The title is somewhat misleading. When it comes to computers, just like many other electronic devices, there is no one size fits all. Different users find different devices appropriate for them depending on the tasks they are running and their technical skills among other factors.
Though all factors held constant, things are never created equal, and today we are pitting Windows 10 versus Linux. The table below locks and the strengths and weaknesses of both operating systems.
Linux |
Windows |
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Price |
Here, we are talking about free and open source tools. The Linux kernel and GNU utilities and libraries that come with most Linux distributions are free. You can download them now and for free; although some corporate companies pay to Linux distributions with support. |
On average, Windows cost between $99 and $199 depending on the version. Although when Microsoft launched Windows 10, it was available as a free upgrade for users using licensed Windows 8 and 7. |
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Reliability |
Linux has made a name for itself for being a reliable and secure operating system. All that thanks to a strong focus on system security, process management, and uptime. |
Windows has come a long way in terms of reliability and security. However, security experts will always vouch for Linux over Windows as the most secure, and stable operating system. |
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Ease of Use |
Admittedly, there is a steeper learning curve with Linux OS. They need the user to have a deeper understanding of the underlying systems executing various operations in a computer. Not forgetting how technical troubleshooting the system gets; so much so that it intimidates the users with average technical skills. However, distributions like Linux Mint and Ubuntu have been designed to be more user-friendly and is often advised for users just beginning to use Linux distributions. |
The greatest selling point of Windows is that it is super user-friendly. It has simplified computer tasks that virtually anyone can operate and troubleshoot a Windows PC with a lot of ease. Power users, however, find Windows frustratingly simple to use and limits their control and access to the system itself. |
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3rd-party Software |
Linux has a wider support base for free software than Windows, and it can also run Windows programs via virtual box like WINE. You can get complex applications like GIMP, Star Office, LibreOffice, and Open Office for free. |
Due to its popularity (because it’s simple to use for many) very many third-party software developers target this market than any other operating system market. It is also a fact that Windows has the largest selection of video games by far compared to any other OS. Professional software like Microsoft Office is not available for free. |
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Security |
Security experts praise Linux for its high level of security. However, vector attacks on Linux is not unheard of, but all users have access to its source code and can easily identify and fix the vulnerabilities. |
The current versions of Windows are more secure than those of the old days. Nonetheless, Windows has a very big user base spread out across the planet. That makes it the first target for most malicious coders out there, and the fact that it is the platform-of-choice for first time and novice computer users. |
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Usage |
Most Linux users are corporate, academic, and scientific organizations around the world. It also powers machines and servers at NASA, Google, Facebook, Twitter, and the New York Stock Exchange among others. On the desktop space, Linux is common among technically proficient users whose priority is security and stability. It is also the ideal platform for users enthusiastic about learning how a computer works. |
It is the first choice OS for novice computer users. It is also quite common for gamers. Windows also doesn’t run well in very old machines; especially the latest versions. Microsoft also outdid itself with the Windows 10, so much so that most security and reliability concerns are not as frequent. |
By comparison, one thing comes clear; Linux is ideal for technical users to whom security and reliability is a big concern. On the flip side, Windows is ideal for novice users with little to no technical skills about matters computer hardware and software workings. Windows is also the first target for malicious coders.
Linux also runs pretty efficiently in older computer hardware, while Windows need resource-rich hardware to run well. Especially the most recent versions of Windows.