What's the difference between Windows and Linux?

Question

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 1

Personally I like both Windows and Linux. I've tried all kinds of both OS from the old to the new.



Linux is more trimmed down OS where as Windows is a bigger bloated OS. A lot of the versions of Linux do require you to have an understanding of the computer it won't be long before you find yourself entering command line code to get jobs done. If you game you won't want to use Linux stick to Windows for everything else Linux is great. Internet, music, video and networking its all good. Plus its free. Its got a lot less viruses attacking it as well although don't be misguided and forget your security.







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Note: you can download Linux and install it along side your Windows operating system to give it a go if you like or you can just try it without installing it.



Some version to look into are again all free:



Mint

Ubuntu

Kali

Answer 2

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 3

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 4

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 5

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 8

LUNIX:

1 - Linux is an example of Open Source software development and Free Operating System (OS).

2 - Linux can be freely distributed, downloaded freely, distributed through magazines, Books etc. There are priced versions for Linux also, but they are normally cheaper than Windows.







WINDOWS:

1 - Windows is the family of operating system (OS) from Microsoft, which is the most famous OS in the world.

2 - For desktop or home use, Windows can be expensive. A single copy can cost around $50 to $ 450 depending on the version of Windows.

Answer 9

Linux is mostly free- is trouble free- and will do anything Windows will do- except run software made for windows.

I tried Ubuntu Linux back in 2008......I am still using it. I have never had an issue with Linux.

As far as a user is concerned- there is not much difference- maybe the start button in on the top of the page instead of the bottom, and you will not be chasing windows issues.

The only problem I have ever been faced with in Linux is deciding which one I want to use- Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora...........I like Ubuntu best.

Answer 10

Linux is an open-source operating system that reflects UNIX. The special thing about Linux is that it is built by a community of people and it's aimed to give you a rich experience without the need to pay for it. There are over 100 distributions of Linux; those for gamers, those for hackers, those for daily users, those for the nerds. What are some distributions? Ubuntu, Fedora, Zorin OS, Elementary OS, etc. It's more powerful and everything works out of the box. However, this is also its greatest weakness. Since you don't need drivers (they come pre-installed), your expensive computer, if you have one, won't use its full power. Linux doesn't use a lot of power.



Windows is a powerful commercial operating system built by Microsoft. I personally prefer Windows but I've always had a soft spot for Linux because they don't ask for money. It's free and for the most part, will do whatever you need it to. Windows, however, is more profitable, mainstream and works. With Linux, you have community support but usually Linux users are techie enough so they fix problems themselves. Windows has support centers, Linux really doesn't and everyone's experience with even the same version can be different.



Now, you may hear "Linux doesn't get viruses." Yes, anything gets viruses. The hacker just has to have motivation to do so. Hackers don't target Linux users because there's no point. A majority of Linux users are programmers or techie themselves so it probably wouldn't do much to invest time in hacking a Linux user. Windows has millions of users, so of course, it's more popular -- people will target Windows users to exploit data or to infect. Linux is more secure -- but give it more users, I'm sure in time it will too, have its own set of targets.



*** What is Linux? ***



Linux is, in simplest terms, an operating system. It is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. The operating system (OS) relays instructions from an application to, for instance, the computer's processor. The processor performs the instructed task, then sends the results back to the application via the operating system.



Explained in these terms, Linux is very similar to other operating systems, such as Windows and OS X.



But something sets Linux apart from these operating systems. The Linux operating system represented a $25 billion ecosystem in 2008. Since its inception in 1991, Linux has grown to become a force in computing, powering everything from the New York Stock Exchange to mobile phones to supercomputers to consumer devices.



As an open operating system, Linux is developed collaboratively, meaning no one company is solely responsible for its development or ongoing support. Companies participating in the Linux economy share research and development costs with their partners and competitors. This spreading of development burden amongst individuals and companies has resulted in a large and efficient ecosystem and unheralded software innovation.



