Windows was not the first operating system for personal computers nor the first one to feature a graphical user interface. The Alto or Xerox Star from Xerox PARC and the Apple Lisa and Macintosh from Apple Computer were two of the most popular systems in the 1970s and 1980s that helped in commercializing and standardizing the design and utilization of user interfaces with graphical elements such as windows and icons.
Microsoft joined the trend in 1985 with the introduction of Windows 1.0. It was followed by Windows 2.0 in 1987. These two received insignificant market attention. However, the potential of the operating system became more apparent with Windows 3.0 in 1990. Microsoft began developing a more consumer-oriented version of its operating system. Windows 95 was the result of this initiative and it soon became the most popular PC operating system.
Several versions of Windows were introduced after the 95. Nevertheless, the brand remains as popular and as dominant. What exactly are the reasons why Windows became the most popular operating system for personal computers? What are the specific strategies and tactics Microsoft developed and implemented to promote and sell its operating system? How did Windows retain its popularity and dominance for decades?
Why is Microsoft Windows Popular: The Specific Marketing Strategy of Microsoft and the Resulting Brand Equity
There are other operating systems for personal computers that are available for end-use consumers. Linux is popular for enthusiast-level users and in numerous enterprise use cases. There are also several Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Debian that have been a go-to alternative to mainstream operating systems.
Of course, macOS from Apple remains the closest competitor of Windows in the specific consumer-oriented PC market. Google has entered the market with the introduction of ChromeOS. Some smartphone manufacturers have tweaked the Android mobile OS to introduce desktop-like functionalities. Samsung DeX from Samsung is a prime example.
Windows remains the dominant operating system in the mainstream market. It is found in most household personal computers, as well as devices or workstations used in government offices, educational institutions, small-to-large-sized business organizations, non-profit organizations, and even in several enthusiast-level market niches.
To understand how this operating system has become successful and why it remains popular and dominant, it is important to understand the initial marketing strategies developed and utilized by Microsoft, as well as the concurrent and prevailing strategies, including the resulting impacts of all of its marketing efforts as far as its branding is concerned.
1. Early Marketing Efforts for Windows
Bill Gates had a vision of putting a personal computer on every desk in every home. Microsoft took marketing seriously beginning with the introduction of Windows 3.0 in 1990. However, it was in Windows 95 in which the company demonstrated its marketing prowess.
Remember that the newer version of the operating system released in 1995 was more oriented toward end-use consumers. Microsoft invested heavily in specific promotion strategies such as a television commercial featuring the hit single “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones and another promotional video featuring Jennifer Aniston and Mathew Perry.
The company also sent out marketing materials such as brochures in computer retail stores. PC World in the United Kingdom received a large quantity of these materials.
It also created buzz and brand awareness further through guerilla marketing tactics such as lighting up the Empire State Building in New York to match the colors of the Windows logo and placing a 330 feet banner on the side of CN Tower in Toronto.
However, aside from these marketing messages geared toward end users, Microsoft also marketed its operating system toward computer manufacturers. Note that the company had partnered with IBM in 1980 which resulted in hundreds of thousands of IBM computers sold with MS-DOS. Microsoft sought more partnerships in the 1990s.
Partnerships with computer manufacturers have been key to the marketing strategy of Microsoft and in the specific distribution strategy for its operating system. These manufacturers fundamentally have the license to sell computers pre-installed with Windows.
2. Popularity in Business Organizations
The operating system dominated the market beginning in 1995 because of these licensing agreements. Of course, apart from individual and residential consumers, computers that come pre-installed with Windows landed in business organizations.
Most organizations purchase computers in bulk quantities from computer manufacturers or authorized distributors to receive discounts lower than the individual retail price. Hence, with Microsoft partnering with several computer manufacturers and its brand generating greater awareness, its operating system captured the business segment.
However, the aforesaid is not the only reason why Windows is popular in business organizations. Microsoft knew that it needed to develop relevant software programs that would appeal to the business segment and the more specific business-oriented end users.
The company banked on its established experience in developing office productivity software programs such as a word processor and a computerized spreadsheet.
Note that it developed the Multi-Tool Word for the Xenix operating system in 1983. It was the predecessor to Microsoft Word. It also first announced the Microsoft Office in 1988 which contained the earlier version of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Windows 95 and the subsequent versions of the operating system have been marketed with Microsoft Office. The entire suite of office productivity software programs has become one of the selling points used by Microsoft.
These software programs were sold individually. However, they came pre-installed in personal computers manufactured by some of the largest PC makers in the world. Hence, for business organizations, purchasing computers pre-installed with an operating system and relevant software saved them from the hassle of purchasing individual software copies.
3. Established Software Developers
Note that the popularity of Windows in both residential and business segments soon attracted the attention of most software developers. Its emerging dominance beginning in 1995 gave these developers an incentive to develop software for this operating system.
It made sense for these companies to develop and sell software for the most dominant operating system. Doing so meant targeting an existing and sizeable market.
Furthermore, it would be too expensive and unnecessary taxing for them to develop software programs for different operating systems. They fundamentally depended on the current dominance of Windows at that time and bet further on its future.
The aforesaid trend has persisted during the 1990s and the 2000s, as well as even to the present because it has created a win-win situation for Microsoft, software developers, and end users. Companies developed for Windows because of its existing user base while consumers bought Windows computers because of software availability.
