2012 has witnessed the launch of two great operating systems Windows 8 and Ubuntu 12.04. Both Windows and Linux have taken their next step in new technology and left the consumers perplexed.
More devices and gadgets which are all set to release for the holiday season comes with Windows 8 operating system. Similarly, Ubuntu 12.04 is rumored to come with some exciting features which make it hard for you to ignore. As a result, consumers are completely distraught, so I have taken the stride to
mark the difference between the two OS.
Windows 8 vs Ubuntu 12.04
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Desktop Interface
Ubuntu 12.04
Ubuntu decided to go along with Unity and replaced GNOME 2x and 3x interface. However, GNOME2x was adopted by Linux Mint. Unity’s desktop is nothing different; it has all the frequently used applications in the Unity Launcher which is on the left side. The Dash application which is built-in can
be used if you require a specific file or application. This is a search engine for desktop which manages the files and applications on the Unity Launcher. The drawback here is, accessing the Ubuntu settings manually is a tedious task. Ubuntu interface is going to remain the same irrespective of desktop, smartphone or tablets.
Windows 8
Windows 8 has replaced all the icons with tiles. By default, applications in tiles or full screen can only be accessed. The familiar “Start” button in Windows has also been removed. Experts believe that the tiles look ugly and cluttered. They can be made prettier but not like the neat Windows that we are used to for several years. The interface has been completely changed and Windows 8 on arrival is expected to go through tough times. It works similar to that of Windows 7 interface and the latest gadgets that will be released with Windows 8 will give us a better understanding about it. Because they are left with no other choice, consumers will like to make the maximum use of Windows 8.
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Applications
Ubuntu 12.04
The common complaint against Linux is that they do not have plenty of applications. But the truth is they do not have applications similar to Windows. Yes, Outlook, Quicken and Photoshop are still not available in Linux. However, WINE and Codeweaver’s Crossover can be used to run these programs. Programs like Evolution which is used in emails functions better in Ubuntu 12.04 than Windows 8.
Windows 8
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Ownership
Ubuntu 12.04
Ubuntu provides a more efficient management system known by the names LDAP and Landscape. Anti-virus programs will have to be updated frequently in all Ubuntu systems. Linux does not cost any upfront charges.
Windows 8
Windows uses Active Directory to manage the desktops. To be on the safe side anti-virus software is required in Windows 8 as well. The upfront cost of Windows 8 is still unknown, however, it is expected to much higher than Windows 7. If you are looking from the money pint of view, saving is possible with Linux.
Well apart from the points above, Ubuntu can never overtake Windows which is a very old friend of many. It is accepted that Ubuntu has some advantages over Windows 8. Ubuntu might be the winner foreseeing that many are turning their faces to Windows 8 just like how they turned to Millennium Edition and Vista. This would mean trouble to Windows OS. Ubuntu is already playing smart by partnering with Android and making a desktop. So Ubuntu 12.04 might be far more successful than Windows 8.
Let’s see what the future holds for them.
