Windows and Linux Operating System in the Enterprise - Term Paper Example

Windows vs Linux Operating System in the Enterprise Introduction Microsoft Windows represents a family of Microsoft’s operatingsystems that are designed for personal computers. Windows have dominated personal computers market over the last decades (since its introduction) by enjoying over 90% of the market shares. The remaining 10% of personal computers market is shared between Mac and Linux operating systems. Microsoft Windows plays a significant role in the provision of GUI (Graphical User Interface), multitasking, multiple peripheral devices support, and virtual memory management. Although windows and Linux are the most commonly used operating systems, they have their strengths and limitations that range from security threats to minimum requirements. Windows Operating System The idea of developing Windows was first announced by Microsoft Inc. in 1983. The Microsoft windows that were a GUI (graphical user interface) targeted Microsofts operating system (MS-DOS). The Microsoft windows product line has since changed from a simple GUI to the integrated and modern operating system to form two family operating designs; each characterized by its own default filing system and codebases (Bradford & Mauget, 2002). The introduction of Windows operating system with the Microsoft’s operating environment officially occurred in 1985. This was a response to the fast growing interest and demand for graphical user interfaces (GUI). Microsoft Windows took over the market command and dominance from Mac OS that had been in the market since 1984 (Carswell, Jiang, & Freese, 2012). Since their introduction, Windows have been improving and adding new features that are critical in enhancing its effectiveness and applicability with a range of computerized devices. As at 2013, Microsoft Inc. had designed different windows for smart-phone, personal computers, embedded devices, and server computers (Baccas, & Finisterre, 2008). Some of these recent versions of the windows include Windows Phone 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Embedded 8, and Windows Server 2012 R2 for the above devices respectively (Carswell, Jiang, & Freese, 2012). The 3.x and 4.x windows family developed by Microsoft include Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1x, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME (Carpenter, 2012). Linux Operating Systems Linux is an Operating System (OS) that is Unix-like and uses the popular Linux Kernel. Although started as a personal computer system that targeted individual users, Linux has since grown to become one of the popular OS that is preferred by a number of large corporations including HP, IBM, and Sun Microsystems (Gancarz, 2003). This operating system is today used by large companies as their server operating system through desktop enterprise version. Linux OS is the only open-source development system whose source code is freely available for any user. Linux can be used as an alternative or substitute to other ineffective operating systems such as Mac OS, Solaris, MS-DOS, Windows, among others (Bradford & Mauget, 2002). Linux is just but, an interface between the program and the server/computer hardware. The origin of Linux is traced back by 1991 following a personal project of Linus Torvalds, a Finnish student. Linus main objective was to create a free OS kernel that would serve the growing demand for operating systems. The release of Linuxs initial source code took place in 1991, and since then, the OS has developed from the small and simple C files (with prohibited commercial distribution) to the large and more complex 3.10 version that was launched in 2013 (Foley, 2010). The 3.10 version (unlike the earlier OS versions) has over sixteen million source code lines licensed under the GNU. Linux was therefore, an improved version of the MINIX which was not a free Unix-like operating system. Linus, Torvalds started developing Linux operating system by designing the hard-drive access and device drivers, hence version 0.01 Linux Kernel. It was this first kernel version that was combined with GNU system to generate a totally free operating system, Linux (Vivek & Anand, 2012). Linux Vs Windows: The Pros and Cons The two operating systems have dominated the OS market and have also been the subject of debate since their introduction in the market. The most popular distributions of the two operating systems include Ubuntu 12.04 and Windows 7. The pros and cons of the two operating systems are as discussed below: Bundled Software Windows (Windows 7) is by default having relatively minimal set of software with only the basic features such as spreadsheet and word processor while lacking software presentation. Therefore, the user of the Windows has to separately purchase and install MS Office suite. These basic features should be bundled together with the Windows operating systems to avoid extra purchasing and installation costs. Linux (Ubuntu 12.04), on the other hand, comes in a complete set suited