Operating Systems

First Name MI. Last Name

Valdosta State University

 Operating Systems

In this project I will discuss the differences between the Linux &

Android operating systems. I will discuss the pros and cons of each

and how similar they perform side by side.

Linux

Linux is an operating system or a kernel. It is distributed under an

open source license. Its functionality list is quite like UNIX.

It's famous among programmers as well as regular computer users

around the world. Its main benefits are - It offers a free operating

system. You do not have to shell hundreds of dollars to get the OS like

Windows

It started as an idea in the mind of young and bright Linus Torvalds

when he was a computer science student. He used to work on the

UNIX OS (proprietary software) and thought that it needed

improvements.
However, when his suggestions were rejected by the designers of

UNIX, he thought of launching an OS which will be receptive to

changes, modifications suggested by its users.

As well as an operating system, Linux has a few ‘think outside

of the box’ uses.

You can use it to troubleshoot other computers. Say for example your

computer won’t boot up, you can still pop a live disc with Linux on, in

the drive and access the harddrive. You can build or host a website, in

fact many of the websites you access run on Linux.

Linux is all around you – In your TV, Smart phone and even your

fridge or washing machine. If it needs a programme, it needs the

system to run it. Think of your washing machine as a tiny washing

computer.

Every version of the Linux operating system manages hardware

resources, launches and handles applications, and provides some form

of user interface. The enormous development community and wide

range of distributions means that a Linux version is available for

almost any task, and Linux has penetrated many areas of computing.
For example, Linux has emerged as a popular operating system for

web servers such as Apache, as well as for network operations,

scientific computing tasks that require huge compute clusters, running

databases, desktop/endpoint computing and running mobile devices

with OS versions like Android.

The main advantage of Linux is that programmers are able to

use the Linux Kernel to design their own custom operating

systems. With time, a new range of user-friendly OS's stormed

the computer world.

Now, Linux is one of the most popular and widely used Kernel, and it is

the backbone of popular operating systems like Debian, Knoppix,

Ubuntu, and Fedora. Nevertheless, the list does not end here as there

are thousands of OS's based on Linux which offer a variety of functions

to the users.

The Pros/Advantages of Linux

1. Open Source. The first and the most important difference and an

advantage at the same time of Linux compared with Windows. To make a

long story short, Open Source is a freedom which is referred to software.

 What does it mean? Most software based on Linux operating system, or

any other ones as well, has an open code. Thus, any user regardless of

its knowledge in this field can easily modernize the software or even the

core of Linux making it better. Moreover, any user can share modernized

programs with all the Linux community.

That's why beyond the reasonable doubt this one is considered to be

an advantage.

2. Security. It is also a very interesting feature of Linux. In the matter

of fact, Linux is used rarely comparing with Windows. That's why

there are almost no viruses for this system. Considering the number of

Linux users, it would be very unreasonable to create viruses since

most of the people use Windows. So, it won't be profitable at all.

3. Speed. This advantage is directly connected with a previous one. As

far as you know, without antivirus program, any PC will work much

faster. Taking into account that Linux itself works much faster than

Windows does, it is more convenient to work with such operating

system.

4. Especially for programmers. Due to the Open Source, compile

system, bashes, and shells this system is a great treasure for any

programmer and developer. Moreover, being a very flexible system, it

is rather simple to write programs and other software for Linux.

5. Less data-greedy system. Comparing with other "windows-like"

systems, Linux doesn't overload with system processes that irritate all

the users of Windows and other alike operating systems.

6. Relatively simple installation. There is nothing more to say.

Naturally, installing any Linux system is more difficult than installing

any version of Windows, but not much. The only complication for any

newcomer is the need to manually create mount points only in case if

you have files on your hard disk drive. In case if it is clear, Linux will

do all the work for you

7. Excellent support for drivers of all kinds of devices. It is also a very

important advantage. Most kind of input and output devices, including

keyboard, screen, mouse, modem, USB are perfectly fitted and

updated.

8. Wonderful user support system. You may face this obvious

advantage having certain problems with Linux or any software based

on this system. This might be especially useful for newbies. Since

Linux is the result of fruitful work of thousands of

programmers all over the world, you may contact them in order
to find out how to solve your problem and they will help you for

free by the way.

