Comparison between Linux and Windows

Article Title: Comparison of Linux and Windows operating systems. Linux is a technology channel of the IT lab in China. Includes basic categories such as desktop applications, Linux system management, kernel research, embedded systems, and open source.

In a sense, the server operating system is simpler than the workstation operating system. Because they do not need to support a variety of accessories, and generally do not need to run various types of applications. On the other hand, the databases, Web servers, email servers, Collaboration applications, and application servers that they run have high requirements on server operating systems and hardware facilities. Therefore, it is not easy to select the best operating system for the server.

A decade ago, there were two major commercial server operating systems available: Novell's NetWare 4 and Microsoft's Windows NT. Today, Windows 2008 is still a relatively reliable option, and although NetWare has disappeared, Novell's Linux version is also a good choice. In the field of expertise, the available products have not changed much, basically the same as 10 years ago: dedicated servers use Unix system variants provided by Sun, IBM, SGI, and other vendors.

How to choose the best operating system? This depends largely on the functions of the server. For file and print servers, Windows 2003 or 2008 that can run Microsoft Office on the client is the easiest choice. Although it is not impossible to support Windows File Sharing on a Linux server or to run a server consolidation software that supports Outlook, it is troublesome to start the server, it is also difficult to ensure its smooth operation. On the other hand, it is easier to run file servers, export-oriented Web servers or application servers that support Linux workstations on Linux than to run these servers on Windows, it may also be safer in terms of configuration, and it will save a lot of equipment maintenance troubles over time.

　　Windows vs. Linux: installation, maintenance, and security

Both Windows and Linux have some advantages and disadvantages. Windows is easy to install and run because it has a set of Preset modes, including a series of drivers that support almost all types of hardware, and the most available software. However, it always has frequent security issues or requires key patches to be installed. In this case, the system usually needs to be restarted. Windows is also expensive. From the initial purchase of the operating system and applications to the subsequent routine maintenance and upgrade required to ensure the stability of the system, a certain amount of cost is required. Before selecting Linux, you should carefully consider the drivers that are available for your choice and suitable for your own hardware (including the motherboard, check whether it supports new hardware (such as the Intel i7 motherboard ). The installation of Linux operating systems and applications is also complicated and requires more professional knowledge. But at the same time, Linux is generally more stable and safer than Windows, especially the Enterprise Edition provided by Red Hat and Novell. The stability of the kernel version used by Linux has been proven to be sufficient for a long time.

　　Other considerations for the operating system: Price, customer service, and related options

Both Windows and Linux provide dazzling options. For Microsoft, you can select Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, and data center edition. Each version has two versions: 32-bit and 64-bit. In addition, it provides professional options, such as the SMB version (applicable to small and medium enterprises ). Of course, Windows Server 2008 also provides similar options. The price depends on the number of copies you want to purchase and whether you need to sign the annual maintenance agreement or enterprise batch license plan. However, Linux even provides more options. If you have purchased a Linux Server version, you can get full Customer Service (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) from Red Hat and Novell vendors and other options. The prices for Xandros, MEPIS, and CentOS versions are relatively low. The free versions provided by Debian, Ubuntu, and Red Hat's Ora ora can reduce the cost at the beginning.

From the highest price to the lowest price, the biggest difference between Linux versions is not in terms of the quality of software or existing drives, but in terms of acceptable customer service. If you are willing to go deep into the online customer service forum, you may find that the free version gets customer service faster than the commercial version. But you can rest assured that they have 24-hour customer service calls, especially for enterprise users. You can purchase both the hardware and the operating system at the same time, which ensures that all the hardware you install can be accepted by customer service. Otherwise, you may need to study whether the selected Linux version supports the running of the motherboard, chipset, RAID adapter, Nic, Fiber Channel host adapter, and other accessories.

For commercial servers, there are other non-Linux options, including BeOS, OpenSolaris, and several Berkley Software Distribution versions. These server operating system options provide better protection against hackers and security, but they are more limited in terms of hardware and software support than Linux.