March 24, 2009 1:22 pm GMT
Linux versus Windows – the truth!
by Greg SandersonOh, here we go, yet another “is Linux better than windows”. The internet is full of this discussion, but sick of reading biased opinions I thought it was time to make an unbiased one!
Having used various Linux OS’s, including Gentoo and compiling my own kernel, and all windows platforms since the 3.11 release back in the mid 90’s, I have a good knowledge of the progress and developments made.
I haven’t had Windows installed for about 3 months now, and Ubuntu is actually my choice of OS, but that’s not to say I wouldn’t go back to Windows.
Wndows – XP and Vista, as they’re Microsoft’s latest releases.
Linux – Ubuntu 8.10, as I’m currently using it and it’s the latest Ubuntu and arguably one of the most “user friendly” Linux distros.
So, which is better?
The quick and simple answer is “neither” as both have a lot of pros and cons.
Windows has around 85% market share of the entire operating system market, is it time more people used Linux? Can people rely on Linux to be as user friendly as Windows?
Not really.
The longer answer:
Both Linux and Windows can often be user un-friendly.
Installing, configuring and then day to day usages, browsing the internet, emailing, getting songs playing on your PC or connecting your ipod or printer are usually fairly straight forward – but only when it all works correctly.
As soon as there is an issue, error or fault, the standard end user is left in the dark with no explanation of what went wrong, how to fix it or even where to go for advice on the issue.
This can often be a little worse in Linux, as to fix issues or even investigate problems can often mean typing commands into a terminal. It’s daunting enough being completely lost as to the problem in front of you, why your MP3’s have disappeared into an intergalactic void, or the software you tried to install says “error: 0×058743”, but you get added confusion and fear from having to tackle textual commands in a terminal that, with even a simple typo in the command, you could easily render your entire system useless.
So although both Linux and Windows are only easy and user friendly when everything works without problems, arguably Windows has the edge on this problem as it is marginally more user friendly plus there are MANY more forums and websites with assistance for XP and vista.
The help and support and advice for Linux is in abundance, but often it isn’t fixes or tutorials for the faint hearted. The basic problems, like why the screen resolution isn’t correct, or where does it save my files (etc) are generally easy to resolve, even if help is required.
But beyond simple tasks, most people who use Linux are usually more advanced users, and more often than not they have forgotten that the users they are trying to offer help and advice to are not people who spend all day everyday messing with computers.
The same issue is present with advice and help with Windows, but with there being more forums and websites catered for Windows support, you can often find a more novice explanation elsewhere.
Fortunately the textual commands in Linux are often provided by forums and websites, so it is usually a case of simply copying and pasting that text and the problem is resolved.
For these circumstances, this is fantastic, but if that copy paste code was incorrect, given to you without thought of surrounding considerations (your Linux version etc) then it can actually add to your problems. And if you are asking for help, you don’t have this knowledge and have to trust the advice given to you.
That said, for those who enjoy learning and hobbying with their PC, this is a good thing and most certainly has a less commercial feel to it all than Windows.
There is more software available for Windows, although it’s not necessarily an advantage as much of it is simply duplicated. Different companies providing the same functionality as other software with slightly different layout (and price).
In fact, often it’s software hidden deep inside Windows that users don’t know even exists, and companies charge money for their software that simply uses the already present Microsoft one.
Ubuntu and other Linux distros have access to a repository. So you can click on the “add and remove programs” and search for a software type or name and if it’s in the repository, you simply click “install” and it installs without problem.
I know that sounds too good to be true, but I have installed 30 or 40 different software applications and all have worked perfectly.
There is also “canonical-maintained software”, and this is a choice within the add/remove programs section where you can choose to only download software that is bug tested, virus checked and also has automatic updates provided for it through Ubuntu itself.
Unlike Windows, there isn’t an almost unlimited supply of software, and it is true that some Windows applications or third party software don’t have a decent equivalent on Linux.
