Windows 7 has made its debut and Karmic Koala(Ubuntu 9.10) is rearing to make a go. Ubuntu 9.10 is scheduled for a release on October 29. In most articles and discussions we found Windows 7 eclipsing Ubuntu and in some instances vice-versa. With a faster boot time, and flashy enhancements Ubuntu is winning out the geeky-hearts. Windows remains the favorite OS for its simplicity of use. WIndows 7 has received optimistic reviews from testers. In the operating system market dominated by Windows, where Mac is bent to create its own niche, Ubuntu carries the prospects for Linux. What's more, Canonical is introducing Ubuntu on mobile Internet devices MIDs, netbooks, servers and cloud system. Microsoft is already diversifying Windows 7 for netbooks and cloud systems, surely we could expect more. Clearly, both Windows 7 and Ubuntu 9.10 are complete operating system that could make for your daily desktop. For the two blocks suipporting Windows 7 and Ubuntu here's some food for thought.
Windows 7 and Ubuntu are both targeted the desktop market to a large extent and have their pros and cons. Let's compare the two Operating Systems based on their features
User Interface
When comparing Linux with Windows, user interface is always a contended issue. Windows 7 adds a number of UI enhancements. Windows Explorer comes with slideshow that changes the desktop background within a scheduled time. Redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar. Enhanced Start menu and window management. Overhauled user interface for font management.
Ubuntu offers a more intuitive UI as compared to other Linux distributions. Ubuntu 9.10 now adds overall theme refresh, and a redesigned login manager. It would carry the most up-to-date GNOME version.
Boot up time
This is most discussed issue between the two operating systems. No doubt Windows 7 boots faster than Vista, but Ubuntu 9.10 has a breezy boot up.
Security
Microsoft is close to making a completely secure operating system than that it has ever made. Windows 7 comes with remote connectivity to corporate networks seamlessly, protection for data on thumb drives, and fewer user account control prompts to bug users as compared to Vista. Windows 7 security has been enhanced with Multiple Active Firewall Policies, DirectAccess, BranchCache, BitLocker To Go, and AppLockerWindows 7 security enhancements are especially guided at mobile users. Still Windows remains vulnerable spyware and virus attacks.
Overall Ubuntu is a highly secured OS. There are abundant ways to avoid spyware on the Linux-based operating system.
Stability
While Microsoft releases updates each month it includes patches for Windows, Microsoft Office software, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and other Microsoft software like SQL Server and Exchange. Where as Ubuntu may be able to boast of lesser vulnerabilities, given that the user is only using the core operating system.
Hardware support
Windows 7 edges over Ubuntu for this, as there are a number of compatible hardware devices and software applications available to use with it. The flexibility to install a wide range of additional hardware and software enhances the overall user experience.
Ubuntu continues with its user friendliness and artwork upgrade. It's hardware detection is like to receive a boost in the latest version. Especially, Ubuntu has much less trouble adapting to the 64-bit configuration.
System upgrades
In Windows 7 DirectX version has been updated to 11 and the OS also features native support for WWAN. Karmic Koala will have Ubuntu One client installed by default and Ext4 would be the default file system.
Media Player
Windows 7 includes Windows Media Player 12, along with new codecs for playing formats such as H.264, MPEG4-SP, ASP/Divx/Xvid, MJPEG, DV, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC-LC).
Ubuntu comes with a VLC player with supports a wide range of codecs that surpasses WMP.
Additional features
Windows 7 offers a calculator rewritten to include Programmer and Statistics mode along with unit conversion and date calculation. Windows 7 offers a Windows XP Mode for users still easy with the older version. Windows 7 offers multi-touch for Tablet PCs and capable devices.
In the latest version oif Ubuntu Pidgin has been replaced with Empathy IM. GRUB 2 is the default boot loader for Ubuntu 9.10, replaces the previous GRUB Legacy boot loader. Still it misses some features like lock/password support, an equivalent of grub-reboot, and Xen handling.