Note that the win-win situation also creates an active competitive environment that is beneficial to the interest of the end users. Software developers are compelled to produce the best product possible to capture and retain the interest of computer users.
4. Windows as Standard in PC Gaming
It cannot be denied that this operating system from Microsoft has the most expansive selection of software available. The same is true as regards the availability of game titles. Windows remains the dominant operating system for PC gaming.
There are six major reasons these operating system has become and remained popular for gaming. Remember that Microsoft aggressively sought licensing deals with PC makers to distribute Windows during the 1990s. It essentially gained a first-to-market competitive advantage for both the entire PC market and the specific video gaming market.
It also made a conscious decision to develop and position its operating system as a first-class gaming platform with the introduction of Microsoft DirectX in 1995. DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces that enables developers to fine-tune and optimize the performance of resource-intensive applications such as games.
These two critical tactics allowed Microsoft to become a leader in the emerging PC gaming market during the 1990s. Game developers have preferred developing primarily for Windows because of its existing user base.
Furthermore, the availability of hardware components such as central processing units, graphics processors, and other multimedia components that are compatible with Windows has attracted further both game developers and PC gamers.
Enthusiast-level gamers prefer building their own personal computers from the ground up. Hardware compatibility makes Windows a flexible platform.
It is also important to note that PC games are cheaper than game titles available on game consoles. Purchasing a gaming computer might be expensive upfront but its longevity translates to considerable cost savings in the future.
5. Limitations of Other Operating Systems
Other operating systems such as the different Linux distributions have notable limitations. These include the absence of proprietary software programs that are available to more mainstream operating systems such as Windows and macOS.
Google positioned ChromeOS as a consumer-grade operating system for ultraportable laptops and low-powered desktop computers. However, it lacks the capabilities and functionalities found in devices running Windows and macOS.
Note that macOS is the closest competitor of Windows in the overall mainstream market. However, Apple products are expensive. Mac Mini is the cheapest Mac computer that retails for around USD 670.00. However, this price tag does not include a mouse, keyboard, and display. A complete Mac Mini setup will cost between USD 800.00 to USD 1000.00.
Nevertheless, another reason Windows remains the most popular operating system is that it addresses the shortcomings of other operating systems.
Remember that this operating system from Microsoft has an incomparable library of software programs or applications. Desktop and laptop computers running this OS are available at different configurations and price points.
There are Windows computers designed and marketed for entry-level and budget-conscious users such as students. Some are marketed toward business professionals and enterprises while others are geared toward hard-core video gamers.
The most widely used operating system is Windows. It has the largest market share, with nearly 90% of desktops and laptops running it. In addition, Windows is easy to use and has an intuitive user interface, making it easier for users to learn. It is the most widely used operating system for many reasons, including its affordability and ease of use. However, not everyone uses Windows. If you’re unsure which operating system to choose, here are a few reasons to switch over to Windows.
Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system, and the company ended 2018 with a record-breaking $36 billion in revenue. Windows 10 has been incredibly popular, beating out its predecessor Windows 7 in terms of market share. Many new PCs come preloaded with this operating system, making it compatible with almost every software program on the market. However, the history of Windows makes it the most popular choice for many users. However, Windows is not the only operating system on the market, and the popularity of a certain OS may have nothing to do with the popularity of the software.
Microsoft’s Windows operating system is one of the most popular on the market. In fact, in 1994 AD, the company had a market share of ninety percent. Today, the software has a near monopoly on laptops and desktops. Its easy-to-use interface makes it very user-friendly, and its features are so simple that even people without any programming experience can quickly master the system.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the Windows system. Microsoft created the first version of Windows in 1985. The first version, called Windows 1.0, was based on the MS-DOS core and was the most popular Program Manager. However, a major update arrived in 1987 with Windows 3.0. It was one of the first operating systems designed to support touchscreens. Although it lacked the multi-touch experience that is characteristic of modern tablets, the Windows interface is highly usable.
Windows 7 was released in October 2009 and had many features that set it apart from its predecessor. The OS also had built-in touch-screen functionality, improved backup and recovery tools, and faster startup times. Windows 10 was released in July 2015, and it includes an impressive internal search and robust anti-virus tools. Unlike its predecessor, it does not use the Metro interface, which was criticized at the time for its incompatibility with other software. In fact, Windows 10 has become the most popular operating system on the market, surpassing even MacOS and Linux.
Is Windows the Most Used Operating System?
The question is, “Is Windows the most popular operating system?” The answer depends on how you define the term “most used” and what you consider to be a “common” use of a computer. The number of users of each operating system varies significantly, and is not a perfect reflection of the entire user base. For example, Windows is the most widely used operating system, and has been for many years. Windows is also one of the most popular operating systems for computers, including a wide variety of manufacturers.
The most popular version of Windows is still Windows XP, but that’s because it has a serious flaw. It has been exploited by hackers and still causes chaos around the world. As a result, Microsoft ceased security support for Windows XP in April 2014. In fact, it’s now the third most popular operating system in the world, with more users than any other OS. However, Windows XP is the least popular version of Windows, and Windows 10 is the most popular one in the U.S.
Why We Use Windows Operating System?
