Essay: Operating systems – the choice of Linux as opposed to Windows

Operating Systems
Historical Recap: Linux
Presently Linux operating system is actually all over. It’s found in phones, cars, refrigerators, Roku devices as well as runs the super computers, the larger percentage of the internet, plus the world’s stock exchange. Its history began back in 1991, with a graduate student, Linus Torvalds who created a new and free Kernel operating system as a personal project (Luo et al., 2004). Since then, Linux kernel has seen constant growth all over its history.
In 1992, Linux Kernel was licensed under in the GNU GPL and the primary Linux distribution was created. In 1993, over 100 developers assisted in adapting the kernel to the GNU setting. This created a wide range of application varieties for Linux, slackware was released, and Debian project which is presently the leading community distribution was established. In 1994, Torvalds released Linux version1.0 and SUSE and Red Hat published their Linux distributions version 1.0 (Duffy, 2003). In 1995, Linux was ported to Sun SPARC and to DEC Alpha and over the subsequent years it’s ported to other platforms. In 1996, Linux kernel version 2.0 was released and it became a serious option for many companies since it was now able to serve several processors while still using Symmetric multiprocessing (Kerrisk, 2010). In 1998, many companies announced support for Linux and Netscape made Linux get the interest of the technical press when it publicly released its source code. In 2000, Dell announced of being the second supplier of Linux-based systems globally.  By 2004, X.Org Foundation was formed and it speeded the development of X server meant foe Linux (Kerrisk, 2010).
In 2005, open SUSE project began its free supply from Novell’s community and in 2006 with Microsoft; they announced cooperation for mutual patent protection and better interoperability. In 2007, Dell started distributing laptops that were pre-installed with Ubuntu (Grant & Bull, 2012). In 2011, Linux kernel released version 3.0 and by 2012, the total revenue of Linux server exceeded the other UNIX market. In 2013, about 75 percent of Smart phones shipped were under a claim of Google’s Linux-based android. In 2014, 22,000,000 users were claimed by Ubuntu and lastly Linux Kernel released its version 4.0 in year 2015 (Dawson et al., 2016).
Windows Operating System
Windows OS exist in the family of the many graphical OS provided by Microsoft. It is a part of the OS from Microsoft that typically serve the IBM PC compatible machines and gadgets. The present active Windows include Windows NT, Embedded and Windows Phone. They do have subfamilies that include Windows CE and Server. The defunct family includes the 9x system while Windows 10 Mobile is inactive.
In historical reflection, Microsoft introduced the initial OS product in 1985 and named it Windows. It was a development due to the demands and growing interest in the computing industry on the need for graphical user interfaces. It is vital to note that Mac OS (1984) was introduced before Windows but Microsoft Windows managed to come and overtake it to enjoy and own a significant 90% of the market share (Du & Li, 2016). Lisa and Macintosh as competitors from apple were introduced in 1993 although they didn’t manage to outdo Windows in the market. Note-wise, regarding PCs, Windows is the current most popular OS.
Another important note to put in mind is that in 2014, there was the introduction of Android in the market which Microsoft admitted to be a real competitor. Most importantly, the sale of Windows devices did fall as low as 25% in comparison to the Android devices marketed (Du & Li, 2016). However, this may not be a case to affect the market in its entirety since they target different market platforms. Fast forward to 2016, a significant proportion of the devices in the market have Windows OS with the most recent version being Windows 10. For the computer servers’ purpose there is Windows Server 2016 while the customized/specialized version is Xbox One game console.
Deciding on Linux
All computers (20) should use Linux. With no doubt, Linux is a Unix-like operating system that is highly compliant to POSIX. It is a model that is assembled under the free/open source categories, which is distinct from others due to its defining component Linux kernel; the initial operation system of the company.  The reasons why many users consider making a switch from Microsoft Windows stem from its user-friendliness which occurs in technical, support, and compatibility features among other essentials. In most cases as well, it becomes the preferred choice for most users who may not have a lot of capital to purchase and maintain Windows OS.
Technical Specifications, Requirements and User Needs
How easy is it to use Linux as an OS? There are numerous unique features that enable many to use the operating system with ease and to remain a favorite OS even in the big companies in the world. One notable feature that makes a great difference which as well justifies the need to use it in computers is all about development and distribution. In the present day, Windows OS remain a private product of Microsoft and it is only Microsoft that can develop and distribute the operating system (Du & Li, 2016). In regard, it is not easy to share and in fact, it is illegal.
On the other hand, Linux OS makes it somewhat easier for its users regarding development and distribution. As earlier noted, it is developed by open source which has no limitation. In this case, it all but means that if someone has the codes that corresponds to the features, it is possible to get the OS by simply sharing. Moreover, there are authorized vendors who distribute it to the people. Consequently, its access becomes easier and cheaper for the user especially when a person is using many computers such as for business purposes.
On the same case, the availability and ease of access go hand in hand with cost. Indeed, the issue to do with cost makes a big difference between Windows and Linux. For instance, considering that Linux comes under free distribution, the cost of Windows is between $119 and $199 although it is somewhat considerable for students at $69 (Chien, Lin & Yu, 2016). It also comes at a cost of $99 to make an upgrade to pro if need be (Du & Li, 2016). On the other hand, even if Linux has some priced versions, which are cheaper than Windows anyway, it is easy to download it freely and distribution occurs in many ways such as through magazines and books.
