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Operating system is a master program that controls the functioning of the computer hardware. It is an interface linking the user and the hardware. The main functions of an operating system include coordinating input and output devices, controlling the use of the backing storage, integrating the user and computer communication, allocation and de-allocation of computer memory to different processes, and controlling the utilization of the processor resources (Stallings, 2004). In this light, this paper analyses the following operating systems: Windows Disc Operating Systems (DOS), and Linux. The analysis takes into consideration the similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages between the operating systems.
DOS is essentially a command driven operating system under the Windows operating system family developed by Microsoft and Linux is an open source system which is developed by many programmers, corporations, and individuals who work together to build the system. The major similarity between windows, DOS, and Linux is the hierarchical directory structure. The operating systems manage files into well organized directories or folders. Within the folders or directories, there can be many other files and folders. Even though the commands of Windows and Linux vary, the directories can be created, renamed, moved, copied, and retrieved from the command prompt. More so, both operating systems require users to type the programs name at the command line before starting the program. Again, windows can be manipulated in any way; this includes maximization, minimization, and closing using buttons or menus (Control-Escape, 1).
However Linux and Windows have many different features in regard to operations and functionality. These differences are also the advantages and disadvantages realized from using the software. To begin with, Linux is essentially a multi-user, multitask operating system and DOS is a single user operating system. But still, other versions of Windows, such as Windows XP and Windows Vista support multitasking for users. Second, Linux can be thought of as a very secure operating system as compared to Windows DOS. More so, Windows support a wide range of hardware as opposed to Linux which require the user to pick specific hardware for their computer systems (Wallen, 1). Another difference is that Linux is case sensitive and thus requires users to be careful with the naming convention they use in organizing files. Fifth, DOS or Windows provide users with confirmation messages when they are performing tasks such as saving, deleting, or closing a document. Linux does not assure anything and thus users can accidentally tamper with their work. Another important aspect is the way slashes are used. The Linux system implements a forward slash (/) while the DOS operating system incorporates a backward slash (). Consequently, in Linux directories are searched in relation to the way they are listed in PATH, while DOS looks at the current directory before checking the PATH variable (Control-Escape, 1).
The Windows operating systems supports Internet applications through its extensive development environment and Internet Explorer browser. As compared to Linux, Windows applications are costly since they are not open source. Also, Windows programming codes are hidden and it makes it difficult for developers to change the applications to suit their requirements, but most of the Windows products are well acknowledged by users who are able to realize the value of their money in regard to Internet access. However, looking at how the operating systems are used over the Internet, their application support is essential to their capability. Linux mostly favors the usage on servers, unlike Windows which support most desktop applications.
In conclusion, most users prefer using operating systems which are easier to operate and communicate with the computer. Therefore, the choice of operating system requires the consent of users. For server based system and networking routines, Linux is the best. For desktop applications and multimedia, Windows is very popular.
Works Cited
Control-Escape. Comparing DOS & Windows to Linux. 2010. Web.
Stallings, W. Operating Systems. 5th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2006. Print.
Wallen, J. 10 Fundamental Differences between Linux and Windows. 2008. Web.
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