Abstract
The research topic to be addressed in this project is the comparison between Microsoft and Linux operating systems. The project will provide a background of each of the two operating systems. The project will also discuss the differences and similarities between the two operating systems. Generally, Linux provides its users with an excellent level of flexibility, unlike the level of flexibility offered by Microsoft, on the other hand. Additionally, the two operating systems can accommodate virtual desktop features.
Introduction
There are a variety of operating systems in the modern world, with the most significant systems being Microsoft Windows and Linux. Current studies show that Microsoft is the most used operating system currently, but Linux, on the other hand, dominates explicitly within the fields of supercomputers and servers. It is essential to understand that since the invention of computers, there has been an ongoing debate when it comes to the comparison between Microsoft and Linux (Sulaiman & Raffi, 2021). Despite comparing the two operating systems, it is also worth noting that the two are entirely different. Therefore, this paper provides a comparison between the two operating systems based on different aspects.
Background
Before providing a comparison between the two operating systems, it is essential first to understand their backgrounds. Microsoft was initially the dominating operating system before the invention of Linux. The critical area where this operating system has mostly been dominating is within the mobile industry. The increased popularity of Microsoft was attributed to different factors, including how many people were already aware of how the system could be used. Another critical reason that contributed to its popularity is mainly because of how it is user-oriented.
The development of Linux, on the other hand, was primarily based on the proprietary operating system named Unix. Therefore, the main intention for developing the Linux operating system was to act as a replacement for Unix. It is always recommendable for Linux users to install console commands whenever using this operating system. However, it is worth noting that program developers have a challenge in using Linux in their activities mainly because of its limited distribution. There is also limited compatibility associated with Linux, making it challenging for program developers to use the system.
Discussion
Source code access
One of the most significant aspects that can be used in comparing Microsoft and Linux is primarily the source code access. First, it is crucial to understand that the users of the Linux operating system are generally provided with the ability to access and modify the code. The most significant reason the users are allowed with such permissions is primarily that Linux is generally part of the GNU Public License. However, Microsoft, on the other hand, does not allow its users to access the code. For Microsoft users, one of the impossible things to do is access the code only for the few special people who could have been categorized as the elite (Awan & Khan, 2022). That results in a contradicting argument as some individuals believe that the users should be provided with the ability to access the code rather than leaving those powers to the company`s employees, who sometimes may have malicious intentions. Other individuals argue that leaving the same powers to the users could end up affecting the normal functioning of the operating systems; hence those powers should be left in the hands of the experts.
License
Another critical aspect that can be used in comparing Microsoft and Linux is the licenses. It is essential to understand that despite the issue of licenses in the computer industry being wide, some specific aspects can be used in differentiating the two operating systems. First, the GPL is generally responsible for licensing Linux and provides the users with the ability to access and altering with the software. It is also important to understand that the license issued to Linux allows the system`s users to install the Linux application on other computers. However, the license issued to Microsoft, on the other hand, only allows its users to do some of those activities. That primarily reduces the number of activities that Microsoft users can engage with the software compared to Linux users, on the other hand.
Hardware support
The issue of hardware support is generally part of the key aspects that can be used in comparing Microsoft and Linux. Despite the issue of hardware support slowly becoming irrelevant within the operating systems, it is also important to understand that the issue still exists in the Linux operating system. That relates to the number of challenges that the majority of laptop users have to encounter while installing suspend. It is important to understand that Microsoft, on the other hand, supports nearly all hardware available. However, it is worth noting that installing such hardware within Microsoft can be a challenging task, especially when the users are required to use specific drivers supporting the hardware. At the same time, Microsoft generally allows users to choose hardware by themselves as long as they can locate the best drivers for the same hardware.
Command line
The command line is another key aspect that can be used to compare Microsoft and Linux. When it comes to administration purposes, it is important to understand that Linux cannot replace the command line. Despite other operating systems trying to have their command lines, it is worth noting that there is no other system that has been able to offer similar command line similar to that offered by Linux. Anyone who has already used the command line for administration purposes must acknowledge the value associated with those command lines. The receiver, in most cases, never experiences the value of the command line as they could have used Linux for many years but have yet to have an opportunity of accessing the command line (Hasnain & Rafi, 2019). On the contrary, Microsoft offers its users limited freedom regarding the command line aspect. Despite Microsoft users having the ability to use the command line, it is important to understand that their experiences of using the command line are generally low compared to the same experiences by Linux users.
Application installation
The issue of application installation sounds complicated, but it is important to understand that it is among the key aspects that can be used in comparing Microsoft and Linux. Linux generally provides its users with a centralized location where they can search for anything. On the other hand, Microsoft does not provide its users with a centralized location that they can use for searching purposes. Initially, one would experience challenges while installing Linux compared to doing the same activities on Microsoft. However, the centralized location has turned everything around, as Linux is now considered simpler to install compared to Microsoft.
Flexibility
Flexibility is also another critical aspect that can be used in comparing Microsoft and Linux. First, it is important to understand that Linux is generally associated with much flexibility, which primarily includes providing its users with the freedom to do whatever they intend with the system. On the other hand, Microsoft provides its users with less flexibility as they can only do the ones prescribed by the company. That includes desktop users who are required to use another application to install Microsoft, unlike Linux users who have the right to install whatever they intend.
Similarities
Despite the many differences between the two operating systems, it is also important to understand that they still have some distinct similarities. One of them includes how both systems accommodate virtual desktop features. That generally provides the users with the ability to maximize organization while minimizing clutter. The support issue is generally part of the key similarities between the two operating systems. First, it is important to understand that Linux users can seek support from various companies offering the service. At the same time, Microsoft users can also access the system for various forums that can still offer the users the required level of support.
Conclusion
Both Microsoft and Linux are generally part of the most significant operating systems globally. However, it is important to understand that the complexities associated with Linux are key reasons many people turn their backs on it. There are a variety of differences associated with both operating systems, with Linux offering users more flexibility compared to the level of flexibility offered to Microsoft users. Additionally, both operating systems still have key similarities, including both of them having the ability to accommodate virtual desktop features.
References
Awan, M. T., & Khan, K. (2022). Linux vs. Windows: A Comparison of Two Widely Used Platforms. Journal of Computer Science and Technology Studies, 4(1), 41-53.
Hasnain, S. G. M., & Rafi, F. A. (2019). Windows, Linux, Mac Operating System and Decision Making. International Journal of Computer Applications, 975, 8887.
Sulaiman, N. S., & Raffi, A. S. H. A. (2021). Comparison of operating system performance between Windows 10 and Linux Mint. International Journal of Synergy in Engineering and Technology, 2(1), 92-102.
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