Linux or Windows? Seems like nothing starts a war in the IT department like this topic… but which is better? Which is more secure? These two operating systems are very different, and regardless of your preference, you will need to handle both in any sizable IT infrastructure. For this discussion, chose a service, and tell us which OS you would prefer, why you think it might be better both in technology and security. Be sure to provide some evidence for your choice, and highlight the differences between these two operating systems and their utilities. Also, if you disagree with someone else’s assessment, rather posting your own service/OS, propose an alternative along with evidence as to why you would make that choice.
And – depending on how serious you are about Windows / Linux… keep the conversation civil 🙂
i personally prefer Linux. i used ubuntu 14 most. i use ubuntu just because i got feeling for it. When i use windows system, i got no feeling. I feel Linux chose me. I use windows only for entertainment purpose.
That’s how I feel about Windows. I am a big user of Windows because I basically grew up using it and have used it throughout my jobs and school. I like it because it is simple but also there are so much that can be done in Windows that I haven’t explored yet. Many applications are compatible with the OS and even though people target it, there are also many ways to mitigate the risks. Also the active directory in Windows is a big plus, as it is useful in managing users and making the permission changes a bit more secured. Also I enjoy a GUI interface. For Linux, I haven’t gotten skilled or comfortable with it. I am still a rookie but I do want to use more of it and learn the security aspects of Linux over Windows. I like a challenge so that’s why I am exciting about using Linux and want to get more comfortable and skilled in it.
Neil,
I do agree with you. So many people prefer using Windows, simply because they grow up using it and does’t require any coding skills at all. This is the reason why Microsoft has been and going to be doing well. However, I do believe that Linux has people who prefer, security is a big reason for that as well as it gives users the opportunity to modify the source since it’s an open source.
Personally, I prefer widows simply because I use it on daily basis but I do think that Linux is better operating system. The following are some reasons why Linux is a better operating system: faster, free, more free applications, secure, better performance, better privacy, variety, and better support. Windows 10 is slow in older hardware but with Linux you can find distributions that work well with older hardware. Windows cost money whereas Linux is free and it has all the features you need in a operating system. Most of the application for Windows you have to pay whereas for Linux you don’t. While no operating system can claim to be completely risk-free the fact is Windows is a big target by attackers whereas with Linux you can stick to repositories and avoid using Adobe’s Flash. Windows 8.1 and 10 is slower than Linux even with all the effect and shiny features of modern desktop. Windows most likely collects user’s data just like other big corporation but most Linux distributions do not collect your data. Windows is not as reliable as Linux, with Linux each application is self-contained and you easily kill any applications. Windows has limited set of tweaks available whereas Linux is highly customizable. Finally, Windows has a lot of documentation but when you get stuck you find yourself searching for an answer without any good solution whereas Linux is much easier to find an answer.
I am a big user of Windows because I’ve used it on all my jobs, school and home. I basically grew up using Windows. I like it because each version has their shares of ups and downs but also it’s something to learn and realize that even though Windows is a target for hackers and other malicious activities, there are steps to prevent that. Also, many applications are compatible with Windows. There are thing you can do in Windows that sometimes you can’t do in Linux. But Linux seems to be more complex and once you understand how it works and get more comfortable, it is an useful OS. I don’t know Linux much but I do want dwell into the possibilities that it holds and see what challenges it has. Maybe it might get me to use Linux on a future machine and that I know Linux is a big player in the cyber security world. Right now, I prefer Windows because I understand how it works but I would like to learn more about using Linux and getting comfortable using a command-based system.
sorry posted more than once – website was giving me fits
I am a big user of Windows because I basically grew up using it and have used it throughout my jobs and school. I like it because it is simple but also there are so much that can be done in Windows that I haven’t explored yet. Many applications are compatible with the OS and even though people target it, there are also many ways to mitigate the risks. Also the active directory in Windows is a big plus, as it is useful in managing users and making the permission changes a bit more secured. Also I enjoy a GUI interface. For Linux, I haven’t gotten skilled or comfortable with it. I am still a rookie but I do want to use more of it and learn the security aspects of Linux over Windows. I like a challenge so that’s why I am exciting about using Linux and want to get more comfortable and skilled in it.
I prefer windows for now, as I don’t know much about Linux or have much experience. To me, it seems like Linux is the preferred OS for security and hacker types. Linux, as an open source OS seems to be much more customization and has more configurations options – whereas windows will throw up some dialog and do more hand holding. To me, I think of it like old car mechanics talk: Older cars (Linux) can be worked on with a basic set of tools, everything is pretty much replaceable and anyone can get started…whereas new cars (Windows) are more modular and require custom tools and diagnostics. I’m not sure that analogy is all that strong. I think both have a role to play in IT, with Linux being more centered on power users and Windows more of a GUI based experience. That being said I look forward to learning more about Linux.
My choice is purely on preference as I use and enjoy apple computers. Linux. I might be biased in that respect but I also agree with open source code. Regardless of service my choice is based upon the availability of resources and the community support that comes with linux.
