The Linux Operating System Advantages Over Windows XP - Assignment Example

Linux operating system advantages over windows XP Name Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Abstract 4 Introduction 4 Linux at Glance 5 Weakness of Windows XP as compared to Linux 6 Why Linux is preferred choice instead Windows XP? 8 The cost of Windows XP version is approximately $250, however Linux (Ubuntu) is free and so any other Linux distort. Consequently we are able to save $250 8 In case of Windows XP we also need to purchase Office (Excel, Word, Power-point etc.) disjointedly. However in case of Linux operating system we are having OpenOffice preinstalled in the system, so that we are able to save $200. 8 In case of Window XP operating system we need to have more sophisticated hardware that can run the application. However the Linux versions do not require expensive hardware and main system necessitate like RAM for instance, Processor, HDD, etc. 8 The Window XP operating system is prosperity operating system that is having less stable marketplace while the open source Linux version like that Ubuntu is more stable. 8 In case of Window XP operating system we are having danger of virus attacks in this scenario we need to purchase more effective antivirus for the protection. However in case of Linux we are free of Viruses so you don’t have to purchase one more upgrade of Norton or any other Antivirus software. Consequently we are able to save ~ $75. 9 In case of office or home based working we need to install some specific application software in case of Window XP operating system, however when you have installed Linux, you do not have to install something else to start work and start our working productivity. 9 In case of Window XP operating system we need to wait for fixing of bugs in the system. However in case of Linux we are having thousand developers of system worldwide. They can fix the Bug if some appears in operating System in few days. 9 So these were only some impotent reasons to use Linux as an operating system. A lot more advantages also offer you to have better and enhanced services as compared to Windows. 9 Linux Best for Business and Network Use 10 Conclusion 11 Work Cited 11 Abstract Up till now a number of operating systems have been developed but still there are confusions for selecting a best operating system. There has been a great deal discussion in current years inside the information technology business globally regarding the relative merits of Linux and Microsoft’s operating systems. These both operating systems are completely different in working, handling, usage, availability nature and cost. The Linux is an Open Source operating system and platform on the other hand Window XP is a preparatory operating system application. These both operating systems offer very different technical handling, security, reliability as well as total−cost−of ownership. There are also various differences between both competing platforms. The battle of good and bas between these two operating systems is on ground since their development. This research paper presents a detailed analysis of the “Linux operating system advantages over windows XP". This paper will present a detailed analysis of the Linux operating system advantages over windows XP in different scenarios such as functioning, handling and user support. Introduction In present age there are great developments and improvements in operating systems. However, the shift from windows based system to Linux is a turning out to be a favorable choice for the business, industry and personal usage. The basic aim of this research is to find out the feasibility of using Linux instead of Microsoft windows for home and business usage including networking (Cybersource). Nowadays people prefer Linux for tasks such as the small office/home office (SOHO) tasks, which include backups, emergency disks and other administrative tasks. Another aim of this paper is to bring out the main reasons and points that make the Linux the most efficient operating system for all purposes. For this purpose this paper will present a comparison oriented approach between Linux and Windows. Linux at Glance According to Kleiman, et al. (2007) the Linux operating system has huge and long development history. This operating system has deep technology roots. Initially the public version of the Linux was released on August 25, 1991. It came into the market under the GNU license that is "Free for all people." It is a subject of liberty, not cost. It can be modified and sold, but the product should have the same ability that is modified and released under the GNU license conditions. However, the Linux offers an opportunity to modify Linux and sell it but you have to go behind the rules of the GPL (GNU Public License). The number of Linux users who in recent times were listed as registered users is around 140,729 people, but the expected number of entirety users is 29 million (Kleiman, Cardwell and Clinton). It was very hard to configure the Graphic User Interface by hand. However, new version of Linux has been made easier by using Fedora/Red Hat, Suse, or Mandrake. Fedora/Red Hat are fundamentally the same but Fedora free and Red Hat a marketable version. They present a responsive GUI install from start to finish for most circumstances and present friendly text with apparent, to the point questions which aids the installation. Linux as well offers lots of soft wares, where you are able to install additional software and updates are trouble-free. There are