as for gamers. Linux is often used by large organizations because it gives good speed and security. Both operating systems are good and suitable for specific user requirements.