Linux vs MAC vs Windows

By Priya Pedamkar

Differences Between Linux and MAC and Windows

An operating system is considered to be the backbone of any system. Without an operating system, the user and system cannot interact. It acts as a mediator between both of these. We mainly have three kinds of operating systems, namely, Linux, MAC, and Windows. To begin with, MAC is an OS that focuses on the graphical user interface and was developed by Apple, Inc, for their Macintosh systems. Microsoft developed the Windows operating system. It was developed so as to overcome the limitation of the MS-DOS operating system. Linux is UNIX like a source software and can use an operating system that provides full memory protection and multi-tasking operations. It is an open d by anyone.

Head To Head Comparison Between Linux and MAC and Windows (Infographics)

Below is the Top 5 Comparisons Between Linux vs MAC vs Windows

Web development, programming languages, Software testing & others

Key Differences Between Linux and MAC and Windows

These are popular choices in the market; let us discuss some of the major difference

These are the most used operating systems. Though all three are widely used, there are significant differences between Linux vs MAC vs Windows. Windows is dominant over the other two as 90% of users prefer Windows. Linux is the least used operating system, with users accounting for 1%. MAC is popular and has an overall user base of 7% over the world.

When it comes to the risk of malware, Windows is the most prone. This is due to a larger user base. Linux is very unlikely to be affected by malware. MAC is similar when it comes to Malware.

Windows is expensive, and the cost starts from $100. Linux is free, and anyone can download and use it. MAC is costlier than Windows, and the user is forced to buy a MAC system built by Apple.

Comparison Table Linux vs MAC vs Windows

As you can see, there are many comparisons. Let’s look at the top Comparison below –

The basis of Comparison	Windows	MAC	Linux
Basic difference and history	Windows was first released in 1985. It was supposed to be a graphical user interface on top of MS-DOS. All features of MS-DOS were later integrated with Windows 95 release. It was a huge success in and led to the Windows transition.	This operating system from Apple stands older than Windows. It was first released in 1984. It began as a graphical user interface right from its inception. In 2005 the design and structure of MAC OS were changed to Intel x86 based architecture.	It was initially developed at Finnish University. It was released in 1991 and designed for GNU developers. GNU developers later integrated it into Linux. It is open to consumers, and everyone can use it as per their specifications.
File structure	Windows follows a directory structure to store the different kinds of files of the user. It has logical drives and cabinet drawers. It also has folders. Some common folders like documents, pictures, music, videos, and downloads. All these files can be stored in these folders, and also new folders can be created. It also has files which can be a spreadsheet or an application program. It can have extensions as .txt, .jpg etc. In addition to this, Windows also provides a recycle bin where all deleted files can be stored. Recycle bin can be configured to increase its size.	The file structure of MAC is commonly known as MAC OS X. If you go to dig into your MAC’s hard disk through the finder, you will see many directories. The root directory of MAC may encounter when they visit their own MAC book. You can explore the file system and directory structure by going to directories like /Application, /Developer, /sbin, /tmp, etc.	Linux has a completely different file structure form Windows and MAC. It was developed with a different code base. It stores data in the form of a tree. There is a single file tree, and all your drives are mounted over this tree.
Registry	Windows registry is a master database that is used to store all settings on your computer. It is responsible for storing all user information with its passwords, and device relate information. The registry also has an editor which allows you to view all keys and values or even drivers if necessary.	MAC stores all application settings in a series of .plist files, which have the various preferences folder in MAC. This .plist file contains all properties in either plain text or binary format. These are stored at: /Library/Preferences folder	Linux also does not have a specific registry of its own. All application setting is stored on a program basis under the different users in the same hierarchy format of the files being stored. There is no centralized database for storing these details, and so periodic cleaning is also not required.
Interchangeable Interfaces	Windows interface was not interchangeable until Windows 8. Windows XP had some improvements but not par. Start menu, taskbar, system tray, and Windows Explorer.	MAC has a facility to bridge virtual network interfaces. This can be done by going to system preferences and managing the interfaces.	Linux is easy to switch interfaces. You can switch the environment without having to carry all installations. There are utilities like GNOME and KDE which help in catering to these needs. They help in focusing on different aspects.
Command terminal	A terminal or command prompt is a black box ideally used to execute commands. It is also called the Windows Command Processor. It is used to execute commands and different batch files. It can also be used for administrative functions and troubleshoot and solve all windows issues.	MAC provides a console as a terminal application. It has a console, command line, prompt and terminal. A Command-line is used to type your commands. Prompt will provide you with some information and also enable you to run commands. A terminal is an actual interface that will provide the modern graphical user interface as well. You can find the terminal at Applications -> Utilities.	Linux also provides a terminal. You can find terminal at: Applications -> System or Applications -> Utilities. In addition to this, there is also a shell prompt. The most common shell used in bash. It defines how the terminal will behave and look when it is run.

Conclusion

All these operating systems have their own pros and cons. It depends on the user and their choices and preferences of what they expect from the operating system. Windows can be used for playing games. Programmers can use Linux, and people who are interested in graphics can use MAC.

Recommended Article

This has been a useful guide to the Differences Between Linux vs MAC vs Windows. Here we also discuss the key differences with infographics and comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles –

Linux vs Mac: 7 Reasons Why Linux is a Better Choice than Mac

Last updated February 22, 2020 By Ankush Das 104 Comments

Recently, we highlighted a few points about why Linux is better than Windows. Unquestionably, Linux is a superior platform. But, like other operating systems, it has its drawbacks as well.