with LibreOffice (Equivalence of Microsoft Office) when already pre-installed in the OS. In addition, Ubuntu 12.04 Linux OS package is suited with image editing feature called F-spot and the Empathy program for instant messaging of clients through Facebook, Yahoo, VOIP, MSN, and G-Talk chat provisions (Gancarz, 2003). Drivers Linux has the advantage over Windows because it has built-in drivers that give it the ability to automatically download and install programs. Some of these built-in drivers include webcam, Ethernet Card, Printer and Scanner, and Wi-Fi. On the contrary, the completion of fresh Windows 7 installation acks these built-in drivers;hence, additional effort and investment must be incurred to acquire these drivers (Carswell, Jiang, & Freese, 2012). Unlike Windows, with Linux, it is unnecessary to manually download the drivers. In addition, Linux has an advantage over Windows given its ability to automatically download proprietary drivers like ATI and Nvidia. Media and Third Party Software Installation Windows come with special Window media player that lacks the codecs such as important movies and videos that must require Xvid codecs to watch or view. Therefore, for a Window media player to be meaningful and fully functional, a codec pack must be downloaded and installed (Gancarz, 2003). Unlike Windows, Ubuntu (Linux) operating systems are bundled with media player, but codecs must also be downloaded to ease media player operations (McCune, 2001). However, under both circumstances, it is easy to watch or view videos by simple installation of VLC media player. In regard to third party software installation, it has been established that fewer steps or procedure are required during software installation in Linux (Ubuntu 12.04). This is aided by a utility feature referred to as the Ubuntu software centre. However, for a computer that lack internet access, software installation is simpler in Windows than Linux. Minimum Requirements The installation of Windows (7) at least requires 1000 Mhz processor having a 1GB RAM capacity. Linux (Ubuntu 12.04), on the other hand, requires about 700 Mhz processor and 384 MB RAM. Therefore, when installed on identical hardware, Linux tend to perform faster than does Windows (Baccas, & Finisterre, 2008). Besides, Linux (Ubuntu) has a considerably less boot time as compared to Windows, hence more efficient. Security, Access Privileges, Viruses, and Gaming Windows have advanced security features that ensure safety and security of the systems. Windows’ firewalls are equipped with advanced security features that can often be configured to enhance security and safety of its operating systems (McCune, 2001). Since Linux is an open and free source operating system, it is not as secured as the proprietary OS like Windows. In terms of access privileges, by default, Linux never operates like a root (Window administrator equivalence). For this reason, any automated script or program does not possibly make any change to the operating system without the explicit user privileges (Carswell, Jiang, & Freese, 2012). Windows are prone to various attacks, hence, the need to buy costly antivirus software to protect your OS (Carswell, Jiang, & Freese, 2012; Dan, 2006). Linux, as opposed to Windows, enjoy more various securities given that it is an open source form of the operating system. Conclusion Finally, when compared in terms of gaming support capacity, it was revealed that although Linux has many games, Windows (7) support more games than Linux. Windows are fitted with Microsoft DirectX platform that only support games. Therefore, it is worth concluding that when compared against other operating systems, Linux tend to be more secured and economical to maintain and run, hence should be preferred for most enterprise operations. .  References Baccas, P., & Finisterre, K. (2008). OS X exploits and defense. Burlington, MA: Syngress. Bradford, E., & Mauget, L. (2002). Linux and Windows interoperability guide. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall PTR. Carpenter, T. (2012). Microsoft Windows operating system essentials. Indianapolis, Ind: John Wiley & Sons. Carswell, R., Jiang, S., & Freese, T. (2012). Guide to parallel operating systems with Windows 7 and Linux. Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning. Carswell, R., Jiang, S., & Freese, T. (2012). Guide to parallel operating systems with Windows 7 and Linux. Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning. Dan, T. (2006). "The 25 Worst Tech Products of All Time (Page 2)". PCWorld. Retrieved 27 August 2011. Foley, Mary J. (2010). "Early version of Windows Home Server Vail leaks to the Web". ZDNet. Retrieved 2 February 2010. Gancarz, M. (2003). Linux and the Unix philosophy. Amsterdam [u.a.: Digital Press. McCune, M. (2001). Integrating Linux and Windows. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall PTR. Palmer, M. J. (2012). Guide to Operating Systems. Florence: Cengage Learning, Inc. Vivek, G. & Anand, L. (2012). "The Windows RT Review". Retrieved 29 October 2013. Read More