OpenSource software really got off to a good start when Linus Torvalds started a college project to write a UNIX operating system that would run on a home PC. The project became known as LINUX, which combines his first name with the mainframe programming language of UNIX. This project took the computing world by storm and now there is a constant debate about Windows VS Linux.
Each time a new computer related device is invented the software industry has to come up with codes that will work with the new device and the result is a new ‘version’. Linux is based around a Linux ‘kernel’ which is the foundation from which all other Linux software is developed. Windows comes out with new versions when they wish, but Linux keeps up with the times and after exhaustive testing, they release the latest version.
Windows has daily updates for security leaks, or upgrades, and continuing to work during them is not that easy. Linux also monitors your system update needs and allows you to select automatic updates, else the icon will flash in the task bar. Linux updates seem to take less time to complete, and seldom require a reboot, while Windows can take days to install.
Product drivers have always been a big issue with Linux because MicroSoft got there first with the manufacturers and holds many proprietary rights. Most printers and other devices come with either Windows or Mac drivers, and more companies are beginning to include Linux drivers. Yet each distribution and version upgrade of Linux continues to provide new, if not improved, drivers for your devices.
Security is where Linux is far superior to Windows because Linux does not ship with any ports open that are not actually going to be used after startup. When there is a reason to open a new port, Linux closes that port after the user is finished with the program or project for which the port was opened. Windows does not always do this, and the result is a security breach.
There is a abundance of software for Windows, some of it is good and others are a waste. Linux has kept up with the demands of both office and multimedia. The OpenSource community developed alternatives to Windows Office. Novell is funding OpenSuSE Linux and uses OpenOffice for their Cloud Nine computing service. OpenOffice handles all Windows documents with ease.
Windows and Linux have a GUI interface for the installation process, but Linux provides the ability to move Windows over to its own partition and place Linux beside it. This does not mean you can run them at the same time, however, the Linux OpenSource community developed a program called WINE which allows putting Windows in a virtual box so you can run all your Windows programs from within Linux.
Linux has made tremendous strides since 1990, and the support of the OpenSource community continues create an OS which is better than Windows. Linux is capable of all your office needs, as well as you home needs. As for the debate about Windows VS Linux, only time will tell. The Linux community is making it less of an argument every day
