Hello, World! Welcome back to NixNexus having delved into the history of operating systems in Part 1 and explored the foundations of GNU/Linux in Part 2 we are now ready to unravel the practical aspects of Linux in this Video. Let's review some of the Similarities as well as the differences in design, features, and user experience of these operating systems and find out the actual differences for the user when it comes to using these three main available options. Additionally this will help you
understand why I think that Linux is the Best option when it comes to chosing the Operating System for our Personal Computer. Lets Start with the most important thing first - Cost As already mentioned in my previous videos most GNU/Linux distros are completely free for anyone to download and use. Some distributions that come with a price tag, like the commercial version of the popular RHEL are significantly more affordable than other proprietary OS. Windows, on the other hand, now has a freemium
model meaning we do not have to pay anything for using the Windows OS. as it is freely available for download from Microsoft's official website, but it costs us in a different way, Microsoft uses telemetry to collect our data, which is sold to the advertisers and other third-party companies finally Mac-OS which runs only on the Apple Hardware, are quite pricey as you all know. The way Windows OS organises files are very different from the way Mac and GNU/Linux do. Windows uses "drives". Usually
there are C and D drive that store all the computer files, and separate drives are also there for external devices such as CDs, USBs, and so on. Mac and GNU/Linux have a similar file system that comes from UNIX. In these OSs there are no drives everything in this computers are considered as files even the external devices and all files are organised in directories that descend from a single root directory. The directory structure is formed as a tree that has a unique root. Both GNU/Linux and Ma
c have Bash as their default shell, whereas Windows OS has its own shell that uses a different syntax. Windows comes with Command Prompt as its default shell how ever with the introduction of Windows Powershell Microsoft has shifted towards promoting Powershell As the perfered CLI for Windows OS. Mac and GNU/Linux come with package managers installed by default. A package manager is a piece of software that allows you to install, update, and uninstall programs from the terminal, and that's only
by just entering a few commands. They're super helpful, especially when you're installing and uninstalling things constantly, as it's much more efficient to install programs through package managers than manually. MacOS's package manager is called Homebrew. On GNU/Linux, the default package manager depends on the distro. For example, Debian based distro comes with Advanced Package Tool in short APT, whereas Arch based distros comes with Pacman and Fedora based comes with DNF. All package manager
s function in a similar way, but there are some differences in the syntax used for each of them. It's also important to mention that you can install and run a different package managers than the default. Windows doesn't come with a default package manager. But If you want to use one, you need to install it first. The two of the best package managers available for Windows are Winget & Chocolatey. Windows and Mac are really simple and user-friendly OS. They are very easy to use for the beginners.
Regarding GNU/Linux, it depends on the distro you choose. As mentioned, distros like Ubuntu or Linux Mint are practically as easy as Windows or Mac-OS but the defining trait of Linux lies in the unparalleled level of customisation it generously offers. You are not confined to a one-size-fits-all paradigm; instead, you have the freedom to make things just how you like them. With Linux, you get to choose from a vast range of desktop environments, it is sort of like picking your favourite theme. Th
is means you can adjust how things look and work on your computer to match exactly what you want. It's like having your own set of tools to explore the digital world. Linux gives you the power to change how your computer looks and behaves, which shows how much it cares about making things personal for you. One of the remarkable distinctions that sets Linux apart, is its dual approach to user interaction, seamlessly integrating a robust command-line interface with intuitive graphical options. Whi
le the most mainstream operating systems like Windows and MacOS predominantly rely on graphical interfaces, Linux stands out by offering you the flexibility to choose between the efficiency of command line and the user-friendly nature of graphical environments. This duality caters to a diverse user base, allowing seasoned users to harness the power of CLI while providing a friendly graphical interface for those less familiar with text-based interactions. Windows is the most widely used OS, and t
hanks to that most software is adapted to it. Even though less popular, MacOS is similar to Windows in this regard while back in the day, Linux wasn't compatible with many programs out there, but this has started to change rapidly. While it's true that certain proprietary software may lack direct Linux versions, like the Adobe Suite of applications, but the open-source community has also cultivated a vast array of alternatives that are often just as powerful. Tools like "Wine" Or "Bottles" can e
ven help you to run some Windows applications on Linux. When it comes to hardware, only Apple has direct responsibility for the computers that the OS runs on. As a company, Apple is focused on providing quality products, so their newest computers tends to be the one with the best performance all across the market. Given that, Apple designs and develops both hardware and software, it's possible that the compatibility between the machine and the OS is tuned finer than with Windows or GNU/Linux. On
the Windows and GNU/Linux side, hardware quality is completely up to what the user decides or can afford to buy. The good thing here is that you can install the OS wherever you want. This is particularly cool when thinking about installing lightweight Linux distros on older hardware that can't handle the requirements of bigger and more resource consuming OS like Windows. GNU/Linux distros are considered to be the most secure and stable OS nowadays. The fact that the code is available to everyon
e is not a security threat as you may think at first but rather it's an advantage, Bugs can be identified and worked on quicker, and when a security breach is identified lots of people can work on it and propose fixes. Linux has earned its reputation for unwavering stability and exceptional performance. The very architecture of Linux is designed to facilitate efficient resource management, making it the preferred choice for a spectrum of applications, be it personal computers or enterprise-grade
servers. Compared to that MacOS is very prone to attacks from bad actors. But Windows, on the other hand, is considered the least secure and stable of the three. Given that Windows is the most popular OS in the world most malware are also developed to mainly attack it on the first place. Undoubtedly, the most significant strengths that sets Linux apart is the vibrant and thriving community. A global network of users, developers, and enthusiasts actively contributes to the growth and support of
Linux. This community-driven ethos is palpable through the multitude of online forums, extensive documentation, and collaborative projects that form the backbone of Linux support. Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps into the Linux world or an experienced user seeking advanced insights, the Linux community provides a welcoming space where assistance is readily available. The sense of camaraderie within this community fosters an environment where knowledge is freely shared, and indi
viduals, regardless of their expertise level, can find guidance and support. If you're interested in learning more about a particular OS, studying how it works, how you can modify it and create projects based on it, then GNU/Linux is definitely the way to go. It is the only OS that has its source code available for anyone and its online community is huge. Even though Linux isn't as widely used as other two OS, you will see that Linux users are usually the people interested in software technology
, and people who like to talk, learn, and share knowledge about it. In conclusion, stepping into the realm of Linux is not just a transition to a different operating system it's an embrace of an unique philosophy. Whether you are captivated by the open-source essence, fascinated by the extensive customisation possibilities, or drawn to the vibrant community spirit, Linux offers an inclusive space for every beginner to embark on a journey of learning, tinkering, and growth. So as we wrap up this
brief series of guides to make you understand Linux in a better way, keep in mind that adopting Linux means a shift towards a community-driven ethos that values collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Whether you are delving into Linux for the first time or seeking advanced insights, the Linux community stands ready to support and inspire you and as you embark on your Computing journey, remember that with Linux the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. Thank you for joining us on this expl
oration of Linux Operating System fundamentals. If you have any question or comments fill free to leave them below ans as always Stay curious, and Keep discovering with NixNexus.
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