Windows and Linux are 2 different operating systems that control the multitasking ability of a computer, the working of the hardware components that are installed in your computer, and carry out various other functions that ensure the smooth functioning of your IT operations. While both Linux as well as Windows have GUIs or Graphical User Interfaces that are very much the same, nevertheless, they are different and operate very differently. While Windows operating system is “proprietary” in nature, Linux is essentially an Open source operating system that was introduced after “re-working” on Unix.

When you are managing a network, you know that there are various aspects of it that has to be constantly monitored as well as catered to. Security, optimum functioning of the network, and other IT related resources are taken into account when the smooth functioning of any online business is concerned. In this write up, let us focus on important issues related to network management and how they fare on these two different operating systems – Windows and Linux.

Why do you need to manage your network?

Managing your network rightly can work wonders for your business. So, what will be the scenario if you manage your network on both these operating systems? Let us discuss the scenario for each one of the operating systems.

Network management with Windows

In Windows, you can setup the network in 2 different ways. One is the manual way of setting up the network where you will be required to match the network protocols with that of the individual machines to check for compatibility. This method is appropriate for those IT personnel who have been in this business for several years now or in other words have experience in setting up a network with Windows. The other way of setting up the network with Windows is by making use of “Network Setup Wizard”. This is best for individuals who prefer to setup the network on their own. This is basically a guided process where you will be taken through various steps one after the other and given instructions that you need to follow.

Network management with Linux

With Linux, it is much easier to communicate between workstations. This is in sharp contrast to the Windows OS, where the interface is rigid. In Linux, you will need to execute few command lines. As far as updating software applications are concerned, in case of Linux, you can do it all at once. But in Windows, you will have to opt for the checking for update option.

We know that installing software programs as and when required is an important part of network management. In case of Linux, you can use free software that is available in the market. But in case of Windows, the use of almost software needs a licensed user and you will also need to renew it annually.

Although we see that the usage of Linux in network management is much more liberal, we should not forget that there are darker sides of everything too.

Today, I will introduce you to the joys of Open Source software with a special mention going to the Linux Distribution.

Let’s take it one step at a time. Windows comes in different varieties, for example, XP, Vista, 7 and so on. So does Linux, however there are some fundamental differences between the two.

At the time of writing there are literally hundreds of Linux Distributions available from hundreds of different companies all offering their own “flavour” of Linux. Since there is no one company in charge of Linux development distributions can fork off and take their own direction, for example Slackware is aimed at the Linux pro where Smoothwall is a dedicated firewall. Chances are there is a distribution which fits your own personal criteria.

OK, so which one is best? Well this depends on your own point of view. Linux pros might like Slackware or Gentoo, intermediates with some knowledge of Linux might like Fedora while total newbees might like Ubuntu or Mint. Your best bet is to take a look at Distrowatch to see a list of all the distributions and pick the one that suits you.

This is where Windows users will usually perk up and say Linux is rubbish, it has no support, no packages, you have to use the command line all the time and it is not compatible with anything. Lets use Linux Mint 12 as an example. Linux Mint 12 comes with the option of 30,000 packages for you to download if you wish. Does sir want a package to play their CD’s on then how about Rhythmbox or a package for pictures then use GIMP. You see there is a package for just about anything you could wish for.

What about support? You can use the online community forums for your distribution for hints and solutions on how to fix any problems that you might have (in the same way you do for windows). The thing is that you will probably have less things go wrong with a linux system than you will with windows.

As for the command line you can use it if you wish but it is not necessary. It is true that to fully understand Linux the command line is essential but if you only want to browse the web, download packages and just do all the usual stuff then you don’t need to go near it.

So lets round up. Linux HAS support, Linux HAS thousands of packages, you DON’T have to use the command line if you don’t want to and IS compatible with all the standards (just save stuff as a doc file for instance). It is also more stable, free (no licence fee) and you DON’T have to worry about viruses. Go on give it a go!