Computer users and programmers have become so accustomed to using Windows, even for the changing capabilities and the appearances of the graphical interface of the versions, therefore it has remained Microsoft’s product. Although, Lycoris, Red Hat, Mandrake, Suse, Knoppix, Slackware and Lindows make up some of the different versions of LINUX. These companies release their own versions of the operating systems with minor changes, and yet always with the same bottom line. The simple fact that not one of these companies are close to competing with Windows, for the most part causes the difference in market share.

It sometimes seems everyone on the planet is using Windows. Many say Windows is way better than LINUX because of the simple handling of the software or hardware. There are huge differences between the number of users of LINUX and Windows. Many say LINUX is far better because it started as an Open Source software and thus is more flexible than Windows. Then what accounts for the enormous difference in market share between these two operating systems? Windows and Linux are different in many ways.

1. Windows GUI is an integral component of the OS; speed, efficiency and reliability, while the Linux GUI is optional, are increased by running a server instance of Linux without a GUI, something that server versions of Windows simply can’t do. The nature of the Linux GUI makes remote administration of a Linux computer easier with a more natural feel than Windows computers.

2. The command prompts of the operating systems are very different. The command interpreters in the Windows 9x series are very similar to each other and the NT class versions of Windows also have similar command interpreters. There are, however differences between a Windows 9x command interpreter and one in an NT class flavor of Windows. Linux, like UNIX, also supports multiple command interpreters, but it usually uses BASH or “Bourne Again Shell”.

3. While you have to pay hundred’s of dollars for a new Windows version, you can just go download Linux. There’s no manuals or simple installers for the free version. Although there is quite a learning curve when utilizing the free package. There are some easy automated packages of Linux for low prices.

Microsoft’s “big con” is the supposed security issues with windows. Most spyware, adware and malicious files programs work with Windows just fine. In general you do not deal with these kinds of circumstances unless you are working with Windows. whereas Linux offers a strong protection, password protection for Windows can be bypassed with ease.

The software availability is the key to why Windows wins over Linux in this competition. Most software releases are already configured for Windows. If you chose to use Linux you must copy Windows with special software in order to use your windows based programs. You could always install Windows as a subsystem to Linux, this would take the administrative capabilities of Windows and allow them to funtion on Linux.

If Linux is ever to compete with Windows, it must become more user friendly and provide serious technical support.

Written by J. Brian Keith.

Most PC users see their computer system as hardware and software that effortlessly work together, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Your PC needs a great deal of help to get it to run smoothly. And it receives that help from the operating system. Operating systems are software. But they don’t crunch numbers, produce reports, or create presentations; they organize and manage the resources of your computer.

When you want to print a document, the operating system takes control. When you need to scan some paperwork, the operating system handles the request. The operating system acts as a middleman between you, the user, and your PC’s hardware and software. In addition, it decides how to best utilize your computer’s limited processing power. Here are some other important operating system functions:

* Input and Output (I/O)

The operating system helps you interact with your PC through your monitor, keyboard, and mouse without having to worry about the details of those I/O devices.

* File Management

It allows users to create, save, delete, move, and copy files.

* Program Execution

It loads your other programs (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, database, etc.) from the hard drive into RAM.

Starting Up the Operating System

Because they take up so much memory, operating systems must be stored on your hard drive until they can be loaded into random access memory (RAM). When you turn on your computer, your PC’s BIOS (Basic Input Output System) places a small amount of operating system code into RAM. As a result, the reminder of the operating system is loaded into memory.

The Kernel and the Shell

The kernel is the part of the operating system that deals with your hardware. As the user, you never work with the kernel itself. You must interact with it through a shell program.

The shell program is the visual setting you see when you use your computer. It’s also the part of the operating system where users can issue commands to the computer. Some operating systems use a command line interface that allows you to type in specific commands. Others have a graphical user interface (GUI). GUIs use windows, menus, and icons to help you control your computer. Some operating systems have a variety of GUIs, allowing users to select the one they want.

Additional Operating System Features

* Multi-user and Multitasking

Although some operating systems only serve the needs of individual users, others must service hundreds of workers in large businesses. These multi-user operating systems are especially proficient at giving employees the ability to share resources such as printers or memory.

Today, many operating systems have multitasking capabilities. They can run several programs at once, and monitor each process. A process is a program that is currently running.

* Utility Programs

These applications work with the operating system to make a user’s life a little easier. They may format floppy disks. Or tell you how many bytes are in a particular file. Whatever their function, utility programs expand the functionality of your PC and help you work more effectively.

Because they are so critical, operating systems are often the source of many heated debates. Which one’s the best? Which one has the most flaws? People will always question the merits of a particular operating system. But one thing is certain: they will never question the need for one.

Written by Keith Johnson.