Windows XP vs. Linux
By comp3820
For years, Microsoft’s Windows operating system (OS) has ruled the personal computer market. Several other OSs have always been available, such as Apple’s OS, the Unix OS, and Linux. Linux itself is a mix of many different versions, or distributions (distros), based on essentially the same core.
As of 2009, Windows held 90% of the market, with Apple’s OS X at 9%, and all distros of Linux combined at 1% of the market. The most popular version of Linux, Ubuntu, is about 30% of the Linux corner of the market.
For a long time, Linux users have steadfastly held to their operating system, and declared it better than Microsoft Windows XP. They claim that the Linux OS is more stable, faster, free, and secure. Windows has hardly bothered to answer the claims itself, but Windows users have declared that XP is faster and more stable than Linux.
To decide which OS is better, we have to choose what aspects of the OS we are looking at. The common ground of argument usually centers on security, speed, and stability. Other factors to look at are compatibility and user-friendliness.
1. Security
The longest-held and best argument of lInux users is that Linux is more secure than Windows XP (and all versions of Windows for that matter). This argument stems from the fact that viruses commonly affect Windows computers, and Linux has very few itself. In fact, virus protection programs are very rare for Linux computers, while they are a must with windows computers. In my opinion, this is a valid claim by Linux users, and a point in their favor.
Besides the fact that few viruses are written for Linux, there are still points of the OS that guard against them. For instance, the Linux user is never automatically logged on as “root” or administrator. They have to enter their password to make any dangerous changes to their computers. On Windows, the default user is always the Administrator, which plays nicely into the hands of viruses that can edit the system files without the user’s permission.
There is also a permissions system on Linux that does not allow a program to run unless it has been specially allowed by the user. This is to guard against intrustions by files that run like a .exe file, which is a file type on Windows that can harbor many dangerous viruses.
2. Speed
The latest version of Ubuntu, 10.04, claims to have faster startup and shutdown times than Windows. I've experienced this myself, although it seems to vary depending on the computer. Its users also claim that it is faster than windows as far as running programs is concerned. With a little bit of web research, it turns out that Linux is faster than Windows, although it uses more resources at system startup than Windows XP. The reason cited for the Linux OS being faster is that Linux uses memory more efficiently, making the most out of every MB you give it.
3. Stability
This argument can often go both ways. Windows XP has been around for a long time now, and many of the bugs have been worked out. The most common cause for a Windows crash is a driver issue, and you will most likely find an update on the internet for that particular driver. Linux is a different situation. With Linux, the core is solid, although what you do to the OS can have much worse affects than what you might get with a windows crash. For both systems, many bugs are found after an immediate release, and updates should be applied to both regularly. In Linux, there may be more bugs initially, but the source code, or plans, for the OS are open, so anyone can read them. That way, if there is a bug in Linux, it will probably be found quicker than a bug in Windows, because Windows does not release its source code, and they have to find the bugs themselves.
In the end, if you are not experienced with computers, XP will be more stable. Linux may be stable for basic services, but if you don’t know what you are doing, you can easily mess things up, as Linux isn’t as experienced at keeping you out of trouble as Windows is. However, if you know what you are doing, you may find that Linux is more stable for you.
4. Compatibility
As far as using programs that you are used to using on Windows, the vast majority will not work on Linux. Some of the more popular ones can be run through a program called WINE, that was made to do just that: run Windows programs. Right now, since Windows has 90% of the market cornered, you will have a hard time finding something that does not work on Windows, but many things will not work on Linux. The positive side of this is that most programs that do run on Linux are free, and easily downloadable through their “repositories,” or websites stocked with free programs. Also, many of these free programs are clones of popular Windows programs, although most people will agree that they aren’t as good. For instance, GIMP is a clone of Adobe Photoshop, and OpenOffice is a free office suite. These programs will almost always support Windows formats, while Windows Programs rarely support theirs.
5. User Friendliness
There is no doubt that most people today are much more used to Windows than Linux. However, if you compare the two OSs side by side, the usability is similar. There are different processes to run, different places to go, and different settings to adjust, but overall the Linux system is comparable to the Windows system as far as the basics are concerned. When it comes to the more complex settings, Linux often runs into compiling code and using the command line function, which, although used in Windows, is much less common.
