There are fundamental differences between the Windows and Linux operating systems. These have an impact on the types of vulnerability that exist, as well as the ability of a vulnerability to spread from one system to another. This chapter does a side-by-side comparison of these factors to help you understand the differences between the operating systems, and the impact of these differences on cybersecurity.

Defining the terms of reference between the Linux and Windows operating systems only requires definitions and memory; there is minimal interpretation or ambiguity with these Cisco questions. Knowledge of these factors impacts on the chapters that follow.

The following topics will be covered in this chapter:

• Starting the operating system
• Filesystems
• Making, finding, accessing, and editing data