Windows Vs Linux

Ok people, this is the computer bit of this blog, and I picked a major subject: Windows Vs Linux. I will try to present as many facts as possible with the pros and cons of both. Though, those of you that know me will already know the Outcome. :)

WINDOWS

Let's start out with the one that everyone knows: Windows. Some facts:

1. Windows (in any form) is used in 90% of computers out there. Look here.
2. Because of the above fact, a majority of programs are exclusive or WinX compatible.
3. Almost any computer you buy will have some sort of Windows.
4. Because of the above facts, most people have only known Windows and nothing else.

Windows releases major overhauls to the OS every few years. Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and now Windows 7. With each OS, they release "Service Packs" to patch problems and update features. Windows XP had 3 Service Packs in it's whole supported run.

When it comes to software, most all popular programs run on it. Photoshop, Premier, Pro Tools, any major video games. You name it, chances are it's on Windows. Thus, if you need anything, you will find it. Same goes for hardware. Look at any hard drive, disc drive, USB drive, all will say "Windows Compatible".

All this makes for extreme ease of use of Windows and whatever else you need to use it for. But, there is also a downside. A lot of them, really. Let's take a look at these:

1. Money. Every new OS or upgrade is upwards of $100+. Win 7 is $199 new.
2. Some of the best programs out there are expensive. Photoshop is $1000.
3. Because of the fact that Windows is in 90% of computers, most all virus, spyware and malware are written for it.
4. Because Windows has so much hardware/software compatible with it, conflicts happen, such as the dreaded "Blue Screen of Death".
5. Because Windows is owned by just one entity (Microsoft), you get one version and that's it (not counting its different versions, like Windows 7 Home, Ultimate, Professional, etc).
6. Windows is a resource hog. Vista was particularly notorious.

LINUX

Next up is Linux. Back in the day, the name would conjure up hackers slaving over command line. Nowadays, it is finally a viable alternative to Windows. It is easy to use if you wish to do so, or it can be a powerful tool if you learn just a little bit more. A few facts:

1. Linux is only in about 4% of all computers (see above link).
2. Linux is "open source", which means that not one entity owns or controls it. Whoever wants to develop it may do so.
3. Linux is not one system, but the core for many distributions (distros). This is because of the above fact. If you know how to develop and code, you can use the core to make your own Operating System.
4. There are more than 100+ Linux OSs out there. Here is the current Top 100.

Unlike Windows (which releases new versions of its OS every few years, systems like Ubuntu, Mint, etc, release new versions every 6 months. Instead of releasing "service packs" every few months or years to patch or update software, updates are released once a week or more. Unfortunately, since Linux is open source and no one "owns" it (which means it and most of its software is FREE), companies and developers will not make software, hardware compatibility for it since there won't be a payoff. Thus, most of the support needed is provided free by hardcore Linux supporters. So, if you need to run Windows-specific programs, you cannot without a Windows emulator. Hardware is also iffy.

Despite all the negative downsides, there are many more pros that eliminate most of the negatives:

1. Like mentioned above, Linux is free. The OS and software you can download from within it are all free.
2. Since Linux is only in 4% of all computers, virus writers ignore it and write for Windows.
3. Linux is secure. Nothing can install, remove, or do anything unless you input your password.
4. There are Linux versions of all the popular software out there. GIMP for Photoshop, Open Office for MS Office (which uses all MSO files like txt and doc), Firefox for IE.
5. Choice. You don't have to just get one OS and that's it. There are so many to fit your tastes. 100+ to choose from.
6. Linux now looks and behaves like Windows so anyone can make a pretty seamless transition with just a little help.

Even the desktop itself is super customizable. Lets take a look at Windows 7.

Lets look at Linux Ubuntu and Mint.

So those are almost like the basic desktops. You can see that Ubuntu also has a Mac-like dock on the bottom. That is a feature you can add on. You can even do effects like rotate the desktop.

And there are even versions that run off a USB drive. You just put it in a USB slot, reboot and you have an OS right there. Damn Small Linux (DSL) is just 50MB and runs off the RAM on your computer. Yet look at the desktop.
Uses for a USB OS like this? Say your Windows gets a nasty virus that won't even let you boot up. Windows just never loads. What do you do? Take it to a shop and spend $100 or more getting it fixed or Windows reinstalled? No, you pop this in, reboot, and when it starts, run an anti-virus to clean out your hard drive. Restart Windows and viola! It's back.

Personally, I have been using Ubuntu for more than 2 years, dual-booting (choosing between Windows and Linux) and rarely went back to Windows. All my computers have a version of Linux. I have installed and sold Linux computers to friends and they have told me they will never go back to Windows. I have to agree with them.

VERDICT: Each have their uses, but Linux wins out both in use as a Swiss Army Knife and value.