The Windows operating system is the dominant platform in the marketplace, and with good reason. Unlike Mac OS, it is easier to learn and allows for less training for employees. Windows also makes collaboration and compatibility easier for businesses and organizations. If you’re wondering why Windows is still the top choice for businesses, read on. This article will help you decide whether Windows is right for your organization. If not, there are many other reasons to switch to MacOS.
One of the biggest reasons to switch to Windows is that it works on almost every computer, making it easier for users to share files and collaborate. Having more users also means that there are more applications available, and more applications tend to be better-quality on Windows. The same goes for productivity-oriented applications. Microsoft Office, for instance, works on both Windows and macOS, but it is easier to use on Windows, thanks to its extensive library of features and seamless user experience.
Why is Windows Used More Than Linux?
Why is Windows used more than Linux? In a nutshell, Windows OS has a number of advantages over its Linux counterpart. For one thing, Linux is more compatible with Windows hardware. That said, Linux is also a bit more difficult to install. The Linux distribution Chromium is preinstalled on Chromebooks, but it’s still less popular than Windows. In addition, Linux lacks the hardware and software support that Windows does. This makes Linux harder to use for average users.
For businesses, the most obvious advantage of Windows over Linux is its dominance in the market. Because Windows is more widely used and less expensive, companies can easily implement and customize it with ease. Additionally, because Windows is so widely used, it’s easier to ensure compatibility and collaboration. Many businesses rely on Windows because of this. As long as people use Windows, businesses can remain compatible with it and be productive. The popularity of Windows can also be traced to its dominance in the market.
When Did Windows Become Popular?
Microsoft’s Windows operating system first debuted in 1985, but its popularity grew as graphical interfaces (GUIs) gained traction. A GUI enabled DOS users to navigate a virtual desktop and navigate electronic folders with ease. In 1985, Windows became the leading PC operating system, overtaking Apple’s Mac OS. Since its introduction, Windows has become a common computing platform, with over 83% market share in 2020.
The operating system began as a character-based program called Microsoft Multi-Tool Word. This program was designed to be easier to use than other word-processing programs. It was also free with purchases of a Microsoft Mouse. Microsoft released the first version of its Windows operating system software in November 1985. While it was initially a GUI for Microsoft’s MS-DOS operating system, it eventually became a stand-alone program.
Windows’ commercial success was a significant factor in its adoption. It introduced features such as pre-emptive multitasking, a mechanism that ensures that each application gets a fair share of the CPU. It also introduced the concept of virtual memory, a feature that tricked applications into thinking that they were using a large block of address space when in reality they were only using a small portion. Similarly, Apple OS provided the trash can as a feature that made it easier to delete files and uninstall applications.
Why is Windows 10 the Best Operating System?
Microsoft’s Windows is the most popular desktop operating system, accounting for 77% of worldwide sales. Windows 10 makes up two-thirds of this market share. It controls 40% of the laptop market, making it the most popular OS for laptops. It is also supported by a wide range of hardware and software. Despite its high price, Windows 10 is worth the price. Let’s explore why Windows 10 is the best operating system.
The Windows operating system has been around for more than two decades. The first version was released in 1991 AD and has grown to become the most widely used OS today. It’s user-friendly, starts up quickly and resumes operations quickly. It features built-in security and a robust user interface. Its Task View feature allows users to switch between multiple workspaces and shows all windows open in a single view. Users can also use dual-screens to access various programs.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 has undergone a phased rollout and is now available for wide deployment. The most notable differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 are a more Mac-like aesthetic, an emphasis on productivity features, and the ability to use Android apps. The Pro editions of Windows 10 will also have a Microsoft tech team to help with specific issues. The Pro versions are not necessary for home users, but can be helpful to business owners.
Which One is the Most Used Operating System?
Both Apple and Microsoft produce their own operating systems, but they are similar enough to be considered the same operating system. However, there are a few key differences between Apple’s macOS and Microsoft’s Windows. Apple’s MacOS is more widely used, while Windows is more widely used on desktop computers. This article will examine how they differ and which one is the most popular. Let’s take a look!
Android uses the Linux kernel and has 43% of the global market. Windows holds 30% of the market, while Apple iOS and desktop Linux are each around 0.98%. Both are used on desktop PCs, and iOS and Android are popular on smartphones. In North America, Windows is the most widely used operating system, while iOS is second. And Android is used on mobile devices, with nearly 52.2 percent of the world’s population using Android and iOS.
Learn More Here:
1.) Windows Help Center
2.) Windows – Wikipedia
3.) Windows Blog
4.) Windows Central
The market offers a wide range of operating systems. Windows, Mac, and Linux are some of the most popular operating systems. Before diving in, learn about the popularity of these operating systems. Let’s take a quick look at this operating system.👊👊👊
Windows OS
Since the mid-1980s, Microsoft has been developing a series of operating systems known as Windows. It comes in a variety of forms. It is a proprietary graphical operating system that only the company can modify. It has dominated the desktop market since 1995.
According to Statcounter of Oct. 2021, Windows 10 is the most popular windows OS with about 75.18% market share in Desktop Operating System Worldwide. It has a wealth of tools and features etc.
