Saturday, November 3, 2007

windows and linux (a comparison)

Windows:
  • Pre-installed by default on almost all new desktop PC.
  • Have a large number of pirated Windows copies.
  • Estimates installation from 30mins - 1hr (due to updates).
  • Often drivers must be installed separately.
  • May be installed through WinPE and BartPE. However, only the former is endorsed by Microsoft.
  • Some multimedia and home use software (IE, Media Player, Notepad, Paint…) are available.
  • May boot to multiple operating systems through a Microsoft boot loader (NTLDR).
  • User interaction with software is generally consistent between versions, releases, and editions.
  • Source code may be purchased for modification, or third party tools may create modifications.
  • Scheduler uses FCFS (First Come First Serve)
  • Many programs are written with Windows specific frameworks.
  • The majority of current major games natively support Windows and are released first for the Windows platform.
  • Viruses have been written for Windows, many thousand have been propagated. Many desktop computers and laptops would crash or run slowly affecting business front offices and home users.
  • Windows' code is hidden that is why bugs are hard to fix.
  • Users typically ran as (full) administrator, allowing malicious programs full control over the system.
Linux:
  • Pre-installed by default on very few new desktop PC.
  • Most linux copies are free.
  • Estimates installation from 5-3mins.
  • Most free drivers available are included in most distributions or can be found in online archives.
  • Almost all Linux distributions now have a live CD that may be used for install all main distributions contain numerous programs: multimedia, graphics, internet, office suites, games, system utilities and alternative desktop environments. Some distributions specialise in education, games, or security.
  • May boot to multiple operating systems through GRUB or LILO. Also has security features, like passwording, that is not found in the Windows boot loader.
  • Consistency can be poor between distributions, versions, window managers/desktop environments, and programs. Software is highly user-customizable, however, and the user may keep the customizations between versions.
  • All of the kernel source code is freely available for modification. Most other software is free software, too.
  • Scheduler uses SJF (Shorter Job First).
  • Some programs are written with Linux specific frameworks
  • Linux can run some of Windows games but with a compatibility layer like Wine or Cedega (but accelaration ang graphics may be limited).
  • File viruses have been written for Linux, none has yet propagated successfully. Propagation without root access is nearly impossible.
  • Linux's code can be viewed that is why many bugs were fixed.
  • Users typically run as limited accounts, preventing malicious programs from gaining total control of the system

en.wikipedia.org

michaelhorowitz.com

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