Over 1,000 developers, from at least 100 different companies, contribute to every kernel release. In the past two years alone, over 3,200 developers from 200 companies have contributed to the kernel--which is just one small piece of a Linux distribution.

Answer 11

I am a Linux Mint user (version 17, LTS=Long Term Support, and I can tell you that there is a big difference in performance compared to using windows in any case, regardless of what you install it on.



With windows, you run into malware, performance issues (windows uses virtual memory, a page file on the hard disk, to function normally. Cut it off and it acts like you are out of memory, which is a false positive), plus it makes you feel like the machine has physically broken or stopped working (yes, an illusion or form of brainwashing), you will not get that in linux. It just works, it runs, and it's blazing fast too.



Most big distributions come with firefox (or a custom web browser, mostly a fork or unbranded firefox/mozilla based browser), instant messaging client, IRC (internet relay chat) client, many other goodies just waiting to be explored too.



Plus tons of software to pick and choose from. VLC player included. Google chrome can also be installed, even skype, if you use it. There's also gaming clients, not just steam, that are available too.



It's best to try out a live CD/DVD or USB environment to see for yourself how quickly it starts and easy it is to use.



Personally I use fluxbox with one panel at the top for quick access to applications, or the cinnamon environment for full access to a proper UI (that resembles windows).



Sorry if this was a LONG LONG answer. lol

Answer 12

I am a windows user as well as Linux. From my experience I want to say that...

1.The first thing that I like Linux is -- "Open Source". For that I can Customize my operating system's shell program as my own style.

2. In the view point of--- "Security", I think Linux is too much safe than windows, in terms of Virus affection.

3. The third term is "Customization", Here I can decorate my LAN, Network, and other connection as my own...

where Windows is built in program... And a specific term is RUN command...

In a word I love LINUX, I love UBONTO... rather Windows Operating System.

Answer 13

If typical explanations you found elsewhere is too geeky I doubt I can help, most would put it as OS but I would describe it as a way of implementing a computer software system in a modular way, best example of that is Android itself. Google have described typical traditional kernel as unsuitable for mobile use and had to root out all the traditional modules and redevelop mobile-friendly parts.



One real plus is that Linux is in a form that is very minimal to its counterparts, Ubuntu 14.10 run smoothly on a decade-old laptop while comparable Windows or Mac choke on anything older than 4 or 5 years. And Android KitKat runs well on 512 MB when BlackBerry and Apple needs 1 GB to run. You can try out Linux in a USB stick form, light years ahead of Windows in this arena so you may not aware a fully realized, bootble, usable, customized Linux setup can be a USB cigar box while Windows cannot even dream of that.

Answer 14

1. Linux is an example of Open Source software development and Free Operating System (OS). WHILE Windows is the family of operating system (OS) from Microsoft, which is the most famous OS in the world.



2. Linux can be freely distributed, downloaded freely, distributed through magazines, Books etc. WHILE For desktop or home use, Windows can be expensive. A single copy can cost around $50 to $ 450 depending on the version of Windows.



3. linux support Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, Jfs, ReiserFS, Xfs, Btrfs, FAT, FAT32, NTFS file system, WHILE

windows support only FAT, FAT32, NTFS, exFAT file systems

Answer 15

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 16

That's like asking what's the difference between two totally different models of automobile, except EVEN MORE SO when there's even less in common.



To put it one way, Microsoft is a for-profit software company, while Linux is built around open-source ideals, but that's just describing the general scheme, not even getting into the technical differences, like how Linux uses a particular kernel model, a particular graphics system, or how its security and networking differs.



If you want to understand Linux though, try somewhere like the Linux Documentation Project.

Answer 17

Everything. Best to try it yourself (choose from thousands of distros). My favorite (but don't use):

http://linuxmint.com/



Some basics:

- they're not compatible with each other (like packages/applications, etc...)

