When we hear the name „Linux“ we usually think about an operating system for nerds and other people with too much free time. Well, that's only partially true since Linux itself isn't an operating system. Linux is a core for operating systems which are built around it.
The history of Linux dates back to the early nineties when Linus Torvalds, a student of computer science and a member of the Swedish minority of Finland started to write his own little operating system core just for fun.
Later he mentioned this operating system core on a newsgroup and he also added the possibility of releasing it under the GPL – eventually he did so.
This paper examines and compares technical aspects as well as everyday use and of Linux and Microsoft Windows.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
What is Linux?
Where do we encounter it?
What makes it special?
...And what exactly is Linux Mint?
II. Technical Aspects
Installing the operating system
Hardware drivers
Your computer's performance and resource consumption
III. Everyday Use
Accessing your programs and files
Online Security
Gaming and Multimedia
Office Work
Installing additional software
Networking
IV. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper aims to conduct a comparative analysis between the Linux distribution "Linux Mint" and "Microsoft Windows 7" to determine whether Linux constitutes a superior desktop operating system for the average end user.
- Technical installation procedures and hardware driver management.
- Comparative analysis of system resource consumption and performance.
- Evaluation of user interface concepts and software accessibility.
- Assessment of security standards and malware vulnerabilities.
- Suitability for typical daily tasks such as office work, multimedia, and networking.
Excerpt from the Book
What is Linux?
When we hear the name „Linux“ we usually think about an operating system for nerds and other people with too much free time. Well, that's only partially true since Linux itself isn't an operating system. Linux is a core for operating systems which are built around it.
Yet all Linux based operating system are very similar in use and are all referred to as „Linux“ - even though the correct term for these systems would be „GNU/Linux“ (while, as already mentioned, only the core itself is called Linux) because they are all released under the GNU Public License.
The history of Linux dates back to the early nineties when Linus Torvalds, a student of computer science and a member of the Swedish minority of Finland started to write his own little operating system core just for fun.
Later he mentioned this operating system core on a newsgroup and he also added the possibility of releasing it under the GPL – eventually he did so.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: Defines the nature of Linux, its historical origins, ubiquity in modern technology, and the specific rationale for selecting Linux Mint for this comparative study.
II. Technical Aspects: Examines the practical differences between installing Linux Mint and Windows 7, compares driver handling, and analyzes resource consumption under standard conditions.
III. Everyday Use: Evaluates usability factors, comparing menu structures, security profiles, multimedia capabilities, office productivity software, and the process of installing additional applications.
IV. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, concluding that both systems have specific strengths and weaknesses while remaining competitive alternatives for different user needs.
Keywords
Linux, Linux Mint, Windows 7, Operating System, GNU/Linux, Kernel, Open Source, Software Management, Hardware Drivers, System Performance, Cybersecurity, Desktop Environment, LibreOffice, User Interface, Comparative Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines whether Linux Mint provides a better desktop experience for typical users compared to Microsoft Windows 7.
Which operating systems are compared in this study?
The study specifically compares Linux Mint 17 and Microsoft Windows 7.
What is the main research question?
The research seeks to evaluate if Linux is a more suitable and efficient operating system for common desktop tasks than Microsoft Windows.
What scientific methods were applied?
The author uses a comparative analysis approach, testing both operating systems in identical virtual machine environments to measure performance and resource usage.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main part covers technical installation, hardware driver management, system performance, security, multimedia, office applications, and general usability.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Core themes include Open Source, System Performance, Cybersecurity, and Usability comparisons between Linux and Windows.
Does Linux Mint require security software like Windows?
The author suggests that due to a smaller market share and different architecture, Linux users generally do not need to worry about the same level of malware as Windows users.
Why was Linux Mint chosen over other Linux distributions?
Linux Mint was selected because it offers a traditional user interface similar to Windows 7, making it an ideal candidate for a fair comparison for end users.
How do the installation processes differ?
The main difference highlighted is the "live environment" of Linux Mint, which allows users to test the OS before installation, a feature not present in the Windows 7 installer.
- Quote paper
- David Ratajczak (Author), 2015, Is Linux a better desktop operating system than Microsoft Windows?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/292829
