The document compares and contrasts the Linux and Windows operating systems. It discusses that Linux is an open source, kernel-based operating system that was originally developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. Windows is a graphical user interface (GUI) based operating system owned by Microsoft, with its first version released in 1992. The document provides details on the differences between the two operating systems in areas such as software availability, hardware compatibility, security features, and usability.

1. Name:- Yogesh Gandhi
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2.  A program that controls the execution of
application programs
 An interface between applications and hardware
 Convenience
Makes the computer more convenient to use
 Efficiency
Allows computer system resources to be used in
an efficient manner
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3.  Performs three types of functions
 Manages computer resources
 Provides user interface
 Runs applications
 Hundreds of operating systems
 Three basic categories
 Embedded – hand-held
 Network OS – linked computers
 Stand-alone OS – desktop
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4.  Linux was originally built by Linus Torvalds at the
University of Helsinki in 1991.
 Linux is a Unix-like, Kernal-based, fully memory-
protected, multitasking operating system
 It runs on a wide range of hardware from PCs to Macs.
 Latest version of Linux is Fedora 12
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6.  First version of Windows – Windows 3.1 released in
1992 by Microsoft.
 Microsoft company is owned by Bill Gates.
 Windows is a GUI based operating system
 It has powerful networking capabilities, is
multitasking, and extremely user friendly
 It’s Latest version is Windows 7
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8.  Many beginner users find Windows easer to use than
other operating systems
 Windows has been enjoying an overall advantage over
Linux due to Microsoft’s market success because of its
broad focus aimed at all kinds of users
 Linux has been primary used by advanced computer
users – programmers and developers
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9. One fundamental difference between the two systems is the
fact that Linux is "open source".
This means that unlike Windows where you only get access
to the compiled programs that you run on your machine,
with Linux you also get the original computer code to
examine and tweak (modify) at your leisure.
This also goes to show that Linux users are more advanced
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10.  Linux falls short in the number of different
applications available for it.
 There are much more various applications available for
Microsoft since the population of Window’s users is
greater than Linux’s
 Since Microsoft is more popular, the Hardware
products are aimed at the biggest market – Windows,
such that the product would be sold and used widely
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11.  Linux programs are distributes freely since they are not
developed by commercial software companies, but
instead are created under the GNU Public License,
which makes the software free
 Linux software lacks the GUI and is therefore not
“liked” by many users
 Windows has its own share of problems – the fact that
some software is not compliant for different versions of
windows (i.e. Windows 2003 and xp) and that many
times the GUI concept is overused such that command
arguments cannot be passed to the program
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12.  Linux contains X-Windows with 2 interfaces – GDK &
KDE
 Linux offers a choice of four desktops thus allowing the
user to work in different windows on different desktop
for convenience
 Windows, on the other hand, is limited to the way the
application windows are laid out on the screen
 Windows GUI also has been known for its large
memory requirements, where it usually uses a huge
chunk of RAM for visual components
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13.  Linux requires 386 architecture to run. Thus, it is
compatible with any improved architecture such as
486, Pentium, Pentium Pro, etc.
 There are drivers available for much many types of
hardware devices
 Linux program installation seems to be easier since it
only requires a restart when hardware device has been
changed
 Linux supports multiple copies of the Kernel on the
system such that if an error is encountered and the
Kernel becomes corrupted, a different copy of the
Kernel can be used to boot up the system
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14.  Linux seems to be more prepared for protecting itself
because of the beginning developments of Linux,
UNIX, and FreeBSD which were aimed at top notch
security
 Linux allows does not create registry keys in a way
Windows does allowing a user to browse installed
components registry keys, which contain important
information
 Linux is more virus proof since viruses – malicious
programs either cannot be run automatically on the
Linux machine, or simply are not capable of being
executed on a 386 architecture
 Windows is often known for a large amount of loop
holes
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15.  Not enough test benchmarks for Linux to compare it to
Windows
 Linux technology is used wider and software is ported
to Linux more often.
 User should be comfortable with the OS
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