| With so many Microsoft Windows related | | | | Also, the open-source operating system |
| viruses, errors, and other software problems, | | | | demands that the user know how to work with |
| many average computer users are looking at | | | | and modify the program - a task that is |
| alternative operating system platforms, such | | | | usually very difficult for the average |
| as Linux. It is important that users, | | | | computer user familiar with Windows. Even the |
| frustrated with Windows, don't simply install | | | | installation of Linux can be a chore if you |
| a version of Llinux without knowing what they | | | | are not familiar with Linux terminology.What |
| are in for. There are many important | | | | I am getting at here is that Linux is great |
| differences between Windows and Linux that | | | | for those who are willing to take the time to |
| anyone considering a change should be fully | | | | learn the program, pick out and install a GUI |
| aware of. Herein we discuss some of the | | | | they like (this may take a while!), and |
| similarities and differences between Windows | | | | prefer choice over simple usability. Windows |
| and Linux so you can get a better idea as to | | | | is easy to learn, easy to run, and does not |
| which operating system is really best for | | | | demand a lot from its users. This OS is |
| you.The major difference between Linux and | | | | appropriate for a majority of the general |
| Windows is the open-source nature of Linux | | | | public who simply want something that runs |
| and closed-source nature of Windows. Linux, | | | | right out of the box with little |
| as an open-source OS, can be modified by the | | | | configuration. People also want universal |
| user as he/ she sees fit. Open source really | | | | compatibility, and don't want to have to deal |
| means that anyone can modify the underlying | | | | with constantly modifying their OS. Price |
| code, and that no one completely owns it. | | | | wise, Linux is super cheap compared with |
| Microsoft Windows, on the other hand, is not | | | | Windows. For advanced users who have the |
| an operating system you can modify easily - | | | | desire to modify their OS, Linux is the by |
| it was designed to work a particular way with | | | | far the best choice. If you don't have the |
| a certain user interface as designated by | | | | time or knowledge, however, stay with |
| Microsoft software engineers.The consequences | | | | Microsoft Windows for the time being, and be |
| of Linux being an open-source OS are many. | | | | sure to download all updates and security |
| Because you can modify the code, and because | | | | patches as often as possible!Bradley James is |
| there are many user interfaces out there | | | | a senior editor at SciNet.cc, a website |
| (GUIs), there are usually compatibility | | | | containing many helpful consumer electronics |
| issues with various software applications. | | | | review articles. For more information on |
| Some software may be designed to work with | | | | Windows and Linux OS, please visit our Linux |
| multiple Linux GUIs, while others many only | | | | vs Windows webpage. |
| be able to work with a few, or just one. | | | | |