Difference Between Linux and Windows

The main difference between Linux and Windows is that Linux is an open-source operating system that allows its users access to the source code. In contrast, a windows operating system is a commercial operating system that does not provide its users access to the source code.

In this article, we will explore Linux vs Windows in great detail. But, before we do that, let’s quickly go over the topics listed under the table of content (TOC) that we will cover in this blog.

Table of content (TOC)

• Linux vs Windows
• What is Linux?
  • Features of Linux
• What is Windows?
  • Features of Windows
• Key Differences between Linux vs Windows

Difference Between Linux and Windows: Linux vs Windows

For a better understanding, let’s explore the difference between Linux vs Windows in a tabular format:

What is Linux?

Linux definition: Linux is an open-source operating system based on Unix standards that provides its users access to the source code.

Finnish student Linus Torvalds created Linux, which was launched much later than Windows in 1991. Linux uses a monolithic kernel that consumes more running space, and its modular feature allows most drivers to load and unload at run time dynamically. In terms of speed between Linux vs Windows, Linux is much faster than Windows, especially compared to moderately powerful systems. This operating system is highly secure, i.e., this operating system does not spy on your work or the data.

Linux stores files in a much different way than the Windows operating system. The files in the Linux operating system are organized in a tree structure, beginning with the root directory and branching out to various sub-directories. And above all, the Linux operating system is based on a multi-user architecture, making it way more stable than a single-user operating system, such as Windows OS. 

You can also explore: Linux courses

Features of Linux 

There are many essential and distinct features of Linux operating system. Let’s explore some of those features, such as:

• Provide live CD/USB so that users can run/try it without installing it
• Allows its users to encrypt the data to enhance the security of the data
• Supports different language keyboards as this OS is widely used across the globe
• Supports many popular programming languages, such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
• Allows access to its source code, which users can alter as per their needs or requirements
• Consists of fewer prerequisites than any other operating system and is a highly lightweight OS
• Operates on any device irrespective of the hardware type, such as high-end and low-end hardware

What is Windows?

Windows definition: Windows is a licensed operating system that does not allow access to the source code to its users. 

Windows operating system was designed for business owners, commercial users, and, most of all, individuals who have no computer programming knowledge. This operating system is more popular than the Linux operating system as it is straightforward. The Windows operating system uses data drives to store files, such as C: E. Windows operating system supports nearly all types of software and even software that is now not supported by developers.

Features of Windows

There are many essential and distinct features of the Windows operating system. Let’s explore some of those features, such as:

• Comes with a taskbar that displays all the open windows, programs, and files
• Contains file explore, which makes it very simple to display or find the files and folders on the computer
• Includes the task manager feature that provides detail of the running applications or programs on the computer 
• Consists of a control panel which in turn consists of many tools that help in configuring and managing the computer’s resources
• Consists of a pre-installed internet browser that helps in various activities, such as searching for anything, online shopping, playing games, etc.

Key Differences Between Linux and Windows

Here are some of the key differences between Linux vs Windows:

• In terms of speed between Linux vs Kerner, Linux is faster.
• Linux is an open-source operating system, but Windows is not.
• In terms of compatibility, the windows operating system is much more secure.
• In terms of security between Linux and Kernel, Linux is much more secure.
• Windows have four types of users, whereas Linux operating system has three types of users.
• The Linux operating system uses the monolithic kernel. Windows, on the other hand, uses a micro-kernel.
• Linux operating system is much cheaper in comparison with the Windows operating system.
• Linux gives access to its source code to the user. On the other hand, Windows does not provide access to its source code.

Conclusion

Now that you know the difference between Linux vs Windows, you can easily differentiate between these two types of the operating system. After going through this article, it would have become easy to choose between these two operating systems. If you have any queries regarding Linux vs Windows operating systems, please feel free to post your query in the comment box. We will be happy to help!

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