The fact that most general-purpose PCs come with Windows OS pre-installed is one of the reasons why they are the most popular.
macOS
Apple’s macOS (formerly OS X) operating system is a series of operating systems. The majority of Macintosh computers come with macOS preinstalled. It is not as popular as Windows, and one of the reasons for this is that the Mac is more expensive.
It is marketed by Apple Inc, since 2001 AD.
Linux
Linux is a collection of open-source, free operating systems that can be modified and distributed by anyone anywhere in the world. It is a highly customizable operating system. It is primarily used in server farms.
It was created by Linus Torvald and it was first released in 1991 AD.
Why are windows Os is popular over other available Operating systems like Linux and Mac?
In this article, I want to talk about why windows Os is popular than other available Operating systems like Linux and Mac in the desktop environment.
Table of Contents
- Why Windows OS is Popular ?
- 1 Windows Emerged Historical with GUI Support
- 2 User-Friendly OS
- 3 Largely Adopted Software
- 4 Grew Up with Windows
- 5 Productivity
- 6 Large Microsoft Official Support Base
- 7 Preinstalled OS
- 8 Driver and Peripherical Compatibility
- 9 Windows largely used in school and training institution
- 10 Large Windows Software Developer
- 11 AutoCAD and Graphics Things
- 12 Pirated Windows is Available Everywhere
- 13 Large Windows Geeks and Enthusiast Support
- 14 Games
- 15 Windows 10 Update
- 16 Windows 11 Release
- 17 Large number of OEM vendors
- 18 Vacancy
- 19 Installation
Why Windows OS is Popular ?
Some of the reasons are as follows:
1 Windows Emerged Historical with GUI Support
Despite the fact that GUI support was not initially developed for Windows OS. However, when Microsoft included a graphical user interface (GUI) in its operating system, its popularity skyrocketed. This increases Windows users because it allows them to work without having to worry about commands. And other operating systems are struggling to provide GUI support as quickly as Microsoft did. As a result, it was widely adopted at the time.
Windows has had a large market share in operating systems since its inception, with Windows 3.11 having a market share of more than 90% in 1994 AD.
Also in current time has the highest market share in desktop OS(source).
| OS | Market Share in % |
| Windows | 75.18 |
| Mac OS | 15.89 |
| Linux | 2.15 |
| Chrome OS | 2.54 |
| Unknown | 4.23 |
It has a near-monopoly on desktop and laptop in the computer market.
2 User-Friendly OS
No other operating system is as simple to use as Microsoft Windows. Nobody wants to type a bunch of commands to do something that can be done with a few mouse clicks. As a result, the user interface of Windows is superior to that of other open-source operating systems. Windows is designed in such a way that anyone can learn how to use it.
Windows allows people to do a lot of things without much difficulty most of the time. If we use Windows, Linux, or Mac, we find that they are not user-friendly.
3 Largely Adopted Software
People are already using MS OFFICE and Adobe products and games that only work on Windows. As a result, the next time a user tries to use MAC or Linux, they are disappointed by the lack of such features, and they return to Windows. In most cases, this occurs.
Linux may not have applications to be used or used by the consumer.
4 Grew Up with Windows
Most people grew up using Windows OS on their PCs and are comfortable with it.
5 Productivity
The majority of businesses use Windows OS to carry out their daily operations. Making reports, PowerPoint presentations, and graphics with Windows software is simpler. And software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe products, and many others assist them. This software alternative is available in both MAC and Linux, but it lacks many of the features found in Windows software.
Linux has LibreOffice but is not much popular as ms word.
Linux has a gimp as an alternative to photoshop both not as good as photoshop.
In my view, this software is just a polished version of windows’ popular software.
6 Large Microsoft Official Support Base
If you used a paid commercial version of Windows, Microsoft will provide you with a lot of active support. Also, large corporations do not want to waste time troubleshooting issues; instead, they contact Microsoft for assistance, and they are available at all times to assist businesses; thus, large corporations use Windows as well.
For paid users, Windows has better support for both current and legacy Windows.
7 Preinstalled OS
When you go to the market to buy a laptop or desktop, they will tell you that the Windows operating system is preinstalled and genuine. Preinstalled Windows denotes that the operating system has been fully installed, licensed, and activated with Microsoft. As a result, in the majority of cases, Windows 10 will come preinstalled on the new system.
Windows OS marketing and advertising are at an all-time high.
8 Driver and Peripherical Compatibility
Windows has better driver support from manufacturers than Linux and MAC. Furthermore, some vendors do not develop a driver for Linux, and when an open community does develop a driver, it may not be properly compatible.
So, in desktop and laptop environments, Windows gets any new drivers first, then macOS and then Linux.
Eg. Sometimes laptop and desktop wifi did work with Linux because the manufacturer may not have created it for Linux. This happens once in my case.
Even today Linux is not very successful at supporting devices such as printers and scanners.
Noobie and even expert geeks will have much more confidence in buying a video card, printer, and dual monitor setup with windows, and many of the manufacturers suggest the same.
Learn about CPU Hyperthreading: click here.
9 Windows largely used in school and training institution
Windows OS is used in many schools and training institutes, so if anyone wants to learn anything, they will be taught in Windows OS. In order to obtain a Linux expert or a Mac expert, they must pay a high salary to the instructor; therefore, they use Windows OS, which is familiar to almost everyone.