But for the majority of requirements, Linux has everything you need and with the added advantage that it can be searched for and installed at the press of a few buttons.
So, saying one is better than the other is like saying a Ferrari is better than a 5 door family Ford.
Sure the Ferrari is faster, more fun to drive and probably most people’s choice if they could afford one, but it’s no good in big cities stuck in traffic jams for hours on the way to work. The Ford would be much better for that.
And the same is with most things, including Linux versus Windows.
Certain Linux distros, like Ubuntu, are pushing hard towards reaching that same level of easy-to-use environment, and they have moved a great deal away from the olden days where typing text into a command terminal was required for all operations.
Like various Linux distros, Ubuntu has simple navigation like Windows, with a similar control panel allowing graphical point and click access to various settings. Mouse, sound, graphics, power, desktop settings, bluetooth etc.
The conclusion…
For the standard end user who isn’t a PC hobbyist and just wants the basic functions a PC provides, Windows is most certainly the choice due to the larger amount of help and support available, and arguably a more user friendly environment.
For those with even a little bit of an adventurous sole, or simply want to try something different, the Ubuntu install is very much as easy as the Windows one. In fact, there were one or two things during the install the user has to choose that is likely confusing to the average user, that were explained in a little more detail on Ubuntu install.
By all means try Linux. It’s completely free with no limitations whatsoever.
Perspectoff on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 2:36 pm
Last week I added a new DVD drive to my computer — the old one failed.
With my Kubuntu system, the addition was seamless.
For my Windows XP Pro, which cost me $399, the system determined that my configuration had changed significantly. Now my system would not start, until i found the original box, called Microsoft and begged for permission to continue using my computer. Time to do so? 24 hours, mostly to find the COA, and only 1 hour to go through the new re-verification process (same as with a new installation).
Time lost to Windows? One day.
Much better than when I changed the motherboard two years ago — I never could get the OS reverified and lost 3 years of data, until i discovered Linux could read my Windows hard drives and i could rescue my data that way.
Linux has saved my data more times than I care to recount.
Multiply this for multiple tasks.
You may be writing with the the clueless “college” student or the 4-year-old-in-diapers in mind (isn’t that whom Microsoft is marketing to?), but many of us run businesses, do research, and use computers for serious stuff and have to tweak our systems anyway.
It’s not that easy to tweak a Windows system unless you “go to Microsoft school” to become “Microsoft certified.” Blecch.
Richard Chapman on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 2:51 pm
I’ve used Linux exclusively since 2005. Before that I was a Windows user ((DOS 3,5,6) 95, 98, XP Home, XP Pro)). I agree with the Open Source ideology but it’s not holding me to Linux. My switch to Linux was driven by technical matters and, oddly enough, ease of use. If Windows was better, I’d be using it. You are right in that both Windows and Linux have their strengths and weaknesses but I found Windows’ shortcomings intolerable and Linux’ workable. In my brief encounters with Microsoft’s latest wares since I left, I have seen no substantial improvements and even some nasty additions (DRM). Since I’ve used Linux it’s been improving all the time. Real improvements like ext4, more drivers and better wifi. Linux is a major change from using Windows but people are jumping the Microsoft ship in greater and greater numbers. I don’t believe there is any magic in Linux. I think Microsoft are actually driving their users away and into the arms of Apple and Linux.
loyaleagle on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 3:05 pm
I have been using Ubuntu personally for well over three years now. At work, I am an IT specialist for Windows (XP and Vista). Now having said that, I strongly endorse Ubuntu (or any other Linux distro) over Windows. Yes, there a bit of a learning curve, but once you have passed that, it is as smooth as can be (not to mention easy on the the wallet). Ubuntu has matured into an OS for the masses (easy to install and use). The support community for Ubuntu will find you the answer to any of your problems (Not the case for Windows. Windows is notorious for leaving you alone when you need help, except if you are willing to pay some major money). Oh yeah, did I mention that adware, spyware and viruses are not an issue in Ubuntu. I’ll grant you that this could changes once Ubuntu becomes more popular, but for the present it is clean of all the junk you’ll find for Windows.