Price
Windows 7 comes at a better tag price as compared to Vista. Still Windows price seems a pipe dream when you compare it with Ubuntu that comes at $0.
Conclusion
For better Windows 7 should strive to be faster and resource efficient like Ubuntu and the later must look to build a user-friendly interface like Windows 7. Clearly Microsoft looks forward to Windows 7 as its best bet in the desktop market, where Ubuntu is Linux's challenge that will break the Windows.
================================Windows 7 and Ubuntu are both targeted the desktop market to a large extent and have their pros and cons. Let's compare the two Operating Systems based on their features
User Interface
When comparing Linux with Windows, user interface is always a contended issue. Windows 7 adds a number of UI enhancements. Windows Explorer comes with slideshow that changes the desktop background within a scheduled time. Redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar. Enhanced Start menu and window management. Overhauled user interface for font management.
Ubuntu offers a more intuitive UI as compared to other Linux distributions. Ubuntu 9.10 now adds overall theme refresh, and a redesigned login manager. It would carry the most up-to-date GNOME version.
Boot up time
This is most discussed issue between the two operating systems. No doubt Windows 7 boots faster than Vista, but Ubuntu 9.10 has a breezy boot up.
Security
Microsoft is close to making a completely secure operating system than that it has ever made. Windows 7 comes with remote connectivity to corporate networks seamlessly, protection for data on thumb drives, and fewer user account control prompts to bug users as compared to Vista. Windows 7 security has been enhanced with Multiple Active Firewall Policies, DirectAccess, BranchCache, BitLocker To Go, and AppLockerWindows 7 security enhancements are especially guided at mobile users. Still Windows remains vulnerable spyware and virus attacks.
Overall Ubuntu is a highly secured OS. There are abundant ways to avoid spyware on the Linux-based operating system.
Stability
While Microsoft releases updates each month it includes patches for Windows, Microsoft Office software, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and other Microsoft software like SQL Server and Exchange. Where as Ubuntu may be able to boast of lesser vulnerabilities, given that the user is only using the core operating system.
Hardware support
Windows 7 edges over Ubuntu for this, as there are a number of compatible hardware devices and software applications available to use with it. The flexibility to install a wide range of additional hardware and software enhances the overall user experience.
Ubuntu continues with its user friendliness and artwork upgrade. It's hardware detection is like to receive a boost in the latest version. Especially, Ubuntu has much less trouble adapting to the 64-bit configuration.
System upgrades
In Windows 7 DirectX version has been updated to 11 and the OS also features native support for WWAN. Karmic Koala will have Ubuntu One client installed by default and Ext4 would be the default file system.
Media Player
Windows 7 includes Windows Media Player 12, along with new codecs for playing formats such as H.264, MPEG4-SP, ASP/Divx/Xvid, MJPEG, DV, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC-LC).
Ubuntu comes with a VLC player with supports a wide range of codecs that surpasses WMP.
Additional features
Windows 7 offers a calculator rewritten to include Programmer and Statistics mode along with unit conversion and date calculation. Windows 7 offers a Windows XP Mode for users still easy with the older version. Windows 7 offers multi-touch for Tablet PCs and capable devices.
In the latest version oif Ubuntu Pidgin has been replaced with Empathy IM. GRUB 2 is the default boot loader for Ubuntu 9.10, replaces the previous GRUB Legacy boot loader. Still it misses some features like lock/password support, an equivalent of grub-reboot, and Xen handling.
Price
Windows 7 comes at a better tag price as compared to Vista. Still Windows price seems a pipe dream when you compare it with Ubuntu that comes at $0.
Conclusion
For better Windows 7 should strive to be faster and resource efficient like Ubuntu and the later must look to build a user-friendly interface like Windows 7. Clearly Microsoft looks forward to Windows 7 as its best bet in the desktop market, where Ubuntu is Linux's challenge that will break the Windows.
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