In: Computer Science
Based upon your existing research and experiences, describe the features, similarities, and differences between the directory service offerings within the Linux and Windows environments. Form a recommendation for your corporation on which directory services (and features) should be used within your growing environment. Explain. Ensure that your recommendation(s) account for cost, training, support, and maintenance.
Answer:-
features, similarities, and differences between the directory service offerings within the Linux and Windows environments.
Topic | Linux | Windows |
---|---|---|
Price | The Linux kernel, and the GNU utilities and libraries which accompany it in most distributions, are entirely free and open source. You can download and install GNU/Linux distributions without purchase. Some companies offer paid support for their Linux distributions, but the underlying software is still free to download and install. | Microsoft Windows usually costs between $99.00 and $199.00 USD for each licensed copy. Windows 10 was originally being offered as a free upgrade to current owners of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 if they upgraded before July 29, 2016, but that offer is no longer available. |
Ease Of Use | More recent distributions of Linux are easier to use than previous variants. Some Linux distributions feature a GUI, much like Windows, allowing for ease of use for the average computer user. Linux GUI distributions are more user friendly and do not contain all the extra "bloatware" that Windows is known to include. Examples of easier to use distributions include Ubuntu and Linux Mint. | Windows is one of the easiest desktop operating systems to use. One of its primary design characteristics is user friendliness and simplicity of basic system tasks. Its ease and lack of difficulty is considered a positive by users who want their system to work. However, more proficient users may be frustrated by oversimplification of system tasks at the expense of fine-grained control over the system itself. |
Reliability | Linux is notoriously reliable and secure. It has a strong focus on process management, system security, and uptime. Users usually experience less issues in Linux. | Although Microsoft Windows has made great improvements in reliability in recent years, it's considered less reliable than Linux. Many of the sacrifices it makes in the name of user-friendliness can lead to security vulnerabilities and system instability. |
Software | There are thousands of programs available for Linux, and many are available as easy-to-install software packages — all for free. Also, many Windows programs can be run on Linux using compatibility layers, such as WINE. Linux supports a wider array of free software than Windows. | Windows commands the highest number of desktop users, and therefore the largest selection of software. It also has the largest selection of video games by a wide margin. |
Software Cost | Many of the available software programs, utilities, and games available on Linux are free and open source. Even complex applications, such as GIMP, OpenOffice, and Star Office, are available for free. | Although there are many free Windows programs, utilities, and games, the majority of Windows software is commercial and must be purchased. Most Windows software can cost between $4.99 and $99. |
Hardware | Fifteen years ago, Linux struggled to support new hardware. Manufacturers often considered Linux support a secondary concern (if they considered supporting it at all). Furthermore, device driversfor Linux were created only by enthusiasts who devoted their own time and resources to making Linux compatible with new hardware. Since then, the Linux user base has grown exponentially. Today, the majority of hardware manufacturers give Linux support the same priority as Microsoft Windows. | Windows has a massive user base, so it would be madness for a consumer hardware manufacturer not to support Windows. As a Windows user, you can rest assured that your operating system is compatible with nearly any hardware you might buy. |
Security | Linux is a highly secure operating system. Although attack vectors are still discovered, its source code is open and available for any user to review, which makes it easier to identify and repair vulnerabilities. | Microsoft has made great security improvements in Windows over the years. But as the operating system with the largest user base, especially among novice computer users, it is the primary target for malicious coders. As a result, of all major operating systems, Microsoft Windows is the most likely to be the victim of virusesand malware. |
Support | There is a massive amount of online support available for Linux, including here on Computer Hope. There are also many books providing help with many of the Linux distributions. | Microsoft Windows offers integrated and online help systems, and there are thousands of informative books about Windows available for every skill level. |
Use Cases | Linux is used by corporate, scientific, and academic organizations of every size. It's used to power the development machines and servers at Google, Facebook, Twitter, NASA, and the New York Stock Exchange, just to name a few. On the desktop, it is often used by technically proficient users who prioritize system security and reliability, and by enthusiasts who want to learn more about computers and how they work. It's also used to give new life to older hardware, enable low-budget computing projects to succeed, and serve as the operating system on single-board computers, such as the Raspberry Pi. | Microsoft Windows is usually the operating system of choice for gamers, novice users, and business users who rely on Microsoft software. It doesn't run well on older hardware, however. Many Windows users are thrilled with the changes that Microsoft has introduced with Windows 10, so if you've never used it, |
which directory services (and features) should be used within your growing environment. Explain. Ensure that your recommendation(s) account for cost, training, support, and maintenance.
linux is better
why:-
1. Open Source Nature
What is it like when you buy a car, but you cannot see what’s under the hood? Similar is the case with when you use a Windows-powered system.
However, in contrast, Linux is completely an open source project. You can have a look at the source code of a Linux OS, which is a plus.
I know, most people don’t care about this openness of Linux, but to me, this is the most important feature of using GNU/Linux.
2. Secure
Let’s face it; Windows OS is vulnerable to different types of attacks (or hacks). However, Linux is not as vulnerable as Windows. It sure isn’t invulnerable, but it is a lot more secure. Although, there’s no rocket science in it.
It is just the way Linux works that makes it a secure operating system. Overall, the process of package management, the concept of repositories, and a couple more features makes it possible for Linux to be more secure than Windows.
When you have Windows installed, you need to download/purchase an Antivirus program to keep your computer safe from hackers and malware. However, Linux does not require the use of such Anti-Virus programs. Of course, a couple of software tools still exist to help you keep your system free from threats, but it is often unnecessary when you have a Linux system.
Being secure by nature would make things easier for you and save money as well because you will not have to get a premium Antivirus software!
3. Can revive older computers
As the operating systems evolve, so do their hardware requirements increase exponentially. For instance, if you purchase a genuine copy of Windows 10, you will have to meet the minimum hardware requirements to run it successfully, and you cannot run it on just about any low-end system.
Nevertheless, with Linux, you could even utilize one of your oldest computer systems to achieve a task. However, that does not mean that every Linux distribution would work with 256 MB of RAM coupled with an outdated processor. However, there are options which you can install on such low-end systems as well (such as Puppy Linux).
So, being an efficient OS, Linux distributions could be fitted to a range of systems (low-end or high-end). In contrast, Windows operating system has a higher hardware requirement.
Overall, even if you compare a high-end Linux system and a high-end Windows-powered system, the Linux distribution would take the edge. Well, that is the reason most of the servers across the world prefer to run on Linux than on a Windows hosting environment.