Greg S. on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 4:56 pm
@Perspectoff:
Drawing an opinion based on one incident, or even a few incidents, is not realistic, nor is it fair.
There is someone out there who tried to install a DVD drive in Linux and had the same issues you had with Windows. Does that mean Windows is better?
It’s the same for Linux as it is for Microsoft. Can’t you see that?
It’s like saying a Ford is easier to drive than a Nissan – For who, when, where, weather/road conditions, etc?
Someone who’s been driving for 10 years may well see or feel a difference between the handling and response of one car to another (although even that isn’t always true), but for certain a non-driver doesn’t know the controls and hasn’t had experience driving, cornering etc.
You could put them in any manufacturer’s car and the same difficulties would apply.
This is the same as average standard PC users. To them one operating system’s complexity, settings, failures, errors or, importantly, the learning curve is just as bad as the others.
What about with Linux, the requirement to edit the fstab file to allow for automatic mounting of hard drives? Is that for the large percentage of users who are novices? Of course it isn’t.
Windows ‘mounts’ storage devices automatically. Does that mean we can state Windows is easier?
Of course not, and as I said, there are pros and cons for both systems and the debate could go on forever listing each pro and each con and each persons experience with the operating systems.
I have had countless good and bad experiences with hardware and software in windows, but importantly – also in Linux.
@loyaleagle
That’s the most biased opinion I have heard in a long time, and is the very reason I wrote this article.
I have asked questions and had no answers, or none that resolved the query. I have found resolves listed by Ubuntu staff that didn’t actually fix an issue, but was the only available work around.
Which internet have you been visiting? You pay to access forums, news articles, tutorials, advice sites? Surely not?
Yeah sure the support on “some” sites is terrible, and the support in Windows itself is worse, but there are much MUCH more topics, articles, user guides, support and advice on the internet for windows than there is ever likely to be for Linux.
@Richard Chapman
I agree entirely and is why I tried, and currently use, Ubuntu. I do prefer using this to XP/Vista, but I cannot simply state “it’s better” because it’s not that simple.
Greg S. on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 5:00 pm
I need to point out again, as it was the basis for this article, that people with IT knowledge who use PC’s everyday and have done for some time (this includes myself) often forget the basic level of understanding some people are still at.
The “unbiased” view of the operating systems was aimed at the “average” or “standard” user, and that’s not ‘just’ for college students (not at all for the “4-year-old-in-diapers”), but for everyone who only understands the basics of operating systems.
Argue all you want, but these people are by far the largest percentage of users.
And these users are better off with Windows. Why is it used by 85% of the market if “Linux is better”? Because Linux has “only just recently” become easy to use and stable enough for “general and practical household or business usage”.
Seriously, it’s fine to have an opinion, and opinion’s are often based on findings and likes, but some people need to be a little more open minded and see the bigger picture.
Almost nothing in life is black and white, well, apart from sheep (if you get my meaning)…
Tanner on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 7:25 pm
@Greg S.
“Why is [Windows] used by 85% of the market if “Linux is better”? Because Linux has “only just recently” become easy to use and stable enough for “general and practical household or business usage”.”
Surely you’re not serious. Do you really believe that Windows’ 85% market share is due solely to a superior product? Market share does not – in ANY way – signify superiority, especially when Microsoft has spent billions of dollars over 20 years to market their operating systems. When was the last time you saw a Linux advertisement on a major TV network?
Making usability comparisons based upon market share alone is ridiculous.
In my experience, most computer users are most familiar with whatever their family and friends have introduced them too. If your dad brought home a Mac when you were 10 years old, you’re likely still using Macs. Same for Windows, same for Linux.
Truthfully, all modern OSes are very non-intuitive. Sit down with a 70-year-old who has never used a computer, and I don’t care what the OS is – they will be confused. Every modern OS bases its design, layout, and function on the assumption that you are already used to its conventions.