10 Large Windows Software Developer
Most developers develop software for windows making windows user life much much easier.
11 AutoCAD and Graphics Things
If you do 3D graphics works then most of the industry-standard software is windows base.
12 Pirated Windows is Available Everywhere
You may get pirated windows OS on the internet and can be installed on any computer system easily. However, OSX can only be installed on the MAC system, and have to pay for it.
13 Large Windows Geeks and Enthusiast Support
Because a large number of people use Windows, the problem can be resolved quickly and easily. There are also numerous articles written by tech geeky to solve the problem for Windows.
14 Games
Also, Windows is the best for gamers as well. And has lots and lots of amazing games for Windows OS support.
15 Windows 10 Update
Windows 10 Updates are automatic, once set in automatic mode. You do not need external third-party driver updating software
as windows have built-in for it. Windows generally apply a large number of updates at one go but Linux updates come frequently because they provide updates as soon as it is available.
For learning emerging technology in the data center. click here.
16 Windows 11 Release
With the release of the Windows 11 operating system, the popularity of the Windows operating system has already skyrocketed. Windows 11 has made significant improvements to its graphical user interface, and it now has the same look and feel as macOS. Another important feature that Windows 11 supports is the ability to run Android applications, as well as the integration of Microsoft Teams.
17 Large number of OEM vendors
Every company wants to make a profit. OEM distributors purchase Windows OS in bulk at a low cost, benefiting both Microsoft and OEM distributors, and will target large groups of users through wholesalers and retailers.
18 Vacancy
Most businesses use the Windows operating system, which necessitates the hiring of personnel to run the business. So, there are a lot of job openings, and it is written in the requirements that applicants should know how to use Office Packages and soon.
19 Installation
OSX cannot be installed in every system and only support for Mac System. Noobie finds it difficult installing Linux OS and in the early days there is no GUI support for installation. For many years windows have the same steps for installation in every version of windows which makes it easier to install every version of windows even by noobie guys.
Finally,
Neither I am in support of any of these OS, each has helped in solving people’s tasks in various ways. If you find any of these points irrelevant then please feel free to comment below👇👇👇.
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Asked by: Mr. Prof. Dr. Anna Koch Ph.D. | Last update: June 27, 2022
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Microsoft Windows is one of the popular operating system types and is preloaded on most new PC hardware. With each new Windows update or release, Microsoft continues to work on improving their users’ experience, hardware, and software, making Windows more accessible and easier to use.
Is Windows the most used operating system?
Microsoft’s Windows is the most widely used computer operating system in the world, accounting for 68.54 percent share of the desktop, tablet, and console OS market in June 2021.
Why Windows 10 is the best operating system?
Windows 10 is familiar and easy to use, with lots of similarities to Windows 7 including the Start menu. It starts up and resumes fast, has more built-in security to help keep you safe, and is designed to work with software and hardware you already have. An advanced mobile operating system.
What is the most important operating system?
Apple’s macOS is installed on 13% of computers. The rest of the 5% is shared among various operating systems including Linux. According to global data collected by statcounter (image below), Android is the most popular operating system in the world with 40% of the world’s devices powered by Android.
Why is Windows used more than Linux?
Simply because Windows is the dominant operating system, there is much more (and usually higher quality) software available for it than for Linux. Much of it comes from evil Microsoft itself. A good example goes straight to one of open source’s greatest recent successes: OpenOffice. OpenOffice is great softwareMar 2, 2009.
What is best free operating system?
12 Free Alternatives to Windows Operating Systems Linux: The Best Windows Alternative. Chrome OS. FreeBSD. FreeDOS: Free Disk Operating System Based on MS-DOS. illumos. ReactOS, The Free Windows Clone Operating System. Haiku. MorphOS.
Which OS has most users?
Android, an operating system using the Linux kernel, is the world’s most-used operating system when judged by web use. It has 42% of the global market, followed by Windows with 30%, then Apple iOS with 16%.
Which Windows 10 version is fastest?
Windows 10 S is the fastest version of Windows I have ever used – from switching and loading apps to booting up, it’s noticeably quicker than either Windows 10 Home or 10 Pro running on similar hardware.
Which version of Windows 10 is best?
Compare Windows 10 editions Windows 10 Home. The best Windows ever keeps getting better. Windows 10 Pro. A solid foundation for every business. Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. Designed for people with advanced workloads or data needs. Windows 10 Enterprise. For organisations with advanced security and management needs.
What is the easiest operating system to use?
#1) MS-Windows From Windows 95, all the way to the Windows 10, it has been the go-to operating software that is fueling the computing systems worldwide. It is user-friendly, and starts up & resumes operations fast.
Is there an alternative to Windows 10?
Initially developed as a Windows 95 clone project in 1996, ReactOS was later released in 1998. ReactOS has been built from scratch but is designed to look and feel like Windows and be able to run Windows software, so should be one to consider for those wanting a clear Windows OS alternative.
What are the 5 most common operating system?
For the most part, the IT industry largely focuses on the top five OSs, including Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, Google’s Android OS, Linux Operating System, and Apple iOS.
What are the 4 types of operating system?
Types of Operating Systems Batch OS. Distributed OS. Multitasking OS. Network OS. Real-OS. Mobile OS.