Overall, Linux is faster and more secure, but Windows has a little more polish to it and is much more compatible in today’s world. If you are experienced, Linux is the OS that will let you customize to your heart’s content, but if you are new to computers and plan on doing a good number of things, you should stick to Windows. However, Linux will give any user the same experience as Windows when it comes to the basic internet, email, and word processing programs.
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"The reason cited for the Linux OS being faster is that Linux uses memory more efficiently, making the most out of every MB you give it."
Memory usage has little effect on the speed of the system. It may take slightly longer to load memory hungry programs into the RAM, but generally programmers try to optimize for speed by sticking more into the RAM to avoid slower access to the harddrive and having to spend more time recalculating things.
One advantage of GNU/Linux is that it generally uses less RAM than Windows. (Note: it properly should be called "GNU/Linux" rather than just "Linux" which is just the kernel. GNU started in 1984, long before Linux and there is more GNU software in a typical distro than the kernel.) Some heavy distros such as Ubuntu may use more memory than Windows XP, but that isn't a fair comparison because Windows XP was released in 2001. If you looked at distros back in 2001, they used far less memory than Windows XP. If you want to do a fair comparison, look at Windows Vista vs recent versions of Ubuntu, Mint, Mandriva or SUSE SLED--distros with rich desktop environments.
I have a mix of Win XP and Red Hat Linux computers in the network and have been extremely happy with Linux...Good Job
Windows is great to work upon. Linux is only for backup option having install on dual boot. You will realise it some day. I am using Linux since 4 years. Thanks
East or West, Linux is best for medium to large scale network where administering & security is the key.
But for single use, Windows is no way will be second choice in years for its simplicity and ease of use.
@directsaurabh: I've recently switched our family's main computer to Linux Mint 7, and I'm very impressed with the cleanliness and usability of it... I mean, if my family can use it without too much trouble, it can't be that hard to learn!
@KMST: The ease of use of Linux is improving daily (almost), as can be seen by my reply above. I agree, Windows seems more "user-friendly," and I think it is, in a way, but a lot of that is just our familiarity with everything that Windows has used for so many years.
I use Windows for development and gaming. Linux, for video converting, development (I make portable games), browsing internet, mail and usually to check suspicious flash drives.
You see there are literally hundreds of Gnu-linux systems out there still being supported with updates and help. Ubuntu is just one of them.
The issue of viruses, I haven't had one since 2005 before I decided to quit Windows altogether. The ones tested in Linux never made it out of the lab.
The issue of security, I don't know, ask any hacker if given 30 minutes to compromise a system, which one will they pick?
Price? We all know that answer.
Compatability? There are 70,000 programs in Linux from source and binary.
Speed? I got Gentoo. Nothing is faster. (Maybe Slackware, depends on the packages and configuration.)
One thing I will concede. Some peripheral devices like cameras, and wireless cards are difficult to use. You have to check the HCLs (Hardware Compatability Lists) before you buy.
Lol linux works better with windows hardware out of the box.
However, usually the mfg's sw is better than reverse engineered stuff.
great hub. Ubuntu for live, rock on!
I am made at Linux. I love that when I realized that Windows never RUN, it always CRAWLS.
i am a windows fan i can't wait for win 8 to come out
hubpages.com/profile/syedmn
I have to laugh when I look at those polls - Compare poll #1 and poll #2
Here's what probably happened:
Anyone who voted "I use Linux" on #1 voted that Linux was better on #2.
Anyone who voted "I have not used linux" on #1 voted that Windows was better than linux :)
Anyone who used Linux only a little voted that they were about the same.
This isn't necessarily the exact way it played out, but look at those numbers! The percentages are within 1% of each other! With over a hundred people voting, that couldn't really be a fluke, or could it?
What do you think? How did you vote?
I just wrote a review for Ubuntu myself and ran into this. I have to agree with you on many regards to this.
I suggest some interesting ideas in my review. Check it out, see what you think. Oh -- I wrote if for people who aren't too tech savvy so you might want to skip a few paragraphs here and there.
