LINUX vs WINDOWS

OPEN SOURCE

The major difference between Linux and Windows is the open-source nature of Linux and closed-source nature of Windows. Linux, as an open-source OS, can be modified by the user as he/ she sees fit. Open source really means that anyone can modify the underlying code, and that no one completely owns it. Microsoft Windows, on the other hand, is not an operating system you can modify easily - it was designed to work a particular way with a certain user interface as designated by Microsoft software engineers.

The consequences of Linux being an open-source OS are many. Because you can modify the code, and because there are many user interfaces out there (GUIs), there are usually compatibility issues with various software applications. Some software may be designed to work with multiple Linux GUIs, while others many only be able to work with a few, or just one. Also, the open-source operating system demands that the user know how to work with and modify the program - a task that is usually very difficult for the average computer user familiar with Windows. Even the installation of Linux can be a chore if you are not familiar with Linux terminology.

COST

The problem with moving to newer versions of Windows is primarily the cost. These operating systems will almost certainly require you to purchase new, more powerful hardware to run them, and new software licenses as well. Since the changes to the operating system are significant, the upgrade is actually more like a wholesale migration.

Given the likely cost and work involved in moving to a new Windows platform, it's certainly worth considering other options that may be available.

The most obvious alternative to consider is Linux. That's because it runs on the same hardware as Windows, and because it requires far less processing power, it's almost certain that existing Windows boxes will be able to run Linux without requiring costly hardware upgrades. And since Linux requires no client access licenses, there are no extra fees to pay as your organization expands

SECURITY

Many of these problems simply do not apply to Linux. It is arguable that Linux is an inherently more secure operating system than any of the Windows versions, but leaving that question to one side it is certainly true that there are far fewer Linux security vulnerabilities highlighted in a given period than there are for Windows.

More importantly, Linux is open source software, so security is achieved by transparency: Everyone can see and check the underlying code, and any vulnerabilities that do come to light can immediately be dealt with by the global open source software community as a whole. Patches are therefore typically produced in a matter of days—sometimes in just a few hours. And whereas viruses and worms that target Windows platforms abound on the Internet, malicious code of these sorts that affects Linux is rarely seen. Although patching Linux systems also has an impact on productivity, patching is less frequent, and Linux systems don not require reboots for patches to take effect (unless the Linux kernel itself is updated).

RELIABILITY

Reliability is also an important point to consider, and Linux is well-known for its stability. This stems from the architecture of the operating system as a whole. The Linux kernel was specifically designed to keep each application component, and the kernel itself, as isolated as possible so that in the event that a particular application terminates unexpectedly, it has no effect on other applications or the operating system as a whole. As a result, servers can be expected to run continuously for months or years rather than days, and reboots to restore performance to machines that have slowed after application crashes are almost unheard of.

This compares extremely favorably with Windows servers, which normally require booting frequently, either due to unexpected application terminations, or as a result of patches. Linux systems generally require rebooting only after a bad software download, or if a critical piece of hardware fails. And when a Linux system does crash badly, the Linux kernel can usually be rebooted from a floppy quickly with little loss of functionality. A Windows system, by contrast, will often have to be reinstalled from CD—usually with total loss of functionality.

PROPRIETARY vs OPEN SOURCE

A number of other benefits that stem from the open source nature of Linux. Whereas the Windows license covers the operating system only, most Linux distributions include a large library of extra tools, utilities and other software including the Apache Web server, MySQL database, Samba (for file and print services) and the GNU compiler. In the Windows world, you would have to purchase equivalent products separately. And since Linux source code is readily available, Linux applications can be customized or tailored either in-house or by consultants whenever required.

SUPPORT

Finally, a common misconception about Linux is that whereas Microsoft "owns" Windows and can therefore support it, organizations using open source software have nowhere to turn to for professional support. In fact, many organizations—from Linux distributors to independent companies—support Linux implementations, and, as mentioned earlier, the TCO of Linux ownership— including support, is lower than with Windows.

Linux may not be suitable for all organizations, and other, more costly options such as UNIX also exist. But any organization running Windows—especially Windows NT—would be wise to evaluate Linux before committing themselves to another round of Windows upgrades.