For a very particular set of tasks (such as Gaming), Windows OS might prove to be better. And, likewise, for another set of tasks (such as video editing), a Mac-powered system might come in handy.

It all trickles down to your preference and what you would like to do with your system. So, in this article, we will highlight a number of reasons why Linux is better than Mac.

If you’re already using a Mac or planning to get one, we recommend you to thoroughly analyze the reasons and decide whether you want to switch/keep using Linux or continue using Mac.

7 Reasons Why Linux is Better Than Mac

Both Linux and macOS are Unix-like OS and give access to Unix commands, BASH and other shells. Both of them have fewer applications and games than Windows. But the similarity ends here.

Graphic designers and video editors swear by macOS whereas Linux is a favorite of developers, sysadmins and devops .

So the question is should you use Linux over Mac? If yes, why? Let me give you some practical and some ideological reasons why Linux is better than Mac.

1. Price

Let’s s uppose , you use the system only to browse stuff, watch movies, download photos, write a document, create a spreadsheet, and other similar stuff. And, in addition to those activities, you want to have a secure operating system.

In that case, you could choose to spend a couple of hundred bucks for a system to get things done. Or do you think spending more for a MacBook is a good idea? Well, you are the judge.

So, it really depends on what you prefer. Whether you want to spend on a Mac-powered system or get a budget laptop/PC and install any Linux distro for free. Personally, I’ll be happy with a Linux system except for editing videos and music production. In that case, Final Cut Pro (for video editing) and Logic Pro X (for music production) will be my preference.

2. Hardware Choices

Linux is free. You can install it on computers with any configuration. No matter how powerful/old your system is, Linux will work. Even if you have an 8-year old PC laying around, you can have Linux installed and expect it to run smoothly by selecting the right distro.

But, Mac is as an Apple-exclusive. If you want to assemble a PC or get a budget laptop (with DOS) and expect to install Mac OS, it’s almost impossible. Mac comes baked in with the system Apple manufactures.

There are ways to install macOS on non Apple devices. However, the kind of expertise and troubles it requires, it makes you question whether it’s worth the effort.

You will have a wide range of hardware choices when you go with Linux but a minimal set of configurations when it comes to Mac OS.

3. Security

A lot of people are all praises for iOS and Mac for being a secure platform. Well, yes, it is secure in a way (maybe more secure than Windows OS), but probably not as secure as Linux.

I am not bluffing. There are malware and adware targeting macOS and the number is growing every day. I have seen not-so-techie users struggling with their slow mac. A quick investigation revealed that a browser hijacking malware was the culprit.

There are no 100% secure operating systems and Linux is not an exception. There are vulnerabilities in the Linux world as well but they are duly patched by the timely updates provided by Linux distributions.

Thankfully, we don’t have auto-running viruses or browser hijacking malwares in Linux world so far. And that’s one more reason why you should use Linux instead of a Mac.

4. Customization & Flexibility

You don’t like something? Customize it or remove it. End of the story.

For example, if you do not like the Gnome desktop environment on Ubuntu 18.04.1, you might as well change it to KDE Plasma. You can also try some of the Gnome extensions to enhance your desktop experience. You won’t find this level of freedom and customization on Mac OS.

Besides, you can even modify the source code of your OS to add/remove something (which requires necessary technical knowledge) and create your own custom OS. Can you do that on Mac OS?

Moreover, you get an array of Linux distributions to choose from as per your needs. For instance, if you need to mimic the workflow on Mac OS, Elementary OS would help. Do you want to have a lightweight Linux distribution installed on your old PC? We’ve got you covered in our list of lightweight Linux distros. Mac OS lacks this kind of flexibility.

5. Using Linux helps your professional career [For IT/Tech students]

This is kind of controversial and applicable to students and job seekers in the IT field. Using Linux doesn’t make you a super-intelligent being and could possibly get you any IT related job.

However, as you start using Linux and exploring it, you gain experience. As a techie, sooner or later you dive into the terminal, learning your way to move around the file system, installing applications via command line. You won’t even realize that you have learned the skills that newcomers in IT companies get trained on.

In addition to that, Linux has enormous scope in the job market. There are so many Linux related technologies (Cloud, Kubernetes, Sysadmin etc.) you can learn, earn certifications and get a nice paying job. And to learn these, you have to use Linux.

6. Reliability

Ever wondered why Linux is the best OS to run on any server? Because it is more reliable!

But, why is that? Why is Linux more reliable than Mac OS?

The answer is simple – more control to the user while providing better security. Mac OS does not provide you with the full control of its platform. It does that to make things easier for you simultaneously enhancing your user experience. With Linux, you can do whatever you want – which may result in poor user experience (for some) – but it does make it more reliable.

7. Open Source

Open Source is something not everyone cares about. But to me, the most important aspect of Linux being a superior choice is its Open Source nature. And, most of the points discussed below are the direct advantages of an Open Source software.

To briefly explain, you get to see/modify the source code yourself if it is an open source software. But, for Mac, Apple gets an exclusive control. Even if you have the required technical knowledge, you will not be able to independently take a look at the source code of Mac OS.

In other words, a Mac-powered system enables you to get a car for yourself but the dow nside is you cannot open up the hood to see what’s inside. That’s bad!

If you want to dive in deeper to know about the benefits of an open source software, you should go through Ben Balter’s article on OpenSource.com.

Wrapping Up

Now that you’ve known why Linux is better than Mac OS. What do you think about it? Are these reasons enough for you to choose Linux over Mac OS? If not, then what do you prefer and why?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Note: The artwork here is based on Club Penguins.

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