a lot of packages accessible that be able to be switched in and out with no trouble. Package management makes it observable what software is being updated and safety updates are simple (Farnham). Wilkins, Cole, & Nelson (2004) stated that nowadays there are tools for mounting, removing and renewing software; appropriate and yum. The front end tool for them is called as synaptic. Apt as well as yum are front ends to other software. A large benefit of Linux is constancy and system uptime. It is not to use for only a Linux machine server or desktop which never need a reboot for years. It is extremely rare for "services" or applications to bump the system. Upgrades and software updates are through with no rebooting with the exception of alternation to the kernel. Safety requirements requiring kernel transformations are almost non-existent. The majority modifications necessary for the kernel are to hold latest hardware (Wilkins, Cole and Nelson). Weakness of Windows XP as compared to Linux According to Kleiman, et al. (2007) in comparison with Linux the Windows XP is weaker in a lot of aspects. The main aspect we commonly know is “Viruses Threat”. Windows XP is so weak against the external virus attacks; however Linux shares a variety of UNIX systems ideas of clients and permissions. Through these features the Linux system is able to perform better as compared to Windows XP because Linux offers and requires more administrative privileges execute virus based programs. There is intrinsic safety in Linux (Kleiman, Cardwell and Clinton). Wilkins, Cole, & Nelson (2004) stated that the main aspects of Linux that differentiate it from the Windows XP is its functionality to run on lower speed CPU’s but Windows do not hold up this feature. So we can run Linux on old machines that Windows XP would choke on. Typically after some period of time Microsoft will stop supporting earlier operating systems and you eventually get forced into a change. The Linux Redhat can run on system with medium system hardware support. We have appropriate performance even with less hardware resources (Wilkins, Cole and Nelson). Kane (2006) stated that cost is also a main factor that makes Linux more better operting system as compared to Windowss. The most apparent advantage of utilizing Linux is the reality that it is free to get, as Microsoft XP is obtainable for a heavy as well as sometimes recurring fee (Kane). Kane (2006) stated that “Security” feature makes the Linux as an operating system market king. In line by the costs, the security aspect of Linux is a great deal powerful than that of Windows XP. The Linux operating system is offering security against realm of widespread spyware, viruses and adware (Kane). Linux is offering more Choice (Freedom) against Windows XP. The power Linux is its great advantage through which Linux offers you a power to control just regarding each aspect of the operating system. Two main features we have control of are our desktops look as well as feel through way of many Window Managers, as well as the kernel. In Windows XP, we are stuck with utilizing the boring default desktop theme, or putting danger of corruption or failure through installing a third-party shell (Ramadan). Software support is also main advantages of the Linux over Windows through which we are able to get a lot of software choices when it comes to do some specific job. In case of Linux system sometimes it’s an easy change or feature offers improvement of a previously existing piece of software, occasionally it turns out to be a brand new application. As well, software on Linux tends to be packed with additional features as well as greater functionality/usability than software on Windows XP (Ramadan). Why Linux is preferred choice instead Windows XP? This section demonstrates some of main aspects that show how Linux is more preferred choice instead of Windows XP operating system: (Kleiman, Cardwell and Clinton)& (Bansal) & (Farnham) & (Thompson): The cost of Windows XP version is approximately $250, however Linux (Ubuntu) is free and so any other Linux distort. Consequently we are able to save $250 In case of Windows XP we also need to purchase Office (Excel, Word, Power-point etc.) disjointedly. However in case of Linux operating system we are having OpenOffice preinstalled in the system, so that we are able to save $200. In case of Window XP operating system we need to have more sophisticated hardware that can run the application. However the Linux versions do not require expensive hardware and main system necessitate like RAM for instance, Processor, HDD, etc. The Window XP operating system is prosperity operating system that is having less stable marketplace while the open source Linux version like that Ubuntu is more stable. In case of Window XP operating system we are having danger of virus attacks in this scenario we need to purchase more effective antivirus for the protection. However in case of Linux we are free of Viruses so you don’t have to purchase one more upgrade of Norton or any other Antivirus software. Consequently we are able to save ~ $75. In case of office or home based working we need to install some specific application software in case of Window XP operating system, however when you have installed Linux, you do not have to install something else to start work and start our working productivity. In case of Window XP operating system we need to wait for fixing of bugs in the system. However in case of Linux we are having thousand developers of system worldwide. They can fix