i cant tell you from experience but i think linux is or gives a better hash rate vs windows because linux is so clean and fast vs sindows is more of a virtual operating system.  Not to down grade windows but music sounds better video is clearer websites load much faster on linux than they do on windows so thats why some guys or a lot of miners use linux and from what ive read in the past linux i think igves you more control over some of the mining programs.  Overall linux might be harder to set up i dont know but it is better control and faster for a basic pc user or home pc etc...  hope this helps.