For a new user who has never owned a computer, XP, Ubuntu, and OSX are all toss-ups for usability. The average home user doesn’t install new drives or replace motherboards. They simply want to print out Office/OpenOffice documents, listen to music, and play with Facebook.
And that’s what makes Linux (any distro) all the more fascinating – the fact that we consider it in the same league with XP and OSX… but it’s FOSS.
BTW, I switched from XP to Ubuntu last year and have never looked back. Also, anyone manually editing fstab to mount removable storage devices is WAYYYYY behind the times. Are you sure you’re using Ubuntu 8.10?
Nobody Important on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 10:10 pm
Unfortunately, a unbiased article probably shouldn’t have the author bashing a user for claiming a success and favoring one of the sides.
Dude. Settle down. It’s just an operating system.
I like Ubuntu because it works for me. I could care less which one you all think is “better.”
I did value this article for the newbie perspective, though, because oftentimes a Windows user will be complaining about something Linux fixes (like all that darn updating or those nasty viruses) and I’ll poke them in the right direction.
Greg S. on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 11:21 pm
I didn’t state Microsoft was a better product, I merely stated that Linux has only just recently become easy to use, and that has been detrimental to their popularity.
That’s “ease of use” and not “not as good”, and I’m not splitting hairs, there’s a very important difference..
At the time “the race was on” in the 80’s and 90’s, Microsoft’s huge marketing campaigns played a huge part in them becoming the race leaders.
For a lot of years until recently, Linux hadn’t been in the running with Windows in the big arena as far as end user ease-of-use is concerned, and of course Linux still has a huge battle – if it actually decides to fight.
While Microsoft where developing point and click, easy to use graphical interfaces, Linux was still for the computer experts, not basic business or home use.
So, as I said, it is a fact that Linux has “only just recently” become easy to use and stable enough for “general and practical household or business usage”.
And in fact, it’s more about what Linux haven’t done, rather than what Microsoft have done, which is basically my original point.
Have a read of my other article which covers my point in more detail for this discussion
http://devoracles.com/microsoft-windows-%E2%80%93-they-are-just-faking-it-03131919
That depends which field you are grazing in … Like it or not (sometimes I don’t) but this is a business driven world, and superiority is not for boys with sudo apt-get install me-a-set-of-cajones-please (apologies for the nerdism)
I see your point, and it’s probably true in general, but it’s not a constant pattern as life isn’t black and white.
I had an Atari 800XL when I was 10 (ahh B.A.S.I.C.), a Commodore Amiga when I was 13, Atari STE after that and for the last 14 years I have used “Windows” 95, 98, ME, XP and Vista, yet now I use Linux.
Do I have “noob” written on my forehead?
After install, my second hard drive wouldn’t auto mount. I messed around for a bit, but while I could have messed around for days trying to figure out why, it took me a few seconds to make it work via the fstab.
Gnome-volume-manager isn’t perfect, and does have bugs.
A Windows user coming over to Linux for a peek would say “mount? huh?”, and then would say “Windows is easier” and off they go back to the other side.
I’m not saying that’s logical but people tend to get familiar with things, and if not interested in PC hobbying most don’t really care to try the new flavour. In fact, a lot of people don’t know what an OS is, they don’t need to. They push the power on and Windows loads, so their ‘blind spot’ as far as their understanding goes is that white box called a PC is Windows.
I agree with Richard Chapman that Windows’ shortcomings are intolerable and Linux’ are workable, but most standard users will only agree with the first part. They are familiar with the problems in Windows, and Linux would be just a whole new set of issues and confusion to them.
Adam C on Tue, 24th Mar 2009 11:43 pm
I’m an IT geek. I spend 50% of my time acting as the interface between users and their desktops, the other 50% fixing computers that were broken by acts-of-god, and by users. I’m comfortable both with *nix’s and M$ products, use both personally and professionally.