"zcat8 9 months ago
The biggest problem with XP is that Microsoft will not support it for much longer (assuming that you sill have support)"
Its supported till 2014 and uses less resources than Ubuntu even with nod32 running I've found!
I still love my Ubuntu linux
Why you need to freakin compare them when you know windows is good for personal computing and Linux mostly deals with professional computing. Although i personally prefer Linux but you cant deny sometimes windows goes on like in microsoft office as to open office or more better lets consider games. So you need to have Linux for sure no deny to it but ya you can use windows on virtualization and make the best use of both.
@ankit.en306: The comparison is for those of us who don't know or hold that opinion. To be honest, my opinion is exactly opposite of yours: Linux is fine for basics, but you need windows for professional work.
I dual boot into both Windows XP (SP3) and also Puppy Linux (431). Linux -- at least my version of it -- is WAY faster than Windows. I use Linux when all I want to do is browse the Web. But I use Windows when I need to use software that was built only for Windows. One thing I like about Windows, though... I never have to use the command line for anything; there's a graphical user interface for everything I want to do. I just wish that Windows wasn't such a resource hog.
What I don't miss from windows is the "blue screen" of death.
Ubuntu is easy for most people, it requires the least interaction, but if someone really wants to get their feet wet and really learn an operating system, then they should probably start with Linux from scratch. Pretty interesting operating system and I do love their options when it comes to the free firewalls.
The wonderful thing is that your operating system is free, your office software is free, your graphics (including 3d) is free, and I want to take the time to really thank the people with opensource and gnu and others who have really put a lot of time and effort in and have really worked hard to try to help mainstream ubuntu for every user, they do all of this for free and don't really get the accolades they deserve. I want to thank Linus also for he gave us this gift.
It doesn't matter how far end line users get Microsoft products, Linux and the Unix core are the most powerful OS ever created to satisfy an IT services environment.
Users are always happy with the "Friendly looking GUIs"
Great job on this hub! =D
And as we always say watching movies: "Is that windows???? NO, IS UNIX!!!"
Saludos.
Personally for me when it comes to information gathering or pentesting it's linux for almost all of it due to several customizations. I think both hold their place in the world and each serves a good purpose as I enjoy using both. I do agree with the user friendliness though people like simple GUI's to get the job done and not all of linux offers that kind of feature. Nice article either way.
The way I look at it, is the Linux is good for both the very basic, new computer user as well as the more advanced user. Windows is best for people who are somewhere in the middle.
I think Linux distros like Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora are good for someone of little experience because they generally tend to require very simple tasks from their PC. Media playing,simple word processing,IM, internet, etc. These are things that Linux distros tend to do very well, and in a user friendly manner.
Linux is great for the more experience user because it is so customizable. People with a high level of computer skills generally tend to have a specific vision of what they want in their OS. In this sense, Linux is great because they can choose which desktop environment or window manager they wish to use, as well as all of the small tweaks to make the distro fit their needs. Advanced PC users also seem to gravitate more toward distros like Gentoo and Arch, which are more complicated to setup but are the most customizable if you know what you are doing.
People who are in the middle, however, tend to be better off with Windows. They may want more advanced features than the basic user, but are not to the level where customization is something they need. Also, this level of user has most likely been using Windows for years, and may not wish to go through the learning curve of making the switch to Linux.
Linux is one of the best Operating systems.Thnk you man for making this hub i used Windows the most because it is user friendly and once i used UBUNTU i really dont know the varsion but it was impressive.
Now i am going to switch from Windows to Linux.
I heard that Linux is the best for WAN, is that true?
which games supports Linux?
I heard about Backtrack Linux can u tell me what is the use of that Linunx?
Thanx for making this hub its really full of Information Superlike this hub I m voting it up.
Thanx.
@matthewjason: I don't know anything about WAN and Linux. Backtrack Linux looks like a distro for "security professionals" who want to "test" their systems. It appears to be built around a hacker's environment, to make "security testing" more efficient.
@mgarrahan: That's a very interesting way of putting it, I kind of like it. Linux is simple for basics, but when it comes to more complicated matters, the learning curve goes up dramatically, so only advanced users are more comfortable.
Linux is awesome.. My prof always said, Linux is made for Engineers. I believed it after using.