As a Linux Systems administrator, my first choice is Linux. I think it all comes down to use-case, though. For the majority if PC users, Linux is not applicable. There are things Windows does as far as ease of use for these average users that Linux does not do as well. The first on the list here is the list of software that Windows is able to run. From a practicality standpoint, Linux is not able ti run nearly as many applications as Windows can. In the server world, however, Linux is proving to be a better option. Enterprise level version of Linux such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux makes up the majority of the world’s web servers. Since Linux is open-source, it is easier to strip down the kernel and tune it to the way enterprises prefer. From a workstation perspective, Windows wins again as Microsoft’s Active Directory is the most popular single-sign on application in the world. There are many thing one operating system can do better than the other so it comes down to use-case. For me personally, I lean towards the Linux side of the fence.
Personally, for my day to day use, I prefer Windows due to the types of applications I use (Microsoft Suite, Games, etc..) and the GUI. One of the great benefits of Linux is the powerful Terminal, something I do not need to use on a daily basis. Linux is more powerful than Windows from a penetration stand point. In my pentesting classes, using Kali Linux and pentest related apps: NMAP, Metasploit, Nessus made ethical hacking effortless, and everything was almost all done within the Terminal. It would be a lot more difficult to do all this on Windows. In the end, it comes down to what am I using the OS for? As previous stated, if it is for my day-to-day activities, I prefer Windows. If it is to work on something technical like pentesting or running a server, then I prefer Linux for its flexibility, powerful Terminal, and open-source nature.
I have used windows pretty much my whole life. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but it’s just what’s always been in my house. In fact, my first real experience with Linux has been in this class. Apart from the OS itself and business/office applications, Microsoft apps (such as Solitaire Collection and other casual gaming ones) aren’t of very high quality. In my experience with Linux thus far, it seems like there is much more potential for customization, flexibility, and improvement, due to the nature of open-source. Windows, on the other hand, is much more rigid and cookie-cutter. I could see myself switching to Linux sometime in the future, once I gain more experience with it and more understanding of what I can do with it.
My take…
A Linux system should be used for core business processes, with no or limited user access. The software and application designed for the system should be developed in a secure production environment, tested and bricked to perform that specific task. The team should be very familiar with the code, and share it with other professionals to determine if there may be a better way.
A windows system should be used for non-core business process, with multiple users requiring access. The software and applications should be user friendly, easy to use, and include support if needed. The users shouldn’t need to know anything about code, or programming. Microsoft reviews user needs and adds services. The user is able to quickly add and remove services as needed to perform multiple tasks.
Imagine two different villages
The Linux village allows you access to the land (open source), but will only the king (Super User) has access to the castle (Kernel). He will put your stuff (Applications / Files ) in a room (Resources), but you are never allowed inside. This provides a layer of protection to the castle by limiting access.
The village is small and quiet (few users / applications), but the landscape (Architecture / OS) is very friendly (Free) and once you get to know everyone (Linux), it will grow on you.
The Linux villages are the small, everyone knows your name town, where everyone leaves their doors open and meets at the only party in town.
The Windows village doesn’t allow anyone on the property (closed source), unless you buy a ticket (License). The ticket allows you access to the castle (Kernel) and allows you to use one of the rooms (Resources) for your stuff (Application / Files) if it aligns with the policy. As long as you are paying your bills and following the rules, they will provided the locks (Patches) for your door and windows. But, it is your responsibility to replace (Install) them properly.
The windows village is huge and noisy (many users / applications), but it has everything you need (Services) and someone to guide you to it (Support).
The Windows villages are the big city, where you have a group of friends that have several options, but have to make sure you replace and lock the door every night.
I’ve grown up a Windows user and I am most comfortable with the interface, system configurations, and security controls, I am also more familiar with the knowledge bases and support options available to me from Microsoft. It wasn’t until I started the ITACS program that I started to see the benefits of an open source Linux operating system. Last summer I participated in the Cyber Analyst challenge and was introduced to Linux distros (e.g. Kali Linux and Remnux) that are used by the ethical hacking community (and bad actors). These distros contain powerful tools that are free and supported by a community of open source developers. The tools are very mature and it is quite simple to spin up free versions of these tools. I learned more about how to use them in the Intro to Ethical Hacking and Advanced Penetration Testing courses. In addition to my experience with ITACS, I have found many other applications for Linux when experimenting with some Raspberry Pi devices. I’ve found many more distros that I’ve used for lab work and home applications (e.g. wifi music streaming).
While I typically identify myslef as a Windows user, my ultimate choice of OS would greatly depend on the application(s) that are being implemented. Windows would be required for standard commercial applications that are developed for installation in a specific Windows environment; however if I wanted to install a custom application or distro, I would lean toward Linux because of the flexibility it offers and because it’s typically free. I like free!
As for security, I agree with the comments that open source environments can adapt more quickly to security vulnerabilities and are not limited to same bureaucratic processes that must be followed to implement a change or patch to a Windows environment. In addition, Linux environments empower users to configure systems securely by providing full access to the open source code. This enables stronger security, however open source environments may also lead to vulnerabilities that are introduced by rogue actors or poor development practices. If it was purely a security decision, I would still lean towards Linux because I’ve found that it is easier to lock down with full access to source code and through features such as SE Linux. Windows environments also create challenges when products become end of life / end of support. In these cases Microsoft has no obligation to correct a security vulnerability and the source code is not published to allow system administrators or developers to remediate any vulnerabilities.