I found myself mostly agreeing with the author’s assessment. I can see the point Tanner is trying to make, but usability in the context you present it in is only a small slice of the pie.
That 70yr old is going to have a computer problem, a problem he is unwilling or unable to resolve himself.
The *nix community is making amazing progress, Ubuntu has given us hope for a different computing future.
But for right now, when 70yr old’s come to me for advice on a computing environment, I don’t blink. Windows.
I don’t like the answer, I wish I could get everyone on Ubuntu, or another *nix. When they call me for help, I don’t care what OS they’re running, I can fix it. But you, me, those of us in this branch of the computing world, we’re still not the majority, we’re still only in that 25%.
If we’re talking about someone fixing their own issues, its a wash. If you are willing to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself, the resources are equally available for those who know how to look. But that isn’t the point here, we’re talking Grandpa here, and the rest that make up that 85% of the clueless users.
If they can’t do it themselves, and we all know, they can’t, they have to pick up the phone, and call someone who can. The availability and ease of access of Windows support dwarfs the options available for *nix.
Its going to take at least another 10 years of progress by the *nix community to really make a dent in this support gap, which in my eyes is the core issue at the heart of usability.
Sure, its running great now, but its going to break, entropy, people.
Greg S. on Wed, 25th Mar 2009 12:41 am
@Nobody Important (and anyone who feels the same)
I didn’t realise someone was being bashed.
I do like to answer, discuss and debate with those of you who have taken the time to leave comments, but perhaps you have taken the comments and discussions the wrong way?
A lot of the comments are disagreeing with my article, were they attacks too? Personally I didn’t think so.
It’s simply a bunch of people debating their opinions, just because some people strongly disagree doesn’t mean it’s an attack.
“Dude, settle down, it’s just a debate!”
I do have a strong opinion on most things, and while I most sincerely apologise to anyone who feels upset by my comments or replies, I could also ‘politely’ suggest you perhaps might mature a bit … this isn’t the Barbie forum.
@Adam C
You know exactly what I’m talking about. While I’d love to see some sturdy competition for Microsoft, especially from Linux, you have to be realistic and see the current full picture.
As mentioned by loyaleagle, there is no real threat from viruses or other nasties with Linux, but if Linux or any OS gained a large chunk out of the market, as you mentioned with entropy, the current carefree attitude we all enjoy towards viruses, spyware and other annoyances would disappear.
Salinaksm on Wed, 25th Mar 2009 3:06 am
First and foremost. I can and do agree with what the article states and I understand where the author is coming from. As I am another person that is sick and tired of the biased articles out there. Not just the “Is Windows better than Linux?’ but also the ‘My Distribution is better than yours’ stuff.
I currently have several systems of varying ages and configurations. One system runs PCLinuxOS full time, one dual boots PCLinuxOS and Windows XP Pro, one runs a custom designed Linux setup (as in all brought together, compiled, and tweaked by me for that system), and a couple of multi-boot systems with several Linux distros, Solaris, OS2 Warp4, Dos/Windows 3.11, 95, 98, and a few other alternative OS’s that are be developed by hobbyists and colleges.
Believe it or not, Each OS I have installed has a purpose for being there. Which brings me to my overall view on things. Each and everyone of my OS’s has pros and cons (besides the age of some). But each serves a purpose. I use what I need to accomplish what I am doing at any given time. Arguably haveing multiple Linux Distros isn’t needed but I maintain them for comparison reasons.
So Is Linux better than Windows? Nope, each is use full and each has problems. My way of thinking, as learned when I was a child helping my dad work on things, is “Always use the right tool(s) for the job.” This way of thought has helped me through out the years in many different situations. Now if the rest of the computing world could wrap there heads around that one little short and to the point statement. The whole this is better than this crap could be put to rest once and for all.
Bill on Wed, 25th Mar 2009 11:20 am
I have used ubuntu since 7.04. I am happy to say i will never turn back to windows again. I was scared to try, but am happy I did make the change. I supported MS since day one.
