EXPERIMENT 11

AIM: TO STUDY THE FEATURES OF WINDOWS AND LINUX

INTRODUCTION:
An operating system (OS) is essential software that manages hardware resources and provides a user
interface for interaction. Windows and Linux are two major OS platforms, each with unique features
and functionalities. Windows is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive software
compatibility, while Linux offers flexibility, security, and open-source customization. Understanding
their differences helps users choose the right system for their needs.

Features of Windows:
1. Start Menu

As the name suggests, this is the part where the user starts his actions, after turning on the computer.
The start menu contains a list of all the applications, pinned applications, and recently used applications.
We can search various files and applications using the search bar. There is also an option of switching
the user and turning off/restart/sleep mode options. So start basically is a place where user can begin
their work by choosing the desired place to start their task.
2. File Explorer

In real life, we keep all our documents in one place and segregate them according to their use and need.
In Windows, the same work is done by the file explorer. It saves all our files in one place, according to
the location that we provide. All the locations are displayed here along with the removable disks and
pen drives that we insert. We can also manage various files and perform operations on them like-
inserting, creating shortcuts, renaming, deleting, grouping files, etc. It makes searching for files easier
using the search function. We can also find the recent files that we have used in File Explorer.

3. Control Panel

As the name suggests, it controls and configures the resources and apps on our computer. There are a
lot of functions that can be performed according to the user's needs. Right from system administration
to setting the time, everything can be done here. If we want to interface our computer with hardware,
the settings can be changed here and various network-related settings can be changed too. In this way,
the user can use and change system settings according to his discretion.
4. Cortana

In Windows, we have been provided with a voice assistant who helps us with things that we are unable
to do and are stuck at. It is an important feature of the Windows operating system which is an AI-
operated voice assistant that acts according to our commands and helps us to perform actions like
opening a document, playing music, etc. Its concept resembles that of Google Assistant, Siri, etc.

5. Browser (Edge)

The default browser of Windows is Microsoft Edge. We can search for information and surf the internet
using the browser. Windows comes with a pre-installed browser. Earlier the default browser was Internet
Explorer but later it was changed to Edge. It renders results of search faster and has security features
like malware protection, phishing protection, and detection of insecure websites.

6. MS Paint

This is a feature from the 1st version of Windows itself. As the name suggests, it is used to paint, i.e.,
create drawings, paintings, colorings, etc. A blank canvas along with various inks, pens, and shapes.
Now an improvised version of MS Paint that is known as Paint-3D comes with more and improved
features.
 7. Task Manager
The task manager is used to manage all the currently running tasks. We can force-stop tasks that are
currently running and get information that which tasks are running in the background. The 'End Task'
option enables the user to force stop the background and foreground running application. We also get
information on how much CPU, RAM, and memory is used by various system resources.

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 Features of Linux:

The following are the features of the Linux Operating system:

1. Free and Open-Source

Linux is completely free of cost, and expenses are never a hindrance to using it as an operating system.
Linux is open-source. This means that modification of code, analysis of codes, redistribution of codes,
or selling copies of the enhanced codes can be done by anyone in the world provided they come under
the same license where the license also costs no charge. Linux operating system is released under the
GNU (General Public License) and is now one of the largest open-source projects worldwide.

2. Extremely Flexible

Linux has incorporated itself into embedded products like watches, digital equipment and
supercomputing servers. There are no prerequisites for installing an entire Linux suit. It allows a user to
install only the components that are required by the user.

3. Lightweight Infrastructure

Linux consumes lesser storage space, and its installation requires around 4GB to 8GB of disk space.
Memory footprint or the amount of memory (RAM) used by the software while running is also less
and it is compatible with all kinds of file formats like text files, audio files, video files, graphic formats,
etc.
4. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Even though Linux works on using the command line interface but it can be converted to be used like
windows having a Graphical user interface. This is done mostly by installing packages. The most
common way of having a GUI on the Linux environment is to log in to Ubuntu server and install its
desktop environment.

5. End-to-end encryption

Linux allows end-to-end encryption while accessing data thus storing public keys in the server. All data
is password protected and provides authentication to users. It also allows many security features and
provides file permissions, a secure shell, etc.
6. Portable Environment

Linux works on any kind of environment and doesn't depend on the device being high-ended or low-
ended. A large number of users can simultaneously use it anytime, anyplace, and on multiple devices.
It supports all kinds of hardware to work on. Multiple distributions or enterprises are also supported by
Linux. It has its own repository for software that can be used to install the required packages.

7. Shell/ Command-line Interface

The Linux command line interpreter is known as Shell that provides an interface between the user and
kernel which then executes programs known as commands. Hence, Linux uses Command-line
interface to carry out the execution of tasks which is comparatively more efficient to execute and takes
lesser time. It also takes lesser space in the memory.

8. Customized keyboard

Linux is available in all languages which makes it acceptable worldwide. That is why language can be
changed from the keyboard according to the requirements and preferences. Users can also build their
own customized layout for keyboards.