I am a Windows guy, and always will be, tho I use Linux servers lol.
Nice hub. Linux rocks!
Nice hub. I feel Linux is definitely better than windows simply because it is a well written operating system. Everything is so organized as opposed to the haphazard coding of Windows. Also, Windows is prone to too many viruses, dll issues, fragmentation probs and what not.
I disagree that if you are new to computers you should stick to windows.
New users to linux say its difficult only because it is different to windows. Most people forget that they spent ages learning windows having "grown up on windows", however they expect to learn linux in a week or so.
@Joe Whyte: Since I've written the article, Linux has changed. Enough to say that you are probably right. Linux should be just as easy to learn for the basic user. However most people still use Windows, so if you need help from the guy next door (and you aren't technically advanced enough to trust yourself posting on linux help sites), you are better off with the more common OS.
But of course that's not Linux's problem, that's just life. Someday that arguement will work against Windows if Linux starts growing more.
Windows XP is better than linux . Windows XP provides good graphical user friendly interface
i use xp and ubuntu too, when i need to work with the adobe creative suite package, i use windows, because i use flash and after effects, but ubuntu is have more speed in the startup and navigating the web, intead of the windows firewall that slows mi connection
I like Puppy linux for web surfing better than Windows. However, I use Windows for other programs unavailable on Linux. I need Windows for a 3rd party program to transfer my music onto my iphone.
I've been using Linux for 10 years now as my only OS and I have found the positives out weigh any negatives.
1. Security is top notch. I can go to the worst site in the world with no fear. You don't have to be a geek to accomplish this.
2. Better file system organization. All your important files are in your home folder instead of scattered across the file system. Makes for easy backup.
3. I spend zero time maintaining the system due to poor operating system design. No defragging the file system or registry or cleaning out the registry. A whole industry has grown out bad design.
4. Linux has a smaller footprint giving me more space on disk. When you buy MS you get everything. For instance if you buy xp home, you get xp professional. You are simply locked out of the extra features. With Linux you get it all, no carrot dangling.
5. While Linux drivers are generic and you may not be able to control every little hardware feature, the drivers are part of the normal upgrade cycle. Window drivers from the manufacturers are rarely updated and only when they have to be. This adds another layer of security.
6. Software choice. Get what you need when you need it. Linux can play any type of video or audio. Some formats you have to buy on windows. You can run a small to medium sized business on Linux. Engineering - circuit design, CAD. etc.. The only downside is the advanced games available for windows and other software but that is going away with web apps. The bigger problem is finding it - available software is not always very descriptive as to what it can do.
7. Linux and it desktop variants are more productive and I find it easier to get around and more done faster.
8. I am not forced to buy another copy of MS if my hardware fails. I simple get a new laptop.
9. I can at will backup my movie and compact disk collection without jumping through hoops. On windows DRM is enforced forcing you to buy multiple copies of damaged cds and dvds.
Hey I paid for it and it's mine and no longer theirs. As owner, I should be able to do what I want with it.
10. This goes with #9. I refuse to be held hostage to be a perpetual revenue stream for products that are inferior or have built in obsolescence. MS has for years just enhance features of MS-DOS and has passed it off as an entirely new system to get top dollar. Then they drop support but in reality it cost them nothing to support the new OS. You see, it's all been the same under the GUI for years.
I can tell you flat out MS stole a page out of IBM's play book. MS has done an excellent job of keeping Linux out of the OEM market. And that is the key to MS's success. IBM played the same game back in the day. They lie, attack, and threaten and it's all based on fear.
I know because IBM came after me (twice) when I refused to recommend their product for a company I worked for. But I won the battle.
So next time you buy an MS product - understand where your money goes. It doesn't take much to make a good product. But it cost a ton to force products onto the market and keep them there.
i hate both OS because great OS is ME!!! ME!!!!
pumundo ka thunderPas!!!!
