Linux, Windows, and macOS are three of the most popular operating systems in the world, which are used by many users on computers. Each OS has different features, advantages, and limitations. The following table shows the differences between Linux, Windows, and macOS based on their license, source code, customization, security, performance, common uses, and system control.
Comparison Between Linux, Windows, and macOS :
| Feature | Linux | Windows / macOS |
|---|---|---|
| License | Completely free to download, install, and use. | Windows requires a paid license, while macOS runs only on Apple devices. |
| Source Code | Open source, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute its source code. | Closed source, so users cannot modify the operating system's source code. |
| Customization | Highly customizable, including the desktop environment, themes, icons, shell, and kernel. | Only limited customization is available, such as changing themes, wallpapers, and a few appearance settings. |
| Security | Highly secure and resistant to most viruses and malware. | Windows is more vulnerable to viruses, while macOS is generally more secure than Windows but less secure than Linux. |
| Performance | Lightweight and delivers fast performance, even on older hardware. | Generally requires more system resources and may perform slower on low-end hardware. |
| Common Uses | Commonly used for servers, programming, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and supercomputers. | Windows is mainly used for gaming and office work, while macOS is popular for graphic design, music production, and video editing. |
| System Control | Provides complete control over the operating system, updates, and system configuration. | Provides limited control over system updates and core operating system settings. |