 It is very easy to install and you don’t need to install it all straight

away. If you just want to test the waters and see if you like it, you can

boot Linux from a USB flash drive or CD and use it from there. It will

boot just fine and you don’t need to make changes to your hard drive.

 If you have a bit of developer in you and know what you are doing you

change Linux to suit you. Unlike Windows (as it’s a tad illegal for

Windows)
 It’s free! You do not have to pay for it.
 You can distribute your changes in Linux to help others.
 It is known for being a more stable and secure system (The chances of

getting a virus on Linux are notably lower than other OS).

 It consumes very little resources and space unlike Windows. So you

can virtually run a system on 500MB of drive and 300mb of ram.

Pretty impressive.
 It can be run with Windows or inside of Windows if you don’t want to

jump ships completely.

 It is a very smart and powerful system, you practically have power

over whatever you want and configure almost everything.

 There are alternatives for nearly any programme or it’s close cousin

e.g. Photoshop, Microsoft Word there will be free versions.

 There is community support for troubleshooting
The Cons/Disadvantages of Linux

1. Difficult to master. Unlike Windows, Linux is a rather difficult

operating system and it will be much harder to understand how it

works and learn how to use all the advantages it offers. This

disadvantage also stops Linux from being propagated all over the

world. As a rule, people are looking for simplicity.

2. Console. It will be rather unusual to log in to the console to use

Linux. Most of the users might disagree since the new version of Linux

has new interface eliminating the need to use a console. It is partly

true, but this interface is also limited. Some things are simply easier to

do in console. Sometimes you will be better off to use console, if you

want something more than talk on Skype, watch films, have a chat

with friends via social media.

3. Lack of games. It is a bad news for gamers since most of the games

are not supported by Linux. This limitation is a serious obstacle for

Linux to become more popular among young people.

4. Linux differs much from Windows. It might be a great disadvantage

for those who decided to switch over to Linux since it is far from being
a Window's prototype. Linux is an absolutely new system with a

unique interface with the need to log in to perform more complex

operations on your PC. That's why most of the newcomers are

overwhelmed with the difficulties of this system.

It isn’t as user friendly as Windows or as ‘straight out of the box.

There isn’t a dedicated tech support, so getting ‘fixes’ for things is in

your hands unless you want to subscribe to Enterprise Linux. However,

you do get the software free so it’s something to consider.

If you are a gamer, you will prefer Windows as most of the games

aren’t available but that’s not to say you can’t. Just not as much and

as easy.

Drivers don’t really exist, there will be work arounds but users have

reported problems when trying to use certain hardwares or old

hardwares. It’s probably better used as a dual boot rather than a

Windows replacement due to the fact you can’t get propriety programs

on it and although they offer cousins, it won’t be the same. Photoshop

is Photoshop, after all.

Linux is a superior system that allows you to pretty much do

anything you like within it and it is free. In reality, you’re

reading this on your Windows or Mac run computer and that’s

probably how it will stay.

Android

Android is a Linux based operating system it is designed primarily for

touch screen mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet

computers. The operating system has developed a lot in last 15 years

starting from black and white phones to recent smart phones or mini

computers. One of the most widely used mobile OS these days is

android.

The android is software that was founded in Palo Alto of California in

2003. The Android OS was originally created by Android, Inc., which

was bought by Google in 2005. The first version 1.0 of android

development kit (SDK) was released in 2008 and latest updated

version is jelly bean.Android’s underlying kernel is based on Linux, but

it has been customized to suit Google’s directions.

In the 4th quarter of 2010, smart phones running Android OS

garnered the top spot for most shipments. The Android OS can be

found in phones from different manufacturers, including the Samsung

Nexus S, HTC Evo Shift 4G and Motorola Atrix 4G.

Google teamed up with other companies to form the Open Handset

Alliance (OHA), which has become responsible for the continued

development of the Android OS.

It supports a large number of applications in Smartphones. These

applications are more comfortable and advanced for the users. The

hardware that supports android software is based on ARM architecture

platform. The android is an open source operating system means that

it’s free and any one can use it.

The android has got millions of apps available that can help you

managing your life one or other way and it is available low cost in

market at that reasons android is very popular.

