Download Linux Vs Windows

LINUX VS WINDOWS
Linux Vs Windows
Comparison between platforms and applications
CONTENTS:
Introduction to Open Source and Proprietary platforms and applications.
Server side, Client side uses and their interaction.
Comparison on Linux and Windows based on different factors.
Analysis of Investment Incentives and their role on both platforms.
Conclusion
Open Source and Proprietary
OPEN SOURCE
Software Distributed Under GNU GPL(General Public License)
Run the program for any general purpose
Study, modify and/or improve the program to suit personal
needs. Access source codes are needed prior to such action.
Redistribute copies of program to the public at no cost.
PROPRIETARY
Proprietary implies that both platform and the software providers
decides cost.
Both platform developer and application developer keep cost
independent of each other
Redistribution not allowed and it is against the policies.
Client and Server side
CLIENT SIDE
Growth at client side is much less for Linux when compared
to that of windows. One of the reasons that contribute to this is
level of applications available, problems of drivers. These
factors will get eliminated in course of time.

Switching costs from the dominant Windows operating
system make it difficult for the Linux market-share to grow
fast. Much depends on the relative availability of applications
for Windows vs. Linux and the switching costs from the
Windows ecosystem to the Linux ecosystem.

Client and Server side
SERVER SIDE
The migration from Windows environments to Linux is more
costly than the migration from Unix to Linux, since Linux is a Unixlike operating system. Therefore a significant switching cost is
protecting Windows. Both Windows and Linux are currently
gaining market share at the expense of proprietary Unix systems
(including the Sun versions of Unix), which tend
to be closed and expensive running on expensive hardware.

The Linux ecosystem is developing fast in terms of number,
variety and quality of applications and availability of support and
other complementary services. However, it is expected that firms
that offer competing proprietary solutions will respond in a variety
of ways, including the reduction of prices and higher investment in
their products.

VERSIONS
Linux
Linux has different versions,
depending on which vendor develops
and runs it. Linux vendors include:
Linspire, Red H Linspire, Red Hat,
SuSE, Ubuntu, Mandriva, Knoppix,
Slackware, Caldera, Debian

Windows
Windows has different versions. It
started with Win3.x, Win9x, Win ME,
Win NT, Win2000, Win XP. It is a
proprietary software produced by
Microsoft.

COST
Linux
Windows
Cost
Cost
Linux is cheap or free to run. It can be  Windows is expensive to run. The price
downloaded from various Linux vendors. to purchase a full version of Windows XP
Professional is Rs5400/-.
 Only one copy of Windows may be used
 Linux may run off a server so
on a computer. Activation with Microsoft is
numerous computers may have access
needed.
to the program.

Linux is an open source software.
Source codes are freely distributed to
the public, of which programmers had
reviewed to improve performance,
eliminate bugs and strengthen security.

Windows is a proprietary closed source
software. Codes are not released to the
public.

OS STABILTY
Windows
Linux
STABILITY
STABILITY
General
stability :Windows variants
based on the NT kernel (Windows NT,
2000, XP, 2003, Vista) are considered
stable. Earlier versions (95, 98, 98 SE,
ME) were not.
Device driver stability :Device drivers
are provided by Microsoft or written by
the hardware manufacturer. Microsoft
also runs a Certification program.
Recovery Some programs that crash
may be closed through the task
manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del or
through the command line in
professional versions of Windows.
Reboots are sometimes required.
Inherited
the stability of UNIX;
acknowledged to be stable
Are often reverse engineered to work for
Linux. Some vendors (such as ATI, nVidia
and others) now contribute to opensource drivers or provide closed-source
drivers. Specifically designed server lines
exist.
All processes except for init may be
terminated from the command line. In
KDE applications can be closed using
Ctrl+Alt+Esc or by KSystemGuard by
pressing Ctrl+Esc. SysRQ allows lowlevel system manipulation and crash
recovery if configured. Reboots are
seldom required.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Linux
Windows
Technical Support
Technical Support
As source codes are easily
accessible, solving technical
problems are effective and efficient.
 Linux users rely on installation
guides, or Linux forums to receive
advice and suggestions from other
users on technical problems. Very
few businesses have trained staff to
solve Linux bugs.

Proprietary software requires
technicians to rely on Microsoft for
technical information to fix bugs and
problems.
 Numerous businesses have on site
technicians that are Microsoft Certified
Professionals.

GUI STANDARD
NEED FOR STANDARDISATION
A well standardized GUI for every application found in this
platform makes it more user friendly Interface.
Linux is a kernel, an operating system—not a complete
operating environment in the sense that Windows is a
complete operating environment. The tradeoff is one of
choice.
Windows has a single interface (true, there are variations
between versions, but those are largely transparent to
users).
In contrast, Linux has no built-in GUI interface. Users are
free to choose among many commercially available or free
GUI X-Window interfaces, such as Gnome, KDE, and Motif,
each of which provides a different look and feel.

INVESTMENT INCENTIVES
PROPRIETARY
When a platform (like Windows) is proprietary, only the vendor can/will invest
in its innovation. No one else will derive financial benefit (or reputational
benefit) from doing so. So, the product is as good (or bad) as the proprietary
vendor makes it.
OPEN SOURCE
With an open source platform, the users of the system may have strong
reputational incentives to develop it, potentially leading to much higher levels
of involvement and innovation than any one company can generate. But, as
the authors suggest, this finding is ambiguous, because the platform may not
offer the reputational benefits.
FURTHER MORE DIFFERENTIATION FACTORS
Much more factors can be taken care of which can help more in distinguishing
them. They can be:
Hard Disk Partitions
Networking
Running from CD
Clustering
Viruses and Spyware
Users and Passwords
File Systems
Hidden Files
Swap Files
File Hierarchy
Hardware the OS Runs On
Getting the
Operating
System
Application Software Installation
Shutting Down
Obtaining Application Software
Software Restrictions
Scripting
Multiple Users
Conclusion
The directions taken ,may it be proprietary or
open source can help us build a better
understanding of the concepts of what “The
Requirement” is all about.

There is a large psychological effect on the
common users in the way they want things to
happen using the operating system.

Cost and the ease of use will remain as big
time factors.

References
•
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html
•
http://www.linux.org/
•
http://www.linuxtoday.com/
•
http://www.microsoft.com
•
Linux vs. Windows
http://www.michaelhorowitz.com/Linux.vs.Windows.html
•
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux
•
A comparison of application and platform innovation incentives for open source and
proprietary software platforms-Nicholas Economides and Evangelos Katsamakas
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