The bottom line is that adequate operating system security can only be achieved through strong security practices, including OS hardening, currency, vulnerability scanning, patch management, and configuration monitoring. Regardless of whether you are implementing Windows or Linux, it is critical to maintain a strong vulnerability scanning and patch management program that will help to identify security weaknesses and configuration drift. It is just as critical to respond to those vulnerabilities in a timely manner and I’ve found that the collaborative open source Linux environment can typically address these in a more timely manner.
I personally prefer the windows operating system but that opinion is skewed from the fact that it has been my primary OS since I can remember. I know that Linux is much more secure then windows and offers a lot more freedom with the applications and platforms available. However, if I am choosing an OS for my IT infrastructure I would choose windows as it is more widely used and wil be easy for any employees to use as they are also familiar with windows. Also support for windows is easily attainable and is more available then that of linux. Also as systems and servers running windows become old as new versions of windows comes out, they can still be supported although the costs will be higher as these are legacy systems. However, I feel that Linux could be a cheaper alternative to a windows infrastructure as a lot of Linux applications are free and open source which can provide you a lot of flexibility upon setting up your infrastructure.
I have always been a fond user of Windows and have been using it for a longer period of time, however, I believe that there are different pros and cons to both operating systems (OS). The pros of using Linux is the distribution, performance, and support that Linux provides. Windows has a lot more applications that aren’t available in Linux. If one is not familiar with the command line of Linux, it is a lot easier to maneuver in Windows with the GUI. From my experiences of using Windows and Linux, I believe that Linux is more secure. There is a lack of end users that use Linux with most users using Microsoft as their OS. Most attackers would aim at Windows end users with ransomware or spyware due to the amount people that use it. I don’t have much experience in using Linux in a security standpoint. In my previous workplace, Linux was the preferred OS due to the lower resource requirement to run it and was able to allocate more resources to the applications. Windows was used only when the applications were not available in Linux.
Richard,
Thank you for the interesting post. I do believe the something, Linux is the operating system that will have big future for people who are in the security field. It’s an open source OS which can give these professionals the chance to be productive and develop techniques to secure companies architectures.
Since I have been used Windows for a long time, I would prefer to use Windows. However, when it comes to the question which one is better, I would say people like Linux because the Linux has a better security system and there are multiple different versions of Linux systems. Besides that, Linux is an open resource that developers continue to develop more on it. On another hand, Windows operating systems that are designed by Microsoft which is not an entirely open resource to users. Furthermore, compared to applications, Linux has many more free applications where compare to Windows that it might require purchase fee for the applications since it’s not a completely free open-source operating system.
I just started to use Linux recently and I am surprised of how much skills the user needs to know to become able to use such a powerful operation system. My preference of which operation system I like to use will be as following:
– Windows is a very simple operating system that can be easy to use and manipulate especially that I have been using it for so many years. It is easy to learn for people who use it for personal needs. However, Microsoft has been doing a great job to secure it and use the simple interfaces (Windows) to reach the level of companies expectations. However, since windows has been in the market for so many years, it uses more applications and programs that are not available in Linux which make more people prefer it. Windows came from its early days with the idea of using GUI technology that use colorful windows to execute commands and get the work done.
– Linux is a very complicated operating system at least for so many users since it requires to learn a lot about commands and use command screens to use it. In my opinion, one of the advantage of Linus that it’s free and open source. From my little experience using Linux, I can tell it’s a very secure system because most of the cyber attacks are affects Windows.
As a conclusion, Linux is the operating system that will have big future for people who are in the security field. It’s an open source OS which can give these professionals the chance to be productive and develop techniques to secure companies architectures.
I couldn’t agree with you any less. I have been having such a hard time trying to get by working with Linux but I’m glad I took this course because I have shied away from Linux in all my IT working experience and for someone like me who wants to breathe an live IT Security, the time for learning is now and I’m getting experience.
Personally I think windows is a more secure operating system as with their main service of active directory for security it is really a thorough means to be as granular as they can to protect the overall infrastructure. The method as which AD is laid out makes it really hard to break a system which may be using that for its security. Understand linux utilizes ldap but to me feel that if done right AD can be a very secure system.
I am an ardent Windows platform user and have had very little exposure to Linux. My experience so far with this course has shown me that Linux offers tremendous feature that over windows. I choose Linux because it’s clearly more powerful and it certainly requires one to have adequate knowledge to work with Linux unlike Windows. This is not to discredit Windows in any way but I’m so convinced that Linux would provide a more secured environment to most users.
I am like neil in that I grew up using Windows. But after learning Linux I understand its traits. linux is more secure and performance is better. Yet for large scale system Linux is a better operating system. I also feel lots of IT employees like myself should be better trained in this system. It is also better for people like us getting into security. From a user standpoint, everyone has grown up in a windows or apple iOS landscape. Users such as business, finance, clinicians, engineers do not have the time or patience to learn a command based operating system. This would take away time from doing their actual job.