The android development supports with the full java programming

language. Even other packages that are API and JSE are not

supported.
There is no support for the GNU libraries and it does not have a native

X Windows system. Inside the Linux kernel are found drivers for the

display, camera, flash memory, keypad, WiFi and audio. The Linux

kernel serves as an abstraction between the hardware and the rest of

the software on the phone. It also takes care of core system services

like security, memory management, process management and the

network stack.

The Android OS is designed for phones. Its many features

include:

 Integrated browser, based on the open source WebKit engine

 Optimized 2D and 3D graphics, multimedia and GSM connectivity
 Bluetooth
 EDGE
 3G
 WiFi
 SQLite
 Camera
 GPS
 Compass Accelerometer

Software developers who want to create applications for the

Android OS can download the Android Software Development Kit

(SDK) for a specific version. The SDK includes a debugger, libraries, an

emulator, some documentation, sample code and tutorials. For faster

development, interested parties can use graphical integrated

development environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse to write applications

in Java.

The Pros/Advantages of Android

Android is an open source, and it is free for improvement.

1. It is Google’s, the search engine leader which provides many applications

and games free for Android users.

2. 24/7 internet facility. You can have an access to wifi, wherever you go.
3. You have an option for changing the battery as required.
4. You can open multipage or multi windows in android.
5. It is user-friendly and easy to access with numerous tools.
6. Endless games and entertainment apps for free and paid.
7. Android is for pure entertainment and it keep the user alive with updates

and many information freely.

8. Its USB availability is great compare to its competitors.
9. This operating system has a high compatibility that can go with any

application. Unlike iOS of apple, Android is acceptable to many vendors,

like HTC, Samsung, Sony etc.

10. Its ROM facility makes it popular among its competitors.

It supports all the cloud services of Google, the largely used services in

the internet.

 It is certainly the greatest advantage.

 It easily gets you the information of new SMS, emails, RSS, etc.

Notifications are easy to access with the Notification tray on the top
  You can download many applications from android market as free and

instantly can use them. Google keep releasing new versions of Android

regularly with new features. Thousands of developers keep developing

millions of free and paid apps, so users always have the option to

download new apps and never get bored with their device.

The Cons/disadvantages of Android

1. The major complaints come with its battery life which drains out easily.
2. Without wifi or internet, you can’t access many features of it. You should

have a wifi connection at home or at least GPRS through your mobile

company.
3. As it offers many free applications, there are unavoidable advertisements,

which make the users tired by making their time wasted.

There are chances of getting malwares or viruses which can

affect your device when accessing the free applications like games and

entertainments.

4. In the time of opening multi windows, or installing many applications, the

system may go slow and take time.

Operating Systems Analyzed

Android has the biggest share in the Smartphone market. And

it has become possible because of its features and pros we

have discussed above. While there are some cons too, but most

of these depend on your phone or how tech savvy you are.

A tech savvy user can easily avoid these problems and use his/her

Android device more efficiently. Obviously, as well as any other

software or operating system, Linux has certain benefits and

disadvantages. Most of them were already exposed. Linux might be

rather disappointing for those who prefer playing games since not all

of them are all available for this operating system's users.

As well as for gamers, this system will be rather incomprehensible for

newcomers due to a console that allows you to perform more complex

operations, but demanding much more attention and skills to master

it.

However, the major advantage for all the users is the security of this

system. You may forget about viruses and ant viruses once and for all.

Moreover, Linux is far less overloaded comparing with Windows, so it

works much faster.

Unfortunately, most people are creatures of habit that's why it

will take years for the Linux to take its place among the users.
 Comparison LINUX ANDROID
Availability Opensource Opensource
Developed Internet Developers Android Inc
Updates Less Frequent More Frequent
Release schedule Varies around 5 years Around a few months
Price FREE Free but Licenses vary
Main use Base for other OS’s For mobile devices
Learning Curve Harder Easier
Security Reliable Reliable

Conclusion

This project has outlined the details of the two operating systems,

Linux and Android. Also including the differences, similarities, pros and

cons of each. It is a fact that Android needs Linux in order for

developers to easily navigate through the creation process, without a

slow start. Both however have been a power house in the world of

operating systems and still retain their respect amongst IT and

computer analysts.
 References

http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.654.6317&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://www.educba.com/linux-vs-android/