In computing applications, the choice of operating system (OS) is a critical decision that impacts reliability, security, cost, and long-term maintainability. For engineers specifying computing hardware, Windows and Linux remain the dominant choices. Each brings a distinct set of capabilities and trade-offs that make them more or less suitable for specific use cases. This article looks into the main differences between the two with a view to guiding engineers to make the best choice when selecting an operating system.
Core Architecture and Design
Windows is a proprietary OS developed by Microsoft. It offers a unified ecosystem with strong backward compatibility, a familiar GUI, and wide software vendor support. Windows is often favoured in environments where standardisation and vendor support are paramount.
Linux, on the other hand, is open-source and highly modular. It comes in several distributions (distros) including Ubuntu, RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) and Debian. These allow tailored configurations down to the kernel level. This flexibility makes Linux ideal for custom embedded systems and headless devices.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Windows | Linux |
|---|
| Licensing | Commercial license | Open-source (GPL, MIT, etc.) |
| Security | Regular updates, but often a larger attack surface | Smaller attack surface, customisable security |
| Customisability | Limited; closed-source | Highly customisable; kernel-level modifications possible |
| Hardware Support | Broad out-of-the-box support; certified drivers | Requires validation, especially for niche or legacy devices |
| User Interface | Polished GUI, consistent UX | GUI optional; ideal for headless setups |
| Real-Time Capabilities | Windows IoT with real-time extensions | Native support in RT Linux distros |
| Vendor Ecosystem | Strong ISV support (e.g., LabVIEW, AutoCAD) | Strong in open-source and embedded (e.g., ROS, Apache) |
Pros and Cons
Windows offers several advantages, particularly in environments where ease of use and standardised support are important. Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with widely used enterprise tools make it a natural fit for engineering teams already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem. Windows also offers a well-developed support infrastructure, including long-term servicing channels and certified hardware options, which are especially valuable in regulated industries like medical and defence. Compatibility with a wide array of commercial software, ranging from CAD and simulation tools to database systems, also makes it a popular choice.
However, these advantages come with trade-offs. Licensing costs can quickly add up, particularly in large-scale or embedded deployments. Additionally, Windows systems generally demand more system resources compared to leaner alternatives, making them less suitable for constrained environments such as single-board computers or compact embedded controllers. Engineers may also encounter limitations in update management unless they implement enterprise-grade tooling, which can complicate maintenance for field-deployed systems.
Linux, in contrast, offers unparalleled flexibility and control. Its open-source nature means there are no licensing fees, and its modular design allows engineers to build highly optimised systems that include only the components they need. This makes Linux especially well-suited for embedded and headless applications where performance and reliability are paramount.
Security is another significant advantage, as Linux benefits from strong community scrutiny, frequent patches, and the ability to harden systems through custom kernel configurations or mandatory access controls like SELinux or AppArmor.
However, Linux demands a higher level of technical proficiency. Its steep learning curve can be a barrier for teams without deep systems expertise, and configuring a Linux-based environment – from kernel compilation to driver integration – can be time-consuming. Hardware support, while extensive, may require manual validation, particularly for niche or legacy devices.
Moreover, while the ecosystem is rich, Linux still lags behind Windows in terms of official vendor certifications and pre-packaged compliance documentation, which can pose challenges in highly regulated sectors like medical device manufacturing.
Selecting the Best OS for your Application
The suitability of Windows or Linux for a given application often depends on the specific technical requirements, environmental constraints, and regulatory restrictions of the industry in question.
In industrial automation, Linux is frequently the operating system of choice. Its ability to be tailored down to the kernel level allows for lightweight, deterministic systems that are ideal for real-time control applications, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), machine vision, or robotics. Real-time Linux variants enable engineers to meet stringent timing requirements, while the open-source ecosystem provides rich libraries for industrial protocols, such as PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA, and EtherCAT. For headless, embedded controllers operating in harsh environments, Linux’s minimal resource footprint and robust uptime characteristics make it a natural fit.
In the medical technology sector, both operating systems are commonplace, but the choice often hinges on regulatory and integration requirements. Windows, particularly Windows 10 IoT Enterprise and long-term servicing channel (LTSC) versions, offers a strong value proposition for OEMs needing robust vendor support and extensive documentation for regulatory approvals. Its compatibility with established imaging, diagnostics and patient record systems makes it an attractive platform for user-facing devices. Linux, however, is increasingly used in image processing and storage, wearable medical devices, and custom-built diagnostic platforms where security, efficiency, and customisation are paramount.
When it comes to military and aerospace systems, Linux holds a clear advantage, particularly in mission-critical and long-lifecycle deployments. Defence applications demand an OS that can be hardened, audited, and maintained over decades, often in disconnected or challenging environments. The transparency of Linux’s source code allows for deep security vetting and modification, and its compatibility with real-time and deterministic frameworks supports time-sensitive tasks such as radar processing, targeting systems, or electronic warfare. Moreover, Linux’s ability to operate efficiently on low-power or ruggedised hardware makes it ideal for deployment in extreme conditions, from naval systems to unmanned ground vehicles.
The transportation sector, including automotive, railway, and aviation systems, increasingly favours Linux due to its flexibility and support for modern development models. In-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and control units for trains and aircraft often run on embedded Linux platforms. Windows, while used in back-office operations and diagnostics, is less common in safety-critical embedded roles due to its limited real-time capabilities and higher resource demands.
Finally, in unmanned systems, such as drones, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), or remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), Linux is becoming the dominant platform. Its compatibility with robotics frameworks like ROS (Robot Operating System) and PX4 flight control software makes it ideal for autonomous navigation, sensor fusion, and mission planning. These applications demand low-latency processing, high availability, and the ability to interact with a wide range of peripherals – requirements that Linux handles exceptionally well. Moreover, Linux’s open architecture allows developers to implement advanced AI models, telemetry pipelines, and security features without the constraints of proprietary systems.
So, while Windows and Linux each offer broad capabilities, the optimal choice depends heavily on the application context. Windows excels in scenarios requiring commercial software integration, standardised support, and rich graphical interfaces. Linux shines where customisation, performance, and long-term maintainability are critical such as in embedded, headless, or security-sensitive environments.
Advising Engineers to Make the Best Choice
The decision between Windows and Linux should be guided by the application’s technical requirements, regulatory constraints, and the engineering team’s expertise. For environments demanding deep customisation, real-time operation, or cost-sensitive deployments, Linux often prevails. For those requiring turnkey solutions, extensive ISV support, or seamless integration with enterprise infrastructure, Windows may be the more pragmatic choice.
At Steatite, we provide industrial-grade computers built to accommodate both Windows and Linux environments, with long lifecycle support and rigorous environmental testing to meet the demands of medical, military, and industrial sectors.
If you’re evaluating an OS strategy for your next embedded or rugged computing project, our engineering team can help you weigh the options with real-world insights and sector-specific experience. Get in touch today.
