Comparison between Windows and other desktop operating systems

Choosing between today Windows, Linux, macOS, and other alternatives It's not just a matter of taste: it determines the type of programs you can use, the performance you'll get from your computer, the security of your data, and even how much you'll pay for licenses. Each operating system has its strengths and weaknesses, and it's wise to carefully consider them before making a decision. And when choosing hardware, a laptop buying guide can be decisive.

In the following lines we are going to do a In-depth comparison between Windows and other operating systems (Linux, macOS, Chrome OS, and ReactOS), reviewing their technical characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, security, performance, and, above all, what type of user or environment each one is best suited for. The idea is that, when you finish, you'll have a clear understanding of which system best fits your daily needs, whether you're a home user or thinking about your business.

What is an operating system and what is it really used for?

An operating system is, simply put, the conductor of your computerIt is the software that sits between the hardware (CPU, memory, disk, graphics card, peripherals…) and the programs you use, and it ensures that everything speaks the same language without you having to worry about low-level technical details.

Among its basic functions is the device hardware managementIt distributes processor power, allocates RAM to programs, manages storage usage (HDD, SSD), controls the graphics card, and coordinates peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, and cameras. Without this management layer, the hardware would be a collection of components unable to work together.

Another key role is to offer a interface between the user and the machineThanks to the operating system, you don't have to write in binary code: whether through a graphical interface with windows, icons, and menus (as in Windows or macOS), or through a command line (very typical in Linux), the system translates your actions into instructions that the hardware understands and presents the results in a comprehensible way.

Operating systems also perform the resource and process managementThey decide which program has priority, when a process stops or resumes, how much memory is freed, which application can use the network or disk and to what extent. This management is what allows you to have several applications open at the same time without (in theory) everything crashing.

Without forgetting that the OS is the platform that makes the execution of programs and applicationsIt provides libraries, APIs, and programming interfaces that developers use to create software without worrying about every hardware detail. Every time you click on an icon, the operating system loads the program, allocates resources for it, and runs it.

Finally, every modern system includes a strong component of security and access controlIt manages users, passwords and file permissions, incorporates firewalls, controls security updates, limits what programs can do, detects (to a greater or lesser extent) malicious software and protects the integrity of the system and your data against attacks or errors.

Most common types of operating systems

Not all operating systems are designed for the same purpose. There are desktop, mobile, server, and embedded operating systemseach with different priorities and limitations.

The desktop operating systems These are the operating systems you use on your PC or laptop: Windows, macOS, or the various Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Linux Mint, etc.). They offer a complete graphical interface, support many productivity, browsing, multimedia, and gaming applications, and are designed for a person to sit in front of and work comfortably.

The mobile operating systems They are designed for smartphones and tablets, focusing on touchscreens, reduced battery consumption, and constant connectivity. Android and iOS are the main players here. They share some ideas with desktop operating systems, but prioritize portability, app stores, and power management.

In the professional sphere, the following appear: server operating systemsThese include operating systems like Windows Server or Linux in their server variants (Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu Server, Debian Server, CentOS Stream, etc.). They are optimized to operate 24/7, handle large workloads, serve content to thousands of clients, and offer high reliability and security. They often forgo a traditional graphical interface and are managed via the command line or remote tools.

Finally, we have the operating systems for embedded devicesThese are very lightweight versions designed for hardware with minimal resources (smart appliances, routers, ATMs, industrial systems, IoT devices, etc.). Common examples include FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or heavily stripped-down versions of Linux and Android, focused on performing a few tasks stably and with low power consumption.

Windows versus other desktop operating systems

If we focus on the desktop, the absolute protagonist is Windows, with a market share of nearly 90% on personal computers. This means that the vast majority of programs, games, and peripherals are designed with it in mind, giving it a clear advantage in compatibility and support.

Windows is characterized by a simple and intuitive graphical interfaceIt's designed for all types of users, even those with little to no computer experience. The learning curve is gentle, and the system's organization helps you better understand how the computer and its applications work.

Among its strong points is the extensive hardware and software compatibilityVirtually every component, printer, scanner, graphics card, or peripheral released to the market includes Windows drivers. The same is true for office programs, professional tools, and especially video games: it's the leading platform for PC gaming.

Windows also has a global technical support ecosystem and a huge knowledge base: there are forums, documentation, service companies and specialists everywhere, making it easy to find help when something goes wrong.

Regarding maintenance, the system incorporates constant updates through automatic downloads that correct errors, add features, and patch vulnerabilities. Windows Defender, integrated by default, acts as an antivirus and antispyware, supported by group-based file permission policies (AGDLP model: accounts, global groups, local groups, and permissions).

