One, the server:
1, memory management, Linux is more powerful than Windows. Linux will not be Windows system memory does not release, leakage and other issues. The most common example is a Linux server generally run a one or two years without having to shut down, reboot. In some huge professional software applications, mostly based on Linux system, for example, scientific computing, military systems, the processing of very large video (the movie Avatar special effects production is done on Linux).
2, network management, Linux is more powerful than Windows. Linux network management are command line, easy to manage remotely.
3, security, Linux is more powerful than windows. Linux is open source because of the reason, the kernel has fewer vulnerabilities. Unlike the Windows kernel, only Uncle Gates and his hundred or so programmers know. So there are fewer viruses and trojans under Linux, and since there are viruses and trojans, some enthusiast will soon come out to patch the vulnerabilities, unlike Win which has to wait for Microsoft to release it.
Two, embedded development:
For example: nowadays, routers have an operating system, and this is usually with the Linux kernel. Because a few KB can realize the work of managing hardware; for example, some electronic medical equipment used in hospitals, but also Linux system management; and then, for example, some large factories use automated machinery and equipment, but also by the Linux system management.
Three, in the desktop applications for individual users:
Overall I think it is not as powerful as Windows.
Linux is only powerful because of its kernel, the architecture is powerful. In desktop applications, nowadays, they use graphical interfaces and have to use a lot of shells, layer upon layer, and inevitably, there are problems with the shells. While this is not Linux's fault, the end result is that it affects the user.
Software under Linux as a whole does not have as many options as under Windows.
Personal applications under Linux are generally not developed by commercial companies and can only be developed by Linux enthusiasts themselves, so it is difficult to guarantee quality and support.
Four, Linux personal desktop version are free, Windows to spend money to buy. This is one of the powerful aspects of Linux.
I think so much, although I use Linux has more than three years of time, but only "play or load non-mainstream" level, on Linux is not to understand. I'm not familiar with Linux. If I'm wrong, I'd like to ask those who have followed this thread to help correct me so I don't mislead anyone.
The question about programming in C\C++ under linux has been answered by the guy upstairs.