Why Linux is not used?
The main reason why Linux is not popular on the desktop is that it doesn’t have “the one” OS for the desktop as does Microsoft with its Windows and Apple with its macOS. If Linux had only one operating system, then the scenario would be totally different today. You will find an OS for every use case conceivable.
Why Linux is bad?
As a desktop operating system, Linux has been criticized on a number of fronts, including: A confusing number of choices of distributions, and desktop environments. Poor open source support for some hardware, in particular drivers for 3D graphics chips, where manufacturers were unwilling to provide full specifications.
Does Linux need antivirus?
Anti-virus software does exist for Linux, but you probably don’t need to use it. Viruses that affect Linux are still very rare. If you want to be extra-safe, or if you want to check for viruses in files that you are passing between yourself and people using Windows and Mac OS, you can still install anti-virus software.
Is there a free operating system?
ReactOS When it comes to free operating systems, you’re probably thinking ‘but it’s not Windows’! ReactOS is a free and opensource OS that is based on Windows NT design architecture (like XP and Win 7). You can choose to download the installation CD or just get a Live CD and run the OS from there.
Is there a free Windows operating system?
Nothing’s cheaper than free. If you’re looking for Windows 10 Home, or even Windows 10 Pro, it’s possible to get Windows 10 for free onto your PC if you have Windows 7, which has reached EoL, or later. If you already have a Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 a software/product key, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free.
Is Google OS free?
Google Chrome OS vs. Chrome Browser. Chromium OS – this is what we can download and use for free on any machine we like. It’s open-source and supported by the development community.
What are the 5 operating system?
Five of the most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Linux, Android and Apple’s iOS.
Who invented operating system?
Gary Kildall: The Inventor of Operating System.
Will there be Windows 11?
Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11, the next major software update, which will be coming to all compatible PCs later this year. Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11, the next major software update that will be coming to all compatible PCs later this year.
Системы от Microsoft уже четыре десятилетия являются самыми популярными в мире. Конкуренты в лице macOS и Linux никак не могут свергнуть «Винду» с её пьедестала, даже несмотря на провальные запуски Vista и Windows 8. Пользователи просто остаются на старых версиях ОС, не переходя на другие платформы.
За последнее десятилетие самой успешной системой Microsoft была Windows 10. Она исправно служила нам с 2015 года. Казалось бы, посвежевшая Windows 11 должна была укрепить позиции Microsoft, унаследовав огромную аудиторию «десятки». Но этого не произошло. Несмотря на то, что в 2025‑м поддержка Windows 10 завершается, пользователи отказываются обновляться. Статистика показывает, что сегодня «десятка» на 66,04% компьютеров, тогда как Windows 11 прижилась только у 29,75%.
Люди не спешат отказываться от старой доброй Windows 10, и на то есть несколько причин.
1. «Десятка» менее требовательна к железу, чем Windows 11
Некоторые пользователи, возможно, были бы не против попробовать Windows 11. Но вполне вероятно, что для её установки может понадобиться купить новый компьютер, потому что не каждая старая машина отвечает её системным требованиям. Далеко не всем захочется при переходе на следующую версию ОС обновлять ещё и железо.
Прежде всего, Windows 11 наличия аппаратного модуля TPM 2.0 для шифрования и защиты данных системы, а многие старые компьютеры им не оснащены. Кроме того, новая ОС процессоры Intel Core ниже седьмого поколения и AMD Zen первого поколения.
Есть способы обойти эти ограничения — воспользовавшись утилитой Rufus или отредактировав реестр на лету прямо во время установки. Но многие подобные хитрости были Microsoft начиная с версии 24H2, и в теории их использование может привести к «синим экранам» и прочим неполадкам.
Старая же добрая «десятка» таких ограничений лишена: она отлично чувствует себя на устройствах с процессорами седьмого поколения и младше, не требует «доверительного модуля» и вообще поворачивается на старом железе куда шустрее, чем новая раздутая Windows 11.
2. «Десятка» не навязывает шифрование дисков — в отличие от Windows 11
Начиная с версии Windows 11 24H2 Microsoft начнёт принудительно шифровать диски с помощью BitLocker, чтобы сделать информацию на ваших носителях нечитаемой без ввода пароля. Иногда, например в случае с ноутбуками, это полезно: если кто-то и украдёт ваш компьютер или извлечёт из него диск, то не сможет ничего скопировать с него.
Но шифрование также добавляет неудобств. Оно несколько замедляет чтение и запись на носители вашего ПК. Кроме того, BitLocker делает восстановление данных с повреждённого диска сложным, а иногда и невозможным. Шифрование не позволяет нескольким ОС пользоваться одним накопителем — например, если у вас есть Linux в дуалбуте. А если вы умудритесь потерять пароль от своего аккаунта Microsoft, где хранятся ключи расшифровки, то навсегда утратите и доступ к своим данным.
Cтремление Microsoft навязывать шифрование дисков раздражает и в перспективе может обернуться крупными неприятностями для неопытных пользователей.