I switched my kids computers to Ubuntu 8.04 LTS. There old Dells were slow when i got them 10-12 yrs ago, and now they run relatively fast. And, when MS discard xp, i will still be going strong for free.
Windows vs Linux – the truth…if you do not need the heavy weigh photoshop or windows only programs use Linux. For an easier transition make sure you machine has 512-1gb memory. Once you get learn some Linux I think you will be hard pressed to return to Windows especially if you have to pay MS hundred to upgrade.
Our whole school district went to OpenOffice–Windows Office type software, and saved over a million in MS royalties in one yr. Yes, it took some time to learn, but, it works great and comes preloaded when you install Ubuntu.
Ubuntu 9.04 – not release yet, is fast and easy to use, and come with a lot of great software. There is a program call do that you can install with ubuntu to get the Mac OX type screen at http://do.davebsd.com/.
I would purchase a book to get started with ubuntu. Ubuntu For Non-Geeks: a Pain-Free, Project-Based, Get-Things-Done Guidebook by Rickford Grant to make the switch easier.
RRP on Wed, 25th Mar 2009 2:44 pm
While most of this discussion is pretty level headed, I to have an issue with, “Well, in Linux I had to edit a config file to make something work.”
1 – In the last 2 years, I have rarely had to edit a config file using my desktop Linux choice (Ubuntu and LinuxMint). Servers, yes, desktop no.
2 – When it comes to stuff I plug into my (or others) USB ports, in the last 2 years, Linux wins at finding them, and drivers for them, hand’s down! I have had way more trouble getting usb keys, camera cards, usb to serial and parallel adaptors, etc, to be recognized in Windows than in Linux. To this day I have one thumb drive and one camera card that are recognized in Linux, but not in Windows. Point is that each OS will fail at some thing, some time.
3 – Referring back to #1, at least you have a choice to be able to fix it in Linux. You can actually edit that text file and Good Gravy it works! Ever try to get Vista 64 bit USB ports to work when they go bad? I wish I had a text file to edit!
Greg Sanderson on Wed, 25th Mar 2009 4:25 pm
For people like us who have some IT knowledge, having more options and freedom within the OS code and system (Linux) is often better for fixing issues, as you pointed out.
But the point being made here is that ‘most users’ don’t know how, nor want to, edit config files, they just want the operating system to function correctly.
After work, the ‘average user’ has 30 mins or an hour to check emails, chat with friends or browse the net, maybe play some music. Opening files with what looks to them like Ancient Mandarin Chinese is not the experience of using a PC they want.
Pradesh on Sun, 5th Apr 2009 9:17 am
My kids (13 and 7) have been using Linux for about the past 2 years on and off. When I started off, I would start a game or program, and let then use it. About a year ago I created login for them and trimmed down the menus and installed child-friendly desktops images, etc.
Recently I gave my son his own PC, which he installed by himself and uses without problems. No command line, no hassles. The both seems to be quite comfortable. If there are any problems, I step in and solve it, often using google as my toolset!
No I really don’t see the argument about having to go to “Linux school” and such. If my 7 year old can use Linux, then it is easy to use. I use and support the use of Linux. I am not a fanatic,
I can safely say that Linux works for me and the kids.
harveysburger on Sat, 30th May 2009 5:19 am
so for Perspectoff there blaming Windows with this comment:
“I never could get the OS reverified and lost 3 years of data”
geez guy, I have no idea what you’ve been doing but data is stored on hard drive, you can break your mother board in half as long as you plug the HD in another system, Windows or not, your data will be there waiting for you
as for your experience with changing a DVD drive, sure it’s shitty Windows didnt pick up on it right away, but I can tell you countless story of Linux not picking things up right away either, i remember configuring slackware distro and I had to specify the frequency of my monitor along with a bunch of other parameters to get the monitor to be recognized…
linux is great, i like Windows to, have your preference it’s fine, everyone does, but if you make an argument bashing one platform or the other at least think it through…