Research paper "Windows vs. Linux"

Anastasiia Chorna

English 11000

May 18, 2015

Windows vs. Linux

The evolution of technology has made us spend more and more time in front our computers and laptops. Developers all around the world create new programs and games almost every day, the content on web is multiplying with every second and our social lives on facebook and twitter don’t stop even for a moment. So then when we are buying our new laptops we usually don’t pay attention or not even remotely concerned about what operating system (OS) we get with it. By doing so we might miss on an opportunity to have our data more secure, laptop processing faster and of course, our pockets more full.

Yes, Microsoft Windows is a convenient OS that comes with most laptops, but there is another option that is not known to everyone and definitely worth the attention - Linux OS.

In order to better understand how Linux is different from any other operating system, it is crucial to get acquainted with the definition of “open source”. Open source software is software whose source code is available for modification or enhancement by anyone.(Andrew, 8) "Source code" is the code that can be compared to a heart of a program. It contains the part of software understood mostly by the computer programmers, who can manipulate it to change how a piece of software (a program or application) works. Amongst these kinds of programs, some names stand out for everyday users: Firefox, Openoffice, Gimp, Thunderbird, Chromium and some components of Opera.

Users give their preference to open source software because they have more control over it. They can examine the code to make sure it's not doing anything they don't want it to do, and they can change parts of it which they don't like.  "A system administrator can customize a Linux-based system and deploy that solution without worrying about licensing fees," says Red Hat spokesperson Melissa London. "The customer is not dependent on a supplier to build a more robust system. So open source fundamentally changes the rules of the game."(Bezanson, 64) Users who aren't programmers also benefit from open source software, because they can use this software for any purpose they wish - not merely the way someone else think they should.

Linux is an example of open source OS. Since everyone can change a source code of their copy, there are a lot of versions for any taste. Ubuntu is the most popular among regular users, as are also Mint, Red Heat etc.; they differ in their look, content and functionality. Having such a variety of choices allows anyone to find the version closest to their taste. On the other hand, Windows is a closed source OS, which means  its source code cannot be modified by anyone but the person, team, or organization who created it and maintains exclusive control over it.(Economides, 1057) This means that if user has some security or stability issues - which are the problems that every Windows user has faced - he/she has to notify Microsoft and although they are solving the problem, the user still has to initially deal with it.  Since Windows is the most widely used OS, hackers and spammers target it frequently. In order to address issues that arise from this, Microsoft releases security patches through its Windows Update service approximately once a month, although critical updates are made available at shorter intervals when necessary. 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.(Peeling, 21)

On the other hand, Linux is very stable and more secure than Windows.  Linux is developed and improved not only by company producer,  but also by a large community of independent developers and users all around the world.  The problem simply has to be posted on one of their forums and it will be solved in a matter of few hours at most and necessary patch will be ready at the same time. Having access to a source code, it is easy for developers to detect weaknesses in codes that are being attacked and treat it accordingly.  That is why from 40 viruses that have been registered for Linux none are being actively spread or even functioning nowadays.(Peeling 21)

Protection from viruses has always been a very hot button issue since a creation of a personal computer. However, dangers from the outside - such as viruses - are not the only ones to be aware of. A simple malfunction, like an unexpected shutdown or a delay in performance can threaten the safety of data and lower the efficiency of work performed on it. That is why another important factor to be considered when choosing an operational system is reliability. It is one of the strongest suits for Linux. The most infamous issue users have had with Windows is its need to stop whatever is being performed and restart the machine. Linux doesn’t have this problem. It can be run without the need to be restarted for months. Furthemore, in order to solve problems with their OS, Windows users have to download patches - pieces of program - designed to fix particular issues with software. On the other hand Microsoft keeps developing new versions of Windows, which automatically have those problems solved. However, after moving to a new version, users have to buy new programs and reinstall data in order to keep up with constant tuning of Windows.

Alternatively, Linux releases its updates as one package, meaning that after updating the system, users don’t have to worry about installing and reinstalling various pieces of software. Moreover, Linux doesn’t make changes in users OS: it improves it, but unless the user desires, it does not make automatic changes in its configurations. This way updates are less harmful for everyday user and don’t require extra time on learning how to operate it.