В Windows 10 тоже есть встроенный BitLocker — вот только он по умолчанию выключен и не заставляет вас активировать его принудительно. Вы сами можете решать, нужна вам повышенная защита или нет. Никто не мешает включить шифрование на рабочем ноутбуке с конфиденциальными документами, но пренебречь такими предосторожностями на компьютере, где не хранится ничего, кроме игр, фильмов и музыки. Он и работать будет чуть быстрее, и восстановить его данные в случае сбоя системы будет легче. Это ещё один аргумент в пользу «десятки»: она не пытается за вас решать, что ей делать с вашими файлами.
3. В Windows 10 нет Copilot и Windows Recall
Microsoft очень гордится тем, что встроила в Windows 11 искусственный интеллект Copilot в виде разноцветной иконки в правой части таскбара. Да что уж там, корпорация теперь даже обязывает добавить физическую клавишу Copilot на новые ноутбуки. ИИ может давать пользователю подсказки, как настраивать систему, вспоминать файлы, которые вы запускали раньше, и искать информацию в интернете.
Проблема в том, что Copiliot не особенно полезен сам по себе. С тем же успехом вы можете искать файлы через Windows Search в «Пуске», а с ИИ поговорить на странице Bing в браузере. Совершенно незачем держать его всё время запущенным в фоне.
Ещё одна связанная с ИИ функция, которую с помпой недавно презентовала Microsoft, — это Windows Recall. Работает она так: система периодически делает скриншоты всех ваших действий, а затем ИИ анализирует их. По идее, Recall помогает вам вспомнить, что вы делали с ПК. Забыли, куда сохранили какой-то файл, что писали в стёртом документе или какую музыку слушали месяц назад? Спросите ИИ, и он покажет.
Recall уже подверглась со стороны специалистов по IT-безопасности, которые сравнили её со встроенным в систему шпионом-кейлоггером. Microsoft, конечно, , что все скриншоты останутся на диске пользователя и что компания не получит доступа к этим данным, но звучат её оправдания не очень убедительно. Кажется, она и сама это понимает, поэтому Recall временно убрали из системы.
В «десятке», хвала небесам, все эти сомнительные и прожорливые ИИ-плюшки отсутствуют. И это ещё один аргумент для тех, кто не хочет обновлять свою систему.
4. В Windows 10 меньше рекламы, чем в Windows 11
Когда в «Пуске» «десятки» появились «рекомендуемые приложения» вроде Candy Crush Saga, многие пользователи были этим очень недовольны. Но Windows 11 умудрилась перещеголять свою предшественницу по количеству втиснутой в интерфейс рекламы.
Предложения сервисов Microsoft и сторонних приложений на экране блокировки Windows 11, в «Пуске» в разделе «Рекомендуемые», на панели инструментов Edge, в разделе «Получить помощь» и на главной странице настроек.
Никогда не бывает лишним докупить места на One Drive и подписаться на GamePass, правда?
Разумеется, большую часть этого безобразия можно поотключать после нескольких минут поиска в Google и копания в реестре. Но далеко не все хотят этим заниматься.
5. Windows 10 не заставляет регистрировать учётную запись Microsoft
В «десятке» есть возможность создать аккаунт пользователя, привязанный к учётной записи на microsoft.com. Это даёт возможность синхронизировать параметры системы и настройки некоторых приложений между вашими компьютерами, а также входить в Microsoft Store, OneDrive и XBox. Впрочем, многим аккаунт Microsoft был просто не нужен, и они благополучно пользовались локальной учётной записью.
Но при установке Windows 11 система просто не позволяет создать локальную учётку. Извольте регистрировать свою почту в Microsoft, вводить пароли или разовые коды. Вдобавок привязка ОС к аккаунту не позволит разблокировать компьютер без пароля или ПИН-кода.
Это ограничение можно обойти с помощью некоторых хитростей: устанавливать Windows 11 без интернета, умышленно указать неправильный адрес несколько раз или нажать при установке комбинацию Shift + F10 и ввести команду oobe\bypassnro — тогда система позволит создать аккаунт без привязки к почте. Но об этих возможностях ещё нужно знать.
6. Контекстные меню в Windows 10 более привычные
В Windows 11 Microsoft сделала полный редизайн контекстных меню, которые появляются при правом клике по элементу в «Проводнике» или на рабочем столе. Теперь они могут быть полупрозрачными и округлыми — красота, прямо как в macOS.
Проблема в том, что Microsoft добавила системе стиля, но та совершенно растеряла функциональность. Например, опции «Копировать», «Вырезать» и «Вставить», раньше отражавшиеся в виде текста, теперь сделаны в форме непонятных на первый взгляд иконок. И это усложняет работу с файлами: приходится переучиваться.
Кроме того, важные разделы вроде «Свойств» файла и функций сторонних программ в Windows 11 запрятали в «Дополнительное меню». По сути, это то же меню из «десятки», но, чтобы открыть его, нужно сделать лишний клик мышью, что несколько раздражает.
В Windows 10 все опции, связанные с копированием и вставкой, расположены там, где вы и ожидаете их увидеть.
И чтобы заархивировать файл, отправить его на печать или отредактировать в Photoshop, не нужно открывать сначала одно меню, а потом дополнительное.
Конечно, меню в «десятке» совсем не такое привлекательное, как в 11. Но будем честны: красоты новой Windows ограничиваются одним фасадом. За полупрозрачными контекстными меню и «Пуском» скрываются старая «Панель управления», меню принтеров и окно форматирования дисков, пришедшие аккурат из 90‑х годов. И облагораживать это добро Microsoft не спешит, чтобы часом не сломать чего.
