Microsoft’s Windows operating system is still the absolute leader among desktop and notebook operating systems. However, using an operating system with good popularity, such as Windows, will make it easier to seek help for any problems.
According to February 2018 data from analytics firm Stat counter, Windows holds 82.55% of the market share in these segments.
Does this popularity make Windows the best operating system for all situations? Let’s delve deeper into this subject to determine if it is the right option for your company.
Why Has Windows Become So Popular?
Looking at the history of Windows, we see that the release of MS-DOS in the early 80s was a significant milestone for all its popularity.
MS-DOS was the operating system produced by Microsoft, at the request of IBM, for the IBM PC. It quickly became the central base system for personal computers, popularizing such programs.
With the official release of Windows in 1985, MS-DOS was discontinued. Gradually, he began to incorporate the then-new Microsoft operating system. In this way, Windows became even more popular than its predecessor.
The main advantage of the popularization of Windows among users is its ease. It makes it possible to perform the most diverse tasks using a user-friendly graphical interface.
In addition, Windows is compatible with computers from many manufacturers. For example, this is not the case with macOS (Apple’s operating system).
Is Windows The Best Operating System?
First, it is important to stress that there is no such thing as a better or worse operating system. There is indeed the most suitable for each type of experience or need.
For a given service, a Linux-only application may be much better suited than others for Windows or macOS.
Likewise, a user may, from experience, be more used to macOS. Therefore, it will be considered the best operating system.
The lesson here is that everything will depend on the user’s needs. You are the one who decides whether Windows or another system is the best option for your business.
Another gain is the ease of finding drivers for devices that use Windows. Since manufacturers usually make these components available only for the most used operating systems.
Using Windows Or Another Operating System?
This is a delicate issue. This depends significantly on the expertise of those who manage the company’s IT services and the need.
In recent times, Linux has frequently been used in both small and large companies. Several factors influence this decision, such as reliability, robustness, costs, etc.
Linux gained strength, especially on servers. However, nowadays, it is common to see users using one of their distributions as the operating system for their computers.
There are several cases where using another operating system is possible and even recommended. For example, macOS is an excellent choice for running editing software such as Photoshop. Therefore, it is usually the best alternative for advertising or design professionals.
However, most needs can be met using any operating system. Whether Windows, Linux, or macOS.
Considering the company’s size, it may not be economically viable to use Windows. Due to costs associated with licensing.
Imagine the case of an SME, which needs to use a Firewall server. We would find several robust solutions for Windows but at a high cost.
The cost would no longer be an issue if she used sense based on the FreeBSD operating system. Since this is open source software, that is, free.
This same logic can be applied to most network services necessary for the full functioning of a company, which values the good practices of IT services.
The Main Disadvantages Of Windows
Unfortunately, Windows leaves something to be desired in terms of Security. New security flaws in Windows are frequently discovered.
Such flaws usually take some time to correct. Consequently, they can put companies’ networks in jeopardy.
This delay in solutions is because the team of developers is restricted to the company that owns the source code, in this case, Microsoft.
Another point worth mentioning is the high cost of acquiring usage licenses. After all, not every company or user can afford this expense.
The Main Advantages Of Windows
Application availability is one of Windows’ strengths. It is possible to find software that performs the most diverse functions efficiently.
However, this issue is being improved on other operating systems as well. But Windows still leads in this regard.
Usability is also among its main attractions. Its simple interface makes it easy to perform any task. The user rarely has problems finding a resource or developing activities, whether installing a program, editing a file, or modifying a system configuration.
How Do I Change The Operating System?
Once the user is aware of his needs and has verified that a particular operating system can better serve him, he must take precautions before making this change.
First, you should check on the computer manufacturer’s website – as well as any other installed peripherals – if that model supports the desired operating system.
If so, the user must proceed with the backup of their data (images, spreadsheets, documents, etc.).
From there, he can install the operating system, even on his own, if he has the knowledge to do so. He is recommended to request support from your IT technical support to perform this task.
The operating system change procedure does not generate any problem for the device, as long as it is capable.
Also Read: Digital Transformation: The Complete Guide For Businesses