- BOTH have paid versions, but Linux has alot of free ones (again, the unpaid ones usually are less developed/not as advanced)

- Linux is mostly open source (you can view the source code/writing language)

- Windows is more "commercialized", therefore developed alot more (hence better graphics/games)

...

Answer 18

the name

Answer 19

the name

Answer 20

From visiting the Linux website.

Its a collaboration.

I would not trust Linux--for 2-seconds.

I've been a Windows[tm] OS user for many years.

I've been kickin' ***.

Answer 21

Linux is an Open Source and is free to use, while Windows is a paid operating system from Microsoft. Choosing one between these two really depends upon your usage.

Answer 22

the name

Answer 23

windows is more user friendly than Linux. but both are operating systems.windows are craeted by the company of Microsoft and linux is a open source free softwere. we can see man y differences when comparing both windows and Linux.but the truth is windows is easily use with more effectively thn linux

Answer 24

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 25

The easy answer is : You pay for microsoft and get lots of viruses and spywares. You Don't pay anything for Linux and enjoy secure OS. Linux is developed by community where as Microsoft is a huge corporation responsible for development of windows. Linux is my love...

Answer 26

Microsoft lease a license for their Operating System Windows; while Linux is a monolithic kernel which can be used to build an Operating System, such as but not limited to; Slackware, Debian, Red Hat, Android, &c.



The best way to learn how to use Linux, is to give it a try. As this is your first time, I recommend that you try Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2714 .



Go over to UNetbootin http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/ , and create a LiveUSB to give it a run. Or download Virtualbox https://www.virtualbox.org/ and give it a whirl that way.

Answer 27

Linux is an open source software development and freely available operating system and windows is the product of microsoft and it is the most famous operating system in the world.

Answer 28

Linux is a open source operating system and more secure as compared to window operating system. I also like Linux O.S. because no need to refresh content.

Answer 29

HI Levi...



1. Windows:



• What is it?

- Windows is the family of operating system (OS) from Microsoft, which is the most famous OS in the world.

• Cost

- For desktop or home use, Windows can be expensive. A single copy can cost around $50 to $ 450 depending on the version of Windows.

• User

- Everyone. From home users to developers and computer enthusiasts alike.

• Manufacturer

- Microsoft created the Windows operating system, but allows other computer manufactures to distribute their own computers with Windows pre-installed.

• Usage

- On PC's desktops, laptops, servers and some phones.

• Development and Distribution

- Windows is developed and distributed by Microsoft.

• GUI

- The Windows GUI is an integral component of the OS and is not replaceable. This can be a con when it comes to Windows 8's Metro.

• File system support

- FAT, FAT32, NTFS, exFAT

• Text mode interface

- Windows uses a command shell and each version of Windows has a single command interpreter with dos-like commands, recently there is the addition of the optional PowerShell that uses more Unix-like commands.

• Price

- $50-$450

• Security

- According to Dr. Nic Peeling and Dr Julian Satchell's “Analysis of the Impact of Open Source Software” there have been more than 60,000 viruses in Windows.

• Threat detection and solution

- After detecting a major threat in Windows OS, Microsoft generally releases a patch that can fix the problem and it can take more than 2/3 months.

• Processors

- Limited but most (80%)

• Examples

- Windows 8, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP

• Gaming

- Almost all games are compatible with Windows. Some CPU intensive and graphics intensive games are exclusive to Windows PC's.





2. Linux:

• What is it?

- Linux is an example of Open Source software development and Free Operating System (OS).

• Cost

- Linux can be freely distributed, downloaded freely, distributed through magazines, Books, etc. There are priced versions for Linux also, but they are normally cheaper than Windows.

• User

- Everyone. From home users to developers and computer enthusiasts alike.

• Manufacturer

- Linux kernel is developed by the community. Linus Torvalds oversee things.

• Usage

- Linux can be installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from mobile phones, tablet computers and video game consoles, to mainframes and supercomputers.