the Bug if some appears in operating System in few days. Commercial support for Linux can be found at Red Hat, Linspire, Xandres, Mandrake, and Suse/Novell. Linux users have many user interface (UI) choices: Linux-KDC, Gnome, XFCE and many others. There is much choice for Linux users; you are not tied to an interface as you are in Windows. Price: No licenses, no fees. Members of the audience described good experiences at installing the UI of their choice on Linux. There is an extraordinary amount of free software available for Linux, much of it either equivalent or better than the corresponding costly Microsoft XP software (Free Software Foundation). So these were only some impotent reasons to use Linux as an operating system. A lot more advantages also offer you to have better and enhanced services as compared to Windows. Linux Best for Business and Network Use Now I will discuss the main business use of the Linux and its advantages as compared to windows XP. As Kleiman, et al., (2007) outlied that for the business or corporate user, Linux fits in a fine way with a TCP/IP based client-server approach. Linux is able to turn low-end hardware addicted to a firm fileserver or PostScript print server. Linux facilitates healthier than a lot of commercial UNIX systems on ordinary Intel hardware. Linux is a small size and speedy. Linux could be examined and tailored by anyone. Linux has incorporated mail and internet tools. Phone maintains system and documentation for Linux are accessible. For the technological user, Linux presents the agitating possibility to work with an operating system. All of the system's basis code is obtainable. It is an immense learning instrument and motivator. And because mainly present Linux users are technical hobbyists, an asset of applications are obtainable to go with these tastes (Kleiman, Cardwell and Clinton) & (Economides and Katsamakas). In business the whole thing comes down to a cost vs. benefits analysis and there is state of affairs in the actual world where a transformation of OS is too expensive to validate any apparent profits. There are a lot of circumstances where Linux truly is the best fit as compared to commercial, proprietary systems. The free of cost feature of Linux facilitates business in a better way. Businesses are particularly probable to care concerning getting free software when the possible savings of money. So, a business would be able to save a lot of money by taking free software that decreases the overall cost. However in case of Windows XP that charges license fee for each copy of operating system for each use in the company. In this way overall cost of technology platform establishment greatly increases. Linux is recognized for its reliability, small price of ownership, safety, and autonomy to change source code.  For the reason that it is supported on an open source model and free of cost model, it crippled by software supplier release dates, and be able to be improved at a speed that the development society and users state.  For all of these causes, Linux has recognized a powerful option for the business use as compared to Windows XP (Farnham). Conclusion Linux also offers a lot of software, functionalities and tools, where you can install additional software and updates without any difficulty. There are many packages available that can be switched in and out easily. With open source software nature when a bug is found many times the fix is available on-line the next day. There are tools for installing, removing and updating software in Linux. There are so many functionalities, features and advantages that make the Linux a real operating system market king. In this paper I have presented a detailed analysis of the Linux and its main contender Windows XP. This paper has shown that Linux is ultimate more flexible, more secure, user friendly and enhanced operating system as compared to windows XP. So we can say that there are a lot of reasons make Linux a preferred choice as compared to Windows XP. I hope this research will offer a detailed overview of the Linux advantages over Windows XP. Work Cited Bansal, Anurag. "25 Reasons to use Ubuntu Linux instead of Windows." 2008. WordPress.com. 29 03 2010 . Cybersource. "Linux vs. Windows." 2008. Economides, Nicholas and Evangelos Katsamakas. "Linux vs. Windows: A Comparison of Application and Platform Innovation Incentives for Open Source and Proprietary Software Platforms ." The Economics of Open Source Software Development Elsevier B.V (2007): 207-218. Farnham, Kevin. "The Ultimate Linux/Windows System." Linux Journal Volume 2006, Issue 146 (2006): 9. Free Software Foundation. "Free Software Foundation, Questions about the GNU GPL. ." 2008. 29 March 2010 . Kane, Adam. "5 Advantages of using Linux over Windows." 19 December 2006. Foogazi.com. 29 March 2010 . Kleiman, Dave, et al. "Windows and Linux Forensics." Elsevier Inc. The Official CHFI Study Guide (Exam 312-49) For Computer Hacking Forensics Investigators 2007: 287-349. Ramadan, Mohammad Anas. "Linux vs. Windows, Software Engineering Perspective." The Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences (aabfs.org) (2007). Thompson, Bernie. "Linux vs. Windows NT and OS/2." Linux Journal Volume 1994, Issue 1es (1994). Wilkins, Darren, Donald Cole and Michael Nelson. "Windows interoperability with Linux in the enterprise (WINWILE): a solution to the high cost of licensing, downtime, and security problems." Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges Volume 20, Issue 2 (2004): 260-266. Read More