Linux vs Windows - summarised key points
OK so you can all shoot me now. I have been around from before the days they called them microcomputers. We can thank Gates for making the industy aware that desktop style computers would end up everywhere and not just research centres as they thought then. This resulted in software prices dropping dramatically. He has predatory business practices that he seems to have learnt from Thomas Edison. He and MS are the best marketing operation in the industry - bar none.
What you percieve as the best Operating System should be decided by what it does for your business operations requirements - sadly it is often decided on what the person is used to.
Most of the OSs in use utilise different paradiems and thus do things differently - this causes people to think that they are bad or hard to use as they are different to what they know.
Kernel size Linux uses a small kernel and puts everything else outside it to provide better security. Windows has a big as they have put most things in at to make access by them easier. Analogy Linux has a safe deposit vault with one entrance and you need to pprove to the security team there that you have a right to enter. All other banking activities are done in rooms outside the vault. The Windows vault is much bigger with several entrances and most of the work is done in the vault - once inside you can wander about to any of the other security boxes and open them.
Patches - all software needs patches to fix and adjust minor problems. Linux do this by fixing the specific problem within the kernel code or where the actual action code is improperly utilised. Windows does this by trying to glue a piece of cardboard over the hole that used to enter, not by fixing the underlying fault - treating the symptom not the disease. Windows has issued fixes for the exact same problem in OS after OS after OS.
Compatibility - new LInux issues are compatible with earlier drivers and hardware. Windows drivers are valid ONLY for that specific OS and much software is not compatible between OSs. This is because Windows wants to enforce system upgrades to get more money while Linux is aimed at longer usable life spans. Differences in approach is all.
Both OSs can, and have, had problems re installation and that will always be the case. I use both at home and work, I have also used Solaris and Unix. I have never used a Mac but have recommend to some clients to buy Macs for specific application use as the Mac was the better choice for that task. Want a cheap run about buy one, want a good car buy one. Want a runabout OS buy Windows, want a good OS use Linux/Unix etc. But please make sure it will fulfil your needs first.
Dont but a Cadillac when you really needed a Range Rover.
When you analyse everything that has been said these are the core issues of the differences. Much arguement on side issues (about 80% of the threads).