Linux Vs Windows – Which One Is Better For You?
You are willing to buy a PC (personal computer i.e. a laptop or desktop). But selecting an operating system for your personal computer is a barrier in your way. Know everything around Linux and Windows to decide which operating system is better for you.
Purchasing a new personal computer or PC is not an easy job. It becomes more difficult when you have no idea about the purpose and functionality of the operating systems available in the market. As a conscious person, you must know that we are living in a digital world in which the emergence of new technologies is very common.
At present, Linux and Windows are more common and reputed operating systems for computers. These operating systems have their own functionalities, pros, cons, and purposes. Before moving further to buy a personal computer, you must know about the specifications you need and the operating systems available in the market. It will facilitate you make a wise decision.
Linux – What Is It?
Like other operating systems such as Windows, iOS, Mac, and Android, Linux is an open-source operating system that makes a personal computer run smoothly. Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki, released this operating system for the first time in 1991.
It works as a communication bridge between the hardware and software of a PC. Its basic function is to convey the input to the processor and make the hardware display the processed information. Furthermore, it has many functions. Linux was designed and developed to work similar to what Unix does. However, it has evolved a lot and can run on several different hardware that could be phones to supercomputers.
Windows – What Is It?
Windows is a popular computer operating system among common professionals. Microsoft develops and sells it and comes with a new and improved version from time to time. It was 1985 when Microsoft released the very first version of it, Windows 1.0. Windows has gone through several advancements. At present, Windows 10, which was released in 2015, is very popular even with the release of Windows 11 in 2021. As per media reports, Windows 13 is about to be released. This operating system is common in personal computers and mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Pros And Cons Of Linux
Here is the list of pros and cons of Linux Operating System:
Pros
- Free of cost
- Faster in comparison with Windows
- Availability of customization
- Higher privacy level
- More reliable and secure
Cons
- Lack of extensive driver support and hardware
- Lesser apps in comparison with Windows
- Not an idea option for a beginner
Pros And Cons Of Windows
Windows has gone through several advancements and modifications after its first release in 1985. Here are some pros and cons of Windows:
Pros
- Availability of so many apps
- High quality UI
- Beginner friendly and intuitive
- Excellent support for legacy apps
- Enough driver and hardware support
Cons
- Possibilities of reliability issues and bugs
- Can make your PC go slow down
- Available at a fixed price
- Subject to vulnerabilities
- Possibility of data collection. You can turn it off
Linux Vs Windows – Know The Key Differences
Linux and Windows are two most popular operating systems for a computer (desktop or laptop). They have their own functions, features, and usage. Here are some factors that make it clear how Linux and Windows are different:
1. Users
Linux has three types of users – administrative, regular, and service users. On the other hand, Windows has four types of users – administrator, child, guest, and standard users. The number of users can increase further with the upcoming version of Windows.
2. Ease of use
Comparing Linux with Windows can be a tough job for an expert as user experience varies from one person to another. In the early days, the Linux operating system was not suitable for common people. However, it has become simpler with constant advancements and modifications. The release of Linux Mint made this operating system simpler for common people with or without technical knowledge. They can easily carry out activities like playing music, sending emails, browsing the internet, and watching videos.
Windows comes as a pre-installed operating system due to its market dominance. There is a high chance of getting this operating system when you buy a new desktop or laptop for your personal or professional usage. You do not need to buy this operating system while buying a new PC due to its supremacy in the market. However, easy installation of software programs and easy-to-use toolbars make it an ideal choice for you whether you are a new or old user.
3. Price and Licensing
The Linux operating system with its most libraries and utilities is available for users at free of cost. You can get a paid version of this operating system at a moderate price if you need extra support. Under GNU general Public License, this computer operating system allows you to re-use it in many systems, modify it, or sell your modified versions.
On the other hand, Windows is available for users after paying a price. As a user, you can get the standard version of this operating system after paying $70 to $200 to Microsoft. You can use it in a certain number of personal computers as per your Microsoft purchase license.
4. Customer support service
The Linux operating system offers massive support to its users across the world. As a user, you can get the requisite support through question boards, forums, support websites. On the other hand, the Windows operating system offers easily accessible support through dedicated websites, online help systems, forums, books, and videos.
5. Speed
There is no huge difference between Linux and Windows operating systems when it comes to speed. In terms of multiple processes, Linux minimizes bogging. To keep your device efficient, you need to command the file system Ext4 in the Linux operating system. Defragmentation is not now Linux.
On the contrary, Windows maximizes bogging. It could go to an intolerable slow down level. In terms of multiple processes, disk hogging and memory is usual.
6. Security
In comparison with Windows, the Linux operating system is more secure. Due to being an open-source technology, it is easy to find attack vectors. You can easily review the vulnerabilities to make the identification and resolving process more comfortable for you.
On the other hand, Microsoft has worked a lot to improve security in Windows. As per a report of BeyondTrust, Windows has lowered its security risk around 5% between 2020 and 2021. However, this operating system is a prime target for hackers due to its large user base.
7. Privacy
The Linux operating system gives a top priority to the privacy of its users. Devices with the Linux operating system have robust encryption to ensure users having better privacy & security and no ads from 3rd-party apps/websites.
On the contrary, Windows is a more advertisement-driven operating system. As a user, you can opt out ads. However, you can experience a loophole in your privacy while using Windows devices. Windows users can have intrusion of apps.
8. Customization
Being an open-source operating system, Linux has several modifications. You (users) can modify or customize its distributions as per your needs. For example, you can alter its code yourself to modify this operating system if you know coding.
There is no customization in Windows, except for a fewer number. Users need to be out of the box to get something different in Windows devices. Not everyone can do it.
9. Reliability
In terms of uptime, security, and process management, Linux devices are superior to Windows ones. At present, Linux is the most reliable and secure operating system available in the market.
On the other hand, Microsoft has made several advancements to enhance the reliability of Windows. In the current world, this operating system is close to the Linux operating system. To make it user-friendly, Windows has many features that could lead devices to vulnerabilities.
10. System Updates
Linux gives full freedom to its users what and when to install. On the other hand, Windows is bad in terms of its random updates that can pop up on your screen anytime.
11. Compatibility
In terms of compatibility, Windows is superior to Linux. Many apps easily work on Windows devices, but not on Linux devices. Due to its large user base, developers develop apps for Windows.
12. Gaming
When it comes to playing games or gaming, the Windows operating system is better in comparison with the Linux operating system.
Linux Vs Windows – Which Is Better?
No one except you is going to state that Linux is better or Windows is better for you. This write-up has touched almost everything related to Linux and Windows, from definition to pros & cons and differences. So, you need to keep every point in mind and focus on your exact requirement to decide whether you should buy a Windows or Linux PC.
