Do we need to consider Linux as choice?
Windows vs Linux in the Market
Windows being one of the most popular desktop operating systems with a market share of nearly 74.68% , Macs having a share of Nearly 16.2% and the rest with GNU OS(Linux and BSD). Linux being the least preferred in the Desktop Space, there is a whole different story in the server space with more than 95% of the servers running Linux.
History of Linux over Windows
Windows is a collection of graphical user interface (GUI)-based operating systems created and distributed by Microsoft. This operating system is primarily intended for use on home computers. Windows OS is divided into two architectures: 32-bit and 64-bit. There are client and server versions available. The initial edition of Windows OS was introduced in 1985, and the most recent client version, Windows 10, came out in 2015 and Windows 11 in 2021. Windows Server 2019 is the most recent server version.
Now, let’s talk about Linux: it’s a collection of Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel. It was released in 1991. Linux is a free, open-source operating system that is usually packaged as part of a Linux distribution. Users can run Linux for any purpose, study it and make changes, redistribute copies of the original version, and distribute copies of the modified version because Linux is distributed under an open-source license. Although Linux is most typically used on servers, it also has a desktop version.
Even I have distributed a version of Raspbian which has better power utilization and performance
Why People tend to get confused while choosing Linux
Windows has kept a fairly consistent version structure throughout the years, separating versions and updates into tiers, the Linux system is far more complicated. Due to the open-source nature of Linux, there are hundreds of Linux-based operating systems (also known as distros) available (short for distributions). It’s more difficult to choose between distributions than it is to choose between Windows 7, 8, or 10. However, because of the large number of Linux distributions available, you will be able to pick one that suits your preferences.
In which Debian and its derivatives(Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Slax etc.), Arch Linux and its Derivatives( Manjaro, Endeavor OS etc.) , Fedora and Open SUSE being the most popular choices for Desktop Computing
Debian, RedHat and SUSE( SUSE(SLE) its different from Open SUSE) being the most popular choices in the server ecospace.
Comparing Linux vs. Windows: For Users, Professionals, and Businesses
Linux is designed for serious applications, primarily server applications. As a result, Linux is frequently used on corporate systems, whereas Windows is preferred by individuals. The average user may find the Linux entrance hurdle too high: after all, even choosing a distro can be time-consuming and research-intensive.
Another factor for Windows’ popularity among home users is Microsoft’s licensing deal with PC manufacturers. Many PC manufacturers include Windows OS by default with their computers, resulting in Windows gaining a significant market share over Linux.
Professionals, on the other hand, are one area where Linux thrives brightly. The fundamental benefit of Linux is the wide range of open-source tools available for software development, network administration, and IoT device management.
Linux vs. Windows Features
Installation
Although Windows installation takes a long time, it is incredibly easy and requires very little user interaction. Everything in Linux is dependent on the distribution. Installing Ubuntu and other polished distros isn’t difficult, but some less user-friendly versions require technical know-how to get up and running.
Software and Compatibility
The majority of popular programs are designed exclusively for Windows. Only a few of these are likely to be Linux-compatible. As a result, Linux users will have to switch to a free, open-source alternative. Almost any Windows programs can be replaced by a third-party application. In the unlikely event that you can’t find one, you can run Windows apps on a Linux operating system using a tool like Wine.
Windows vs. Linux UI Customization
When it comes to UI customization, we can state that the Linux operating system has a lot more options than the Windows operating system. Linux has a number of attachable desktop environments that control how your OS’s interfaces look. Furthermore, several popular desktop environments (such as Gnome or KDE) are modular. It means that diverse pieces fit together according to a set of rules. As a result, simply rearranging a few of them can produce a wide range of designs. The user has complete control over the system icons, backgrounds, mouse actions, desktop content positioning, and even typefaces.
We may say that the Linux operating system has a lot more choices for UI modification than the Windows operating system. Attachable desktop environments for Linux allow you to customize the appearance of your operating system’s interfaces. Several prominent desktop environments, such as Gnome and KDE, are also modular. It indicates that a set of rules governs how different pieces fit together. As a result, rearranging a few of them can yield a variety of designs. The system icons, backdrops, mouse actions, desktop content positioning, and even typefaces are all under the user’s complete control.
Performance
Windows OS tends to get bloated and sluggish and, if not properly maintained, it will feel outdated quickly. When looking at Linux vs. Windows, we can see that Linux is a much quicker operating system. Its core is less demanding than Windows, and distros can add even more efficiency gains by eliminating some UI features. So, if you have an older device that won’t run Windows, you might be able to get it working with Linux. It is possible to strip back Windows to the bare basics, but Linux does a way better job of this.
Pricing
The Linux kernel in most distributions is entirely free. Companies might offer paid support for their distributions, but it doesn’t cost anything to download and install the underlying software. Microsoft Windows is typically priced from $99 to $199 per licensed copy. Windows 10 was once offered as a free upgrade to Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 users, but that is no longer the case.
Linux for Daily Tasks
One of the most important considerations in the “Linux or Windows” debate is whether Linux can be used on a daily basis. Many individuals will say yes, because this operating system offers numerous benefits. If your laptop has an SSD, the entire installation process will take no more than four minutes from start to end. Daily tasks also go well on Linux, which is getting increasingly efficient and capable. It comes with all of the necessary apps to meet almost any requirement. Except for Outlook, LibreOffice can perform any function that MS Office can. When opposed to Windows, the beauty of Linux is that if consumers don’t like how certain features work, they may adapt them to suit their needs. Snaps are a type of package that is available on all Linux distributions. They allow upstream software developers to distribute their apps straight to their consumers, who are becoming more agnostic about the operating system they use. Even Epic Games Store and GoG, not to mention Steam, have native Linux applications. WineHQ (originally an abbreviation for “Wine Is Not an Emulator”) is the answer for applications that only runs on Windows. It’s a compatibility layer that lets you run Windows programs on Linux.
Windows for Daily Tasks
When we compare the features of the Windows operating system to those of other operating systems, we may find that Windows is easier to use, more secure, and more interoperable with other software.
However, there are other factors that influence OS selection:
1. It’s wonderful and convenient to be able to communicate with your technology. After a long day at the computer, “Hey, Cortana, take a note” or “go to sleep” might be quite handy commands.
2. Windows has the ability to locate software for every task; due to its enormous popularity, all of them have a version for this OS.
3. With a single sign-on, Microsoft delivers a full environment for efficient work. Office software, cloud services, and Microsoft Store products may all be accessed with Windows credentials.
4. The much-maligned Internet Explorer is likewise no longer available. Microsoft Edge is a brand-new browser with faster performance and new capabilities such as reading mode and webpage markup. It also necessitates significantly less battery usage from computers and tablets.
Final Thoughts on Linux vs. Windows
I’ve gone over all of the major differences between Linux and Windows in this post, so perhaps you’re better prepared to choose the operating system that’s right for you. Windows is not objectively superior to Linux, and vice versa. Both systems, however, are one-of-a-kind and tailored to individual market needs and user requirements.
Windows is incredibly user-friendly, allowing even non-techies to function on their PCs. The Linux operating system, on the other hand, is utilized by businesses for server applications because of its speed and security.