7. Меню «Пуск» в Windows 10 просто удобнее
Когда Microsoft только представила плиточный интерфейс во времена Windows 8, он пришёлся по вкусу далеко не всем. Но в меню «Пуск» «десятки» он смотрелся вполне неплохо. Вы могли закреплять нужные вам программы, сортировать их по категориям, чтобы быстрее разбираться, что необходимо запустить, а некоторые из утилит ещё и могли на своих плитках показывать различную информацию — например, входящие письма или погоду.
В Windows 11 максимум, что вам дозволено, — это просто закрепить несколько нужных ярлыков вверху нового «Пуска». Если раньше в «десятке» установленные у вас приложения были доступны сразу в виде алфавитного списка в левой части меню, то в последней ОС — только через дополнительную кнопку «Все программы».
8. Меню приложений по умолчанию в «десятке» лучше, чем в Windows 11
Нажмите «Пуск» → «Параметры» → «Приложения» → «Приложения по умолчанию», и вы попадёте в меню настроек, где можно выбрать, какими программами что открывать. В Windows 10 настройки предельно просты, удобны и понятны: можно указать свои приложения для открытия фото, видео, музыки, электронной почты, а также нужный браузер.
В Windows 11 же придётся выбирать программы для каждого отдельного расширения файла или ссылки, и это очень неудобно. Вместо того чтобы просто указать, например, браузер по умолчанию, придётся выбирать ваш Chrome или Firefox в выпадающем меню для HTML, HTTPS и HTTP. Больше нельзя выбрать одну программу для просмотра фото — теперь нужно вручную указывать её в меню для JPG, PNG, TIFF, NEFF и так далее.
Возможно, Microsoft поменяли меню приложений, чтобы вынудить больше людей пользоваться своим браузером Edge и не менять его на другие программы.
9. Панель задач Windows 10 более функциональна
После выхода Windows 11 многие пользователи были недовольны, как мало в ней возможностей для кастомизации таскбара. Судите сами: в «десятке» его можно при необходимости переместить вверх или вбок, что полезно для небольших экранов ноутбуков. В последней же ОС такая возможность отсутствует. Панель задач в Windows 10 можно сделать чуть меньше — в Windows 11 она всегда будет полноразмерной.
При щелчке правой кнопкой мыши по таскбару в Windows 10 появляется удобное меню со множеством опций: расположить окна каскадом или стопкой, запустить «Диспетчер задач», скрыть ненужные панели. В Windows 11 меню вырезали.
Ещё один момент, связанный с таскбаром, — микшер громкости. Он позволяет настраивать уровень звука в каждом отдельном приложении. В Windows 10, чтобы получить доступ к микшеру, вам достаточно щёлкнуть по иконке рупора в системном трее. Но в Windows 11 значки звука, заряда батареи и сети объединили в одно меню.
И теперь, чтобы открыть микшер громкости или параметры питания ноутбука, вам придётся искать и там и делать лишний клик, а потом ещё и прокручивать меню колёсиком мыши.
Наконец, по какой-то совершенно неведомой причине в Windows 11 до сих пор нельзя перетаскивать значки из меню «Пуск» или с рабочего стола на таскбар. При этом в «десятке» всё прекрасно работает.
10. В Windows 11 банально недостаточно крутых нововведений
Некоторые новые версии операционных систем от Microsoft предлагали качественно отличающийся от предыдущей Windows опыт. Например, невооружённым взглядом было заметно, насколько быстрее, удобнее и стабильнее Windows 7 по сравнению с её предшественницей Vista, о несовершенстве которой слагали легенды. Точно так же «десятка» стала шагом вперёд по сравнению с Windows 8, так как в ней вернули удобный «Пуск», сделав загрузку и поиск драйверов быстрее, а интерфейс — проще и понятнее.
Но Windows 11 не предлагает ничего нового, что могло бы оправдать переход на неё с «десятки». Да, теперь меню «Пуск» не сбоку, а посередине, что в теории должно быть удобно на больших мониторах. И ещё в систему добавили панель виджетов, показывающих погоду и курсы валют, куда всё равно практически никто не заглядывает.
Некоторые фишечки Windows 11 действительно полезны — например, возможность быстро группировать окна по макетам. Для этого нужно задержать курсор мыши над кнопкой «Развернуть» в заголовке. Но эту же функцию, а также много других удобных мелочей, вам даст и приложение PowerToys, разработанное самой же Microsoft.
Windows 11 больше похожа на очередной необязательный сервис-пак «десятки», а не на самостоятельную систему. Если уж на то пошло, первоначально , что она не должна была стать отдельной ОС, а являлась всего лишь очередным апдейтом под названием Windows 10 Sun Valley. Пользователи Reddit , что установщик, обновлявший «десятку» до Windows 11, раньше даже назывался WindowsSunValleyInstaller.exe
Пока Microsoft не добавит в свою последнюю ОС действительно полезных функций, которые могли бы оправдать переход на новую систему, большинство пользователей просто не увидят смысла обновляться с «десятки».
В общем, Windows 10 ещё не скоро сдаст свои позиции. Согласны?