Unix

Abstract

The principle intention of this report is to explore the differences and similarities between UNIX and Windows Operating Systems in terms of their present:

• Cost

• Market share

• Hardware requirements

• File processing

• Programming capabilities

• Availability of application software

• User interface

It is our intention to present a reasonable comparison and comprehensive understanding of each system to help individuals discern the advantages and disadvantages of each operating system.

Cost Comparison

In today’s market, companies have difficulty reducing costs, especially with the rising cost of computer software, hardware, and support for these items. Other options are available, like the use of an open-sourced operating system like UNIX or Linux and its different flavors to run their hardware and current software applications. In choosing this option, there are short and long term costs involved as will be discussed further.

For a company to convert from its current operating system, which is probably Microsoft Windows, the cost could be prohibitive. Here is a comparison between using a Linux OS and MS Windows OS.

Linux

The cost of Linux is can be very little to nothing and there are many companies offering commercial versions of this operating system. However, there are other factors involved in switching to this type of operating system (OS) as outlined below.

• Optional documentation fees and installation support as well as on-going support still exist

• Migration from Windows to Linux could cost 4 times as much staying with the current Windows implementation.

• Deployment time for the new OS conversion can be considerably higher than simple upgrade in Windows; this can range anywhere from 5% to 25% time difference.

• Training for the IT staff would be another cost factor. Training on Linux systems is estimated about 15 percent higher due to lack of wide spread training facilities.

• End users training will either need to be off-site on internally to train user on the use of the Linux system. Productivity lose would occur due to users having to attend this training.

• Creating custom software for various UNIX / Linux systems that were off the shelf applications in Windows could increase costs

Windows

The majority of costs to Windows customers involve upgrading. Customers are often forced into upgrading to a later version, which often makes them buy additional software for their various needs. Costs for windows systems are as outlined below.

• Licensing: Each Computer that is running a Windows OS must have an OS license.

• Fee's for documentation, installation support, and on-going support still exist

• Migration and deployment costs are reduced greatly needed due to virtually smooth transitions (upgrades) from one Windows OS version to the next.

• Training for users on new software as needs arise due to upgrades.

Cost Break-down

The total cost of ownership between the standard Linux and the Microsoft's Platform compared over a three year period shows data that proves without a doubt that although there maybe additional training costs involved, Linux costs are still 60% less than Windows. These production costs include the cost for deployment on either a site's existing hardware or through a new installation. These results were based on large deployments. The actual numbers are listed below.

Linux Windows

$74,475 $561,520

The huge price discrepancy had to do with a couple of factors. Administrative costs of Linux were significantly lower due to the fact that Linux administrators could handle ten times more servers, and even though their salaries were several thousand dollars higher, the costs were easily defrayed by performance. Security issues also added more cost to Windows vs. Linux installs. It literally takes twice as long to secure Windows.

Market Share

The two major