I must agree with joer4x4 on items 1 - 10. Windows has been 'skating' for years with minimally modified OS's that indeed "twist & tear" at MS-DOS ...which lessens security by creating every-increasing security "holes." (of course, there are few out there taking advantage of such things right? Yeah right, that's why MS users suffer while paying for packages such as McAfee to "protect" them from the 60,000+ viruses and such (Linux has around 40, all of them confined to labs and not-a-one online). Why should I pay for piss-poorly written applets or entire programs that, without fail, are FULL of security holes which take years to unkink. *Compare the number of updates made to MS machines as compared to "nix" favorites on a daily basis. Additionally, if Windows is "so hot" why in heck do nearly 100% of ISP's use UNIX and/or LINUX or Sun-Microsystems to keep everything running (after all, Windows makes servers too, but they suck and cannot do 1/100th of what a "good IT man" can perform using nothing but a "Command line" and years of experience! Okay ...that's my 2 cents worth. Y'all have a nice day, no matter your preferences!
I am using windows xp ...but I want to change to linux
It is just that I like testing evry new thing .
but this time am abit scared of linux.
maybe I should google HOW TO USE LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM.
then after I learn ..I hit it.
Hey Viola
Don't worry about installing anything to try linux - you can download the distro you want and burn it to a CD. When you boot with the CD in the drive, it will let you have the option of trying Linux without even installing it. It's called a Live CD, and it feels just like the real operating system, and doesn't change your current configuration.
Almost any linux distro will have this option on the CD, so feel free to try one out. My favorites are Linux Mint and Ubuntu.
I like Linux more because in almost every way it is better than Windows. The only downside is poor hardware reach. I have a widescreen monitor and my system is a bit low-end (and honestly old with Pentium 4 processor).
I faced numerous problems regarding support of widescreen monitor; it requires nvidia graphics card to show widescreen and I am not planning to buy one for this system that I might replace with a new one. Intel graphics drivers (even after lots forum-hopping and workarounds) didnt work at all in Ubuntu (after version 8.04) to show widescreen! Even small distros like Wolvix and Peppermint showed widescreen on my Intel card! I really loved Linux Mint 10 (my fav linux distro) but removed it eventually due to no widescreen support :(
No other distros except Ubuntu-based ones supported my USB modem for broadband internet. I had to use PPP for connecting that required lots of tinkering on my part to get connected while ubuntu-based did that in several clicks!
I understand that Linux devs have to reverse engineer proprietory drivers to bring them to linux users but if the source is open and shared then why some distros could run something and others could not?!
But if these problems are solved then no doubt Linux would be the best of all OS's.
I have grown up using GNU, etc., open-source software even on windoze and make some myself too. I would love to see linux grow and more free and open-source software released in the market to counter M$'s tyranny. I will try my best to contribute in it as well. I have planned to reinstall Linux Mint 10 on dual boot with my XP. :)
To use an automotive similie, you can think of them as two cars. The Linux one is made out of parts with a variety of paintjobs and looks like an erector set with all the holes available for adding bolt-on components. Most of the sharp edges have been filed down, but not all of them, so be careful. However the engine runs beautifully and one can easily get over 100 MPG out of it with a bit of tuning. Furthermore, it comes with not only a full service manual with instructions for tearing it down into bite-sized pieces and putting it back together again as whatever kind of vehicle you need, but also a full machine shop for making your own new or replacement parts. And all without sacrificing a single cubic inch of passenger or trunk space.
The Windows car is a shiny, sleek station wagon. Every visible inch is polished until it shines. There are no sharp edges anywhere in the design. The driver's door opens automatically when you walk up. The other doors have a convenient credit-card reader for payment of passenger license fees. The hood is glued shut for your safety. The hood release lever has a prominent warning sticker stating that attempting to open the hood is a felony punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. The engine rattles and bangs and blows black smoke as you drive down the street, but the mechanics at the shop assure that that is a normal part of the automotive aging process and you should just buy a new one if it starts to bother you.
Which car would you rather have?
I like it! Good analogy tilhonmey. Myself, I would give Windows a bit more credit, since most user's aren't going to notice that it's rattling and smoking, but they'll feel the slowdown as time goes on.
zcat8 2 years ago
The biggest problem with XP is that Microsoft will not support it for much longer (assuming that you sill have support). Both HP and Dell are offering entry level laptops pre-installed with Linux. Hopefully new users will find these new laptops easy to use.