Ironically, ease of use is considered Windows’ strongest suit. However, this category is very much dependant on a personal preference. Linux is a comfortable and easy to use platform after little  time spent on understanding how it works. Windows, on the other hand, is  more easy for new users, since it was created the way that the user would basically has to turn it on and without any extra thinking do his work. Along with that, it might be harder for seasoned Windows user switch to Linux, since they have already developed particular habits, that would be hard to eradicate. In their defense, it is very difficult and sometimes intimidating to move away from the system where all the choices are made for you to the one where your have a freedom to decide how your OS is going to look and work. Nonetheless, Linux has a big variety of distribution which comes from different companies,(Horowitz, 1) giving users the chance to choose the system most comfortable for them, rather than for the majority of the population.

Considering all of aforementioned factors, it is a matter of finances that actually plays the biggest role in our decision making. According to Microsoft's official website the cost of Windows OS version 8.1 is $119.99, where the same version with better data security and an ability to connect to corporate network costs $199.99 and for students the price is lowered to $69.99. It is important to mention here that Microsoft Office doesn’t come together with Windows OS, it has to be purchased separately for $139.99 as one purchase or $6.99 per month. Furthemore, if you want to watch movies, you have to buy media player, if you want to edit photos you have to buy Adobe Photoshop and so on. Most often than not when buying laptop or personal computer users receive Windows installed with it. This doesn’t mean they’ve received it for free. In those cases the price of Microsoft products have been already added to the original price of laptop or computer, which if purchased without Windows would have cost less.

On the other hand Linux is free. Software for Linux is free as well. Of course there are payed versions, mostly for corporate users, however it is not necessary to invest a penny in order to successfully use it. Moreover, there are a big variety of software that performs the same functions as Microsoft Office pack with no cost, as well as programs for audio and video that come in a great variety, where most of them are free as well.

In a competition of price, reliability and security Linux comes first. When comparing them at the ease of use, it is a tie. However some might claim Windows might be perceived as more intuitive. Knowing all of this, it is important to make a decision which is right for you and sometimes not going with mainstream conception might just leave you in a better state. Food for thought: the fastest computers in the world work on Linux.

Work Cited

Andrew M. St. Laurent. Understanding Open Source and Free Software Licensing. Beijing: O'Reilly, 2004. Print.

Bezanson, David. "Title Bout: Linux Vs. Windows." Ziff Davis Smart Business For The New Economy 13.5 (2000): 64.Applied Science & Technology Source. Web. 17 May 2015.

Economides Nicholas, and Evangelos Katsamakas. "Two-Sided Competition Of Proprietary Vs. Open Source Technology Platforms And The Implications For The Software Industry." Management Science 52.7 (2006): 1057-1071. Business Source Complete. Web. 17 May 2015.

Horowitz, Michael. "Linux vs Windows (a Comparison)." Linux vs Windows (a Comparison), Apr. 2007. Web. 10 May 2015.

Peeling, Nic, Dr, and Julian Satchell, Dr. "Analysis of the Impact of Open Source Software." QinetiQ (2001): n. pag. Feature Driven Development. QinetiQ Ltd, Oct. 2001. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.

Annotated Bibliography

Andrew M. St. Laurent. Understanding Open Source and Free Software Licensing. Beijing: O'Reilly, 2004. Print.

This book is crucially important for my paper, since it provided me with general understanding of open source software. In the first chapter the author explains the term of open source and source code in contrast to proprietary software, as well as exploring advantages of the first one.

Bezanson, David. "Title Bout: Linux Vs. Windows." Ziff Davis Smart Business For The New Economy 13.5 (2000): 64.Applied Science & Technology Source. Web. 17 May 2015.

In his article David Benzan explores the potential of Linux on an example of one of its most famous versions: Red Hat. Here he is talking about some of the advantages of Red Hat over Windows and the use of open source software by system administrators.

Economides Nicholas, and Evangelos Katsamakas. "Two-Sided Competition Of Proprietary Vs. Open Source Technology Platforms And The Implications For The Software Industry." Management Science 52.7 (2006): 1057-1071. Business Source Complete. Web. 17 May 2015.

This article explores the difference between open source and proprietary software, giving more explicit explanation for the second one. Here authors pay more attention to the meaning of both types of software from economic standpoint, going deeper into the advantages which potential customers receive choosing one or another and how it benefits either of the platforms in taking their place in the growing market.