Why is Linux highly stable?

Answer 1

To understand what makes Linux relatively more stable than, say, Windows, you must understand what makes Windows unstable in the first place.

1. Drivers. Most of the blue screens seen in Windows 2000 and newer are the result of poorly written drivers. Microsoft does not make the drivers for the hardware on computers; the manufacturers of the hardware do. By contrast, the drivers for hardware in Linux are developed by the authors of the kernel. They can check the code themselves to be sure that it works properly.

2. Separation of processes. When "Windows Explorer crashes, when browsing a folder for instance, not only will the folder disappear, so will the taskbar and Start Menu. The same process, Explorer.exe, controls both the folders and the taskbar. Traditionally, it also controlled internet Explorer. On Linux desktops, different programs control the file manager, the web browser, and the taskbar. One crashing will not affect the others, so you can continue to work productively with little interruption.

3. User privileges. In Windows XP and older, the default user was automatically made an "Administrator." This allows the user complete control of the system, but also allows any programs he launches to do whatever they want. This is how spyware takes over the system. In a Linux system, a user is encouraged (and in "newbie" distros, forced) to use an account with more limited privileges. This account cannot install software, or make any changes to files that he doesn't own. When the user wants to make a change to the system, he just needs to enter a password, to assume maximum privileges. This lowers the likelihood of installing software without the user's knowledge.

Answer 2

Linux is not reliable. As far as it is, it is because it is largely programmers' labour of love, rather than labour of forced sweat.