• Development and Distribution

- Linux is developed by Open Source development, i.e. through sharing and collaboration of code and features through forums etc and it is distributed by various vendors.

• GUI

- Linux typically provides two GUIs, KDE and Gnome. But there are millions of alternatives such as LXDE, Xfce, Unity, Mate, twm, ect.

• File system support

- Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, Jfs, ReiserFS, Xfs, Btrfs, FAT, FAT32, NTFS

• Text mode interface

- BASH (Bourne Again SHell) is the Linux default shell. It can support multiple command interpreters.

• Price

- Free but support is available for a price.

• Security

- Linux has had about 60-100 viruses listed till date. None of them actively spreading nowadays.

• Threat detection and solution

- In case of Linux, threat detection and solution is very fast

• Processors

- Dozens of different kinds

• Examples

- Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat, Debian, Archlinux, Android etc.

• Gaming

- Very few games available natively.



Hope It helps..!! :)

Answer 30

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 31

Just do a Google search for:



Windows vs. Linux



And then, just start reading...

Answer 32

To put it simply... Linux works... and Windows doesn't.

Answer 33

Simply i can say in windows we work with GUI;s where as in linux we use commands

Answer 34

1: Full access vs. no accessHaving access to the source code is probably the single most significant difference between Linux and Windows. The fact that Linux belongs to the GNU Public License ensures that users (of all sorts) can access (and alter) the code to the very kernel that serves as the foundation of the Linux operating system. You want to peer at the Windows code? Good luck. Unless you are a member of a very select (and elite, to many) group, you will never lay eyes on code making up the Windows operating system.



#2: Licensing freedom vs. licensing restrictionsAlong with access comes the difference between the licenses. I’m sure that every IT professional could go on and on about licensing of PC software. But let’s just look at the key aspect of the licenses (without getting into legalese). With a Linux GPL-licensed operating system, you are free to modify that software and use and even republish or sell it (so long as you make the code available). Also, with the GPL, you can download a single copy of a Linux distribution (or application) and install it on as many machines as you like. With the Microsoft license, you can do none of the above. You are bound to the number of licenses you purchase, so if you purchase 10 licenses, you can legally install that operating system (or application) on only 10 machines.



#3: Online peer support vs. paid help-desk supportThis is one issue where most companies turn their backs on Linux. But it’s really not necessary. With Linux, you have the support of a huge community via forums, online search, and plenty of dedicated Web sites. And of course, if you feel the need, you can purchase support contracts from some of the bigger Linux companies (Red Hat and Novell for instance).



However, when you use the peer support inherent in Linux, you do fall prey to time.

On the other side of the coin is support for Windows.



#4: Full vs. partial hardware supportOne issue that is slowly becoming nonexistent is hardware support. Years ago, if you wanted to install Linux on a machine you had to make sure you hand-picked each piece of hardware or your installation would not work 100 percent. I can remember, back in 1997-ish, trying to figure out why I couldn’t get Caldera Linux or Red Hat Linux to see my modem. After much looking around, I found I was the proud owner of a Winmodem. So I had to go out and purchase a US Robotics external modem because that was the one modem I knew would work. This is not so much the case now. You can grab a PC (or laptop) and most likely get one or more Linux distributions to install and work nearly 100 percent. But there are still some exceptions. For instance, hibernate/suspend remains a problem with many laptops, although it has come a long way.



With Windows, you know that most every piece of hardware will work with the operating system. Of course, there are times (and I have experienced this over and over) when you will wind up spending much of the day searching for the correct drivers for that piece of hardware you no longer have the install disk for. But you can go out and buy that 10-cent Ethernet card and know it’ll work on your machine (so long as you have, or can find, the drivers). You also can rest assured that when you purchase that insanely powerful graphics card, you will probably be able to take full advantage of its power.



