In the Linux vs Micro arena, it seems linux takes a different approach to software installations.Do they ?

4 Comments

1. David D says:

   2. April 2011 at 12:11

   Roughly.

   When you install a Linux distribution the key phrase is ‘distribution’. It isn’t just the operating system. Its the OS and a bunch of other software including a package manager. This helps you stop software from conflicting and auto install software that the package you want depends on.

   Package management under Windows is far more "Let the application manage itself". This makes some things easier, but is less efficient.

2. MiGs A says:

   2. April 2011 at 12:11

   It takes long to explain and story-tell about the issue, to make it short visit this link:

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux

3. csanon says:

   2. April 2011 at 12:11

   > When you install software into linux it seems more like it is really made a part of the operating system
   No. Programs tend to be loosely coupled from the OS. Possibly the best example is the windowing system. The GUI in Windows is an integral part of the OS, while in Linux the GUI system is yet another program.

   > Where as MicroSoft has Programs that sit ontop the OS
   Yes, but that is true of any OS. The core programs and aspects of Windows is tightly integrated into the OS, as opposed to the Linux method. There, there’s a core kernel, and everything else acts as a program. Everything from windowing systems down to absolutely basic programs are not tightly coupled to the OS.

   > Am I on the right track of thought ?
   You have it flipped around.

4. iammisc says:

   2. April 2011 at 12:11

   completely, when an application wants a new feature in the kernel, they just ask and they will receive.