Key points

• Linux provides greater security and flexibility.
• Windows offers wider software support and accessibility.
• The choice of system depends on the specific needs of the user.

Criterion	Linux	Windows
Flexibility and adaptability	Open-source, easily modifiable	Limited customization, but extensive software support
System requirements and distributions	Different distributions with specific requirements	Standardizovan OS sa fiksnim zahtevima
Licensing and pricing	Besplatan (GNU GPL licenca)	Paid OS with different licenses
Installation and configuration	More customization options	Simple and standardized installation
User environment	Different environments (GNOME, KDE, XFCE)	Consistent and intuitive interface
Security and updates	Quick response to threats, regular updates	Automatic updates, more common security issues
Software management	Package Managers (APT, YUM)	Installation via .exe files, higher risk of malware
Performance and resources	Optimized for weaker hardware	It consumes more resources due to background processes
Support and community	Aktivna zajednica, besplatna dokumentacija	Official Microsoft support, paid services
Use in industry	Popular in servers, programming, network administration	Dominant in business and home environments

1. Flexibility and adaptability

Linux allows users to customize the system according to their own needs.

Windows it offers some level of customization but doesn't have the same freedom of modification.

• Open Source – Linux is open-source, which allows users to modify and customize the system according to their needs.
• Custom Distributions – Different versions of Linux are available, optimized for specific tasks, from servers to multimedia systems.
• Multiple Work Environments – Users can choose between GNOME, KDE, XFCE and other interfaces, customizing the look and functionality of the system.
• Konfigurabilnost sistema – Advanced users have the option of detailed settings, from the core of the system to individual applications.
• Scripting and Automation – Linux allows for extensive use of scripts and terminal commands to automate tasks.
• Windows Limitations – Unlike Linux, Windows offers fewer customization options and relies on closed source code.
• Compatibility and stability – Although less customizable, Windows provides a consistent experience that is optimized for wider use.

As someone who has been experimenting for years and pushing the boundaries of knowledge with both operating systems, I believe that you should not worry too much about the interface because there is a solution for both systems and a way to achieve the desired look.

2. System requirements and distributions

Linux offers different distributions with specific hardware requirements. Ubuntu and Fedora, offer better performance and support for modern hardware.

Windows it has fixed system requirements, which increase with each new version.

3. Licensing and Pricing

Linux is available for free, thanks to the GNU GPL license.

Windows requires the purchase of a license, with different billing models available.

Almost every IT store offers installation services of the operating system as desired and at a good price!

4. Installation and configuration

Linux offers various installation methods, from simple graphical installers to advanced options that allow full control over disk partitioning, kernel selection, and additional packages.

Windows instalacija je standardizovana and guides the user through a simple process with minimal interactive steps.

Linux allows for deeper system customization after installation, including changing the operating environment, system services, and security options.

5. User environment

Linux allows a choice of different graphical interfaces, such as GNOME, KDE and XFCE.

Windows maintains a consistent and intuitive interface, with a familiar arrangement of elements.

If you are a programming person and are interested in switching to Linux, you can easily and quickly get used to it.

6. Security and Updates

Linux is considered more secure due to its open-source nature, where developers around the world are constantly monitoring and fixing vulnerabilities.

Windows it has an automatic update system, which often forces users to install new versions, sometimes causing compatibility issues. phishing attacks significantly more prevalent.

Usage VPN contributes to security on both operating systems, enabling encrypted communication and privacy protection.

7. Software management

Linux use package managers such as APT and YUM, which allow easy download and installation of software from official repositories.

Windows it relies on installation files (.exe), which gives users more freedom, but increases the possibility of downloading insecure applications.

Key differences in software management:

Linux:

• Package managers automatically resolve dependencies between applications.
• Most software comes from official repositories, reducing the risk of viruses.
• Open-source applications are dominant and freely available.
• Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage offer additional installation methods.

Windows:

• Software installation via .exe and .msi files requires manual download.
• Greater exposure to malware due to downloading from unsafe sources.
• The Microsoft Store offers apps, but with a limited selection compared to Linux repositories.
• Software often comes with additional programs (bloatware) that can slow down the system.

8. Performance and resources

Linux is optimized for efficient use of hardware resources.

Windows, due to numerous background processes and pre-installed applications, consumes more system resources.

9. Support and community

Linux users have access to a wide community network that actively contributes to the development of the system.

Windows offers official technical support through Microsoft Services, including a knowledge base, user forums, and direct help via chat or phone. Microsoft 365 support or Enterprise contracts, provide business users with priority assistance and security patches tailored to their needs.

Differences in support:

Linux:

• Free support through community, forum and documentation.
• Active users and developers help solve problems.
• Paid support available for enterprise versions (eg RHEL, SUSE).

Windows:

• Official Microsoft support available with licensed software.
• Paid services for faster and priority technical assistance.
• The user community provides advice, but no official guarantees.

10. Upotreba u industriji

Linux dominates servers, cloud infrastructure and supercomputers due to stability, security and flexibility.

Windows is widely used in business environments, offices and industries that require specialized applications such as AutoCAD, Adobe software and the Microsoft ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the End

The choice between Linux and Windows depends on the needs of the user.