#5: Command line vs. no command lineNo matter how far the Linux operating system has come and how amazing the desktop environment becomes, the command line will always be an invaluable tool for administration purposes. Nothing will ever replace my favorite text-based editor, ssh, and any given command-line tool. I can’t imagine administering a Linux machine without the command line. But for the end user — not so much. You could use a Linux machine for years and never touch the command line. Same with Windows. You can still use the command line with Windows, but not nearly to the extent as with Linux. And Microsoft tends to obfuscate the command prompt from users. Without going to Run and entering cmd (or command, or whichever it is these days), the user won’t even know the command-line tool exists. And if a user does get the Windows command line up and running, how useful is it really?



#6: Centralized vs. noncentralized application installationThe heading for this point might have thrown you for a loop. But let’s think about this for a second. With Linux you have (with nearly every distribution) a centralized location where you can search for, add, or remove software. I’m talking about package management systems, such as Synaptic. With Synaptic, you can open up one tool, search for an application (or group of applications), and install that application without having to do any Web searching (or purchasing).



Windows has nothing like this. With Windows, you must know where to find the software you want to install, download the software (or put the CD into your machine), and run setup.exe o

Answer 35

Like an article a prof in the CS department at UC Riverside posted online many years ago regarding the quality comparison of digital vs. analog recordings. The article was both thorough and objective. And he didn t spare on the available technology or manufacturing failings. His bottom line was it all depended on the end user as well as the end use. And [I for,] one still could have gone on for hours after he finished. I think such is the same here.

Answer 36

To put it simply... Linux works... and Windows doesn't.

Answer 37

I used both of these platform but i suggested you that you carry on windows its far much better then linux.

Answer 38

Linux is open source and free

Answer 39

Here are some differences. You can find more info by googling for "difference between windows and linux"

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-key-differences-between-windows-and-linux-you-should-know-about-before-switching/

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Linux_vs_Windows

Answer 40

1st of all i love linux. bcz

1)linux is free of cost u can do anything u can design your own kernal,command nd others while windows is copyright we cant edit this.

2)linux os is more portable than any others.



i wanna **** microsoft if he doesnt remove "this copy of windows is not genuine" comment from my screen of laptop bcz i pay money of 40000 INR now u r saying its not genuine .wht the **** that is ??

Answer 41

I have win8. 7 and more but I prefer using my Linux Mint 17 and the price on ebay is about $6 for two different version of Mint 17 - Or download it for free. Tons of videos:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G7TJyZPKPo



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD6nqQrJx78

Answer 42

For me ,I think linux is more hard than windoes!

and we all used to the windows to do everything in our daily life now!

Answer 43

windows is not open source while linux's source code is available

Answer 44

Both are the operating system.Linux is mostly used for professional usage related to security networks where as windows is commnly use dfor daily purpose.

Answer 45

both are different operating systems, both are good, Linux is more protected from viruses. Whereas windows is more pron to virus, however windows is is more user friendly OS.

Answer 46

Good answer, but like two cars: they both get you from a to b!



They are both operating systems. They both exist to run applications. Those apps are (in these 2 cases) written by many different independent programmers.

Answer 47

I've always been a Windows user since birth and I'm interested to know more about Linux but can't find so much about it in layman terms. Please help me understand the difference between Windows and Linux. Thank you!

Answer 48

linux having no viruses and problems discovered for it.

Answer 49

The best way to find out is to try it. Run it in a virtualbox and experiment away.

Answer 50

Linax's is open source source.

Answer 51

Both are operating system

Answer 52

viwnvinad vinw windowns windows is microsoft and it is very guaod ok ok

Answer 53

just means bill gates gets no money from you as not using windows

Answer 54

linux has no viruses made yet.

Answer 55

Their name and a couple of other stuff

Answer 56

Mac is the answer

Answer 57

Like Paid or Free..........

Answer 58

Like Paid or Free..........

Answer 59

Like Paid or Free..........

Answer 60

Like Paid or Free..........

Answer 61

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G7TJyZPKPo

Answer 62

both are different os

Answer 63

they are from different vendors.

Answer 64

I