Regarding usage, the case to do with Linux is also encouraging. Note-wise, the OS can be installed in a wide variety of computer hardware which as well supports numerous programs. It is highly compatible with mobile phones too, tablet computers as well as video games consoles (Dawson et al., 2016). In fact, it’s only under complicated case that a computer can fail to be compatible with all versions of the OS.  Moreover, its update methods are many it is only through Windows Update that a person can modernize Windows OS.
The other reason for choosing Linux over Windows for the company 100% concerns the file system support. While in Windows it is confined to FAT, FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT, Linux can accommodate others like Ext 2, 3, and 4 versions as well as Jfs categories (Grant & Bull, 2012). Also on support issues, there is also a critical difference in matters to do with text mode interface. The Linux default shell is BASH which can support multiple command interpreters. In contrast, Windows utilizes a command shell where each version has a specific interpreter which at times requires MS-dos like prompts. This can make it hard for users if not adequately versed with the procedures involved. The same case happens in troubleshooting essentials. In Linux, there are some distributions such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint whose designs are specific to ease the transition between Windows to Linux. As a result, the users find it easier to migrate and particularly in cases where there are complexity issues in windows OS.
Productivity Applications
One similarity between both OS is that they offer a wide range of multimedia applications which improves and excites the computer use and experiences. The only limitation regarding Linux is that if one is using the older versions, it is indeed difficult to set up some applications due to compatibility and installation processes’ hiccups. However, it is a great advantage that many applications that are compatible to Linux are freely available, as opposed to the case of Windows where users have to undergo a considerable cost to get the software. On the same case, in case one makes a purchase of the Windows copy, which is in a CD-ROM, it doesn’t come with application software as opposed to Linux that comes along with a lot of free application software. A good example of such application bundle is the Open Office.
Security Information
No Windows can be termed as safe from security and stability issues. However, the situation significantly changes in issues regarding popularity. In the world, the widely used OS is Windows. That’s a fact. Unfortunately, the issues of security emanate from this gap since hackers and spammers often target Windows OS and related applications. On the same case, Microsoft usually releases partial updates before the critical monthly updates.
Per contra, the situation in Linux is quite different. It is stable and more secure. For instance, since the software is collaboratively driven, the developers constantly monitor its progress and very keenly, and in case there is a new problem that is raised, it becomes easier and quicker to solve the case (Kerrisk, 2010). Moreover, bearing in mind that it has a multi user OS, which is enabled by its UNIX architecture, the OS is more stable that the case to do with single user operating systems in Windows. Regarding that, the choice of Linux over Windows remains justified.
Projection on Growth
Unfortunately, irrespective of the many advantages in processes and cost benefits, the market share of Linux will only keep on declining. With the current market dynamics too, it is impossible to hit even a quarter of Windows stats. In reflection, it is believed that over 93% users in the world use Windows as compared to as low as 0.8% who uses Linux (Grant & Bull, 2012). This significant difference stems from the fact that many home users prefer Windows although Linux is a preferred case as far as corporate use is concerned. The appeal also contributes significantly since regardless of the differences in GUI, it is still difficult for Linux to appeal as compared to Windows hence its increased popularity among users. Consequently, the usage of Linux becomes confined to common people who are few and not for mass usage.
In further development of the case, most computer manufacturers and vendors always preinstall their computers with Windows OS. Even if DELL and HP have started to give Linux an overhead, the levels are not expected to reach Windows’ level at any particular time. Further, statistical reflections also demonstrate significant fall in Linux popularity. For instance, in x86 server space in 2003, the annual rate of Linux use was at 45% globally but it declined in unimaginable margins up to 10% by year 2006 (Grant & Bull, 2012). Nevertheless, the stats remained at 10-12% but it has never reached those levels up to date. With that in mind, it is justified to deduce that although Linux use is still present in many cases; its use will only stagnate on levels around or below 10% of the global users.
Application software accommodated by Linux OS
The selection of the application software depends on ones habit and distribution. However, Linux Os can accommodate the following software:
Networking and system: The common networking software is supported. According to Dawson et al. (2016), they include Google chrome, Opera, Netscape, Marxthon cloud browser,  vilvaldi, Insight wed client, IMB notes, Igloo FTP PRO, just to mention a few. Desktop system is also supported and includes Google Desktop and HJ Split (Dawson et al., 2016).
PDF Viewer: Adobe Reader, PDF studio standard, Acrobat among others.
Antivirus: All types are accommodated. Common ones include Avast, AVG, Dr. Web, Bitdfender, Kasperky among others (Dawson et al., 2016).
In conclusion, the choice of Linux as opposed to Windows can be well deduced from the case above. Linux has many advantages and despite its issues with technical complexities at times, it is cost considerate and available in different versions. However, it is easy to access, multiuse and highly secure. Also, it has many software utilities and programs that are free as well. Above all, it has easy to install software packages.