Linux vs Windows
To know about each operating system let’s first dive into their history.
History of Linux :
In 1991 Linus Torvalds, a student from Finland created a new free operating system kernel which was his personal project. Since then Linux Kernel is marked by constant growth. Since the release of its Source Code in 1991, it has grown from small number of C files under a license prohibiting commercial distribution to the 4.15 version in 2018 with more than 23.3 million lines of source code, except comments, under the GNU General Public License v2.
History of Windows :
Bill Gates announced Microsoft Windows on 10th November 1983. Microsoft introduced windows as a (GUI) Graphical User Interface for MS-DOS, which had been introduced a couple of years earlier.
What is GPL ? :
The GNU General Public License (GNU GPL or GPL) is a widely used free software license, which guarantees end users the freedom to run, study, share and modify the software. Richard Stallman was the original writer of the license of the Free Software Foundation (FSF) for the GNU Project, and grants the recipients of a computer program the rights of the Free Software Definition.
The GPL is a copyleft license, meaning that the derivative work must be open-source and distributed under the same license terms. GPL was the first copyleft license for general use.
Difference between LINUX and WINDOWS :
Product’s cost :
LINUX : Linux is free of cost operating system.
WINDOWS : Windows is marketable operating system and is very expensive.
Access :
LINUX : In Linux user has access to the source code of kernel and also can alter the code in accordance with his needs.
WINDOWS : Unlike Linux not every user has access to the source code, only members of selected group can have access to the source code.
Variety or Flavours :
LINUX : Linux has various distributions which can be highly customized based on the needs of the user.
WINDOWS : Windows has very less customization options as compared to Linux.
Usability :
LINUX : Linux is tough or complicated to install but has the capacity to complete complex tasks easily.
WINDOWS : Windows gives user a simple system to operate but it will take longer time to install.
Security :
LINUX : When it comes to security Linux is more secure than windows where hackers and developers of viruses will find difficulty to break through Linux.
WINDOWS : Mostly Windows is the major target for developers of viruses and malware and it is most vulnerable without any anti-virus software.
Conclusion :
Both Linux and windows are Operating Systems having their advantages and disadvantages.
Linux is free, open source, customizable and secure but kind of complex for the users having no programming background; Windows is user-friendly and simple to use but it is not free and open source.
Hence we can assume that Linux is more reliable than windows.