However, popularity comes at a price. As the most widespread system, Windows is also a prime target for viruses, malware, and attacks.Its security model has traditionally relied heavily on "security by concealment," that is, not making the entire internal design public, which contradicts Kerckhoff's principle, which recommends basing security on design rather than secrecy. This has contributed to its history of numerous critical vulnerabilities.

Another point of criticism is that consumes more system resources It's more powerful than other alternatives: it requires more RAM, more CPU power, and more disk space, and each new version tends to raise the bar. On older or very modest computers, this is noticeable as sluggishness.

Being a commercial product and closed codeThe user cannot freely modify its internal workings, and many key tools (such as Microsoft Office or advanced solutions) require additional paid licenses. Furthermore, its stability is considered lower than that of Linux or macOS, and problems that do arise are sometimes complex to diagnose and resolve, partly due to its reliance on the system registry and the large number of interacting components.

Linux: Windows' strongest rival

Linux is, in reality, a family of open-source operating systems that share the same kernel. It was born in 1991, created by Linus Torvalds taking Unix and Minix as a reference, and since then it has become the basis of a large part of the world's servers and many devices.

One of its great assets is the cost: most distributions are free Or they have a symbolic price if purchased in physical format or with a media player. Added to this is a gigantic ecosystem of free software: thousands of applications for practically any task, from office applications to multimedia editing or development.

Linux boasts of stability and reliabilityThis is why it dominates the market for high-performance servers, web hosting, and databases. The systems can remain powered on for months or years without forced restarts, and updates are managed in a highly controlled manner.

In terms of graphics, many distributions offer modern and visually appealing desktop environments that can rival (or surpass) visual effects like the old Windows Aero. Furthermore, there are distributions designed for all types of hardware, from very old computers to the latest 64-bit architectures.

In terms of security, Linux applies a very strict model of file permissions and user groupsEach element of the system (a file, a directory, a device) has read, write, and execute permissions for three categories: owner, group, and all other users. By requiring elevated privileges (root account) for sensitive operations and not marking any file as executable by default, the risk of accidental infections is drastically reduced.

The fact that Linux has a smaller share of the desktop market also contributes to this: Developing malware for Linux is usually less profitable In the home environment, viruses are much less frequent. Furthermore, vulnerabilities that do appear are usually detected and corrected quickly thanks to the developer community and the open-source nature of the code.

In return, Linux sometimes requires greater technical knowledgeThis is especially true when troubleshooting compatibility issues, configuring advanced services, or working from the command line. Some tasks require familiarity with Unix concepts, which can be daunting for novice users.

Another delicate point is the compatibility with commercial software and video gamesAlthough much progress has been made (especially with tools like Proton/Wine for Windows games), professional applications, particularly for content creation (for example, part of the Adobe ecosystem, such as Photoshop on Linux), which do not have a native Linux version. Many ISPs and manufacturers also do not offer official support for this system on some consumer products.

On the positive side, administrators and advanced users particularly value the system management freedomsIt's easy to isolate permissions, allow collaborative work without ordinary users being able to damage the core, fully customize the environment, and automate any task. However, greater freedom also implies greater responsibility.

macOS: stability, design, and a closed ecosystem

macOS is Apple's desktop operating system and officially runs only on its computers. It is based on legacy Unix technologiesThis gives it a very solid foundation in terms of stability and resource management, and it integrates exquisitely with the brand's own hardware.

The combination of manufacturer-controlled hardware and a perfectly optimized system makes it macOS is one of the most stable systems For end users. Crashes and serious failures are rare if the system is kept up to date and compatible software is used.

Apple takes great care of design and user experienceMacs are typically known for their aesthetics, high-quality screens, multi-touch trackpads, backlit keyboards, and ports like Thunderbolt and USB-C. The macOS interface is consistent, polished, and quite intuitive, which tends to appeal to those who become accustomed to it.

Another important advantage is its integration with the Apple ecosystemIf you use an iPhone or iPad, the continuity between devices (messages, clipboard, calls, documents, photos) is very seamless. This makes it a very attractive option for users who are already immersed in the Apple ecosystem.

In terms of security, macOS starts with a protected core and adds multiple layers of defenseIntegrated antivirus, technologies such as Execution Disablement (XD), Address Space Randomization (ASLR), and System Integrity Protection (SIP), which prevents even processes with administrator privileges from modifying critical files. This significantly reduces the potential impact of malware.

However, it's not all advantages. macOS has a more limited software offering Compared to Windows, this is especially true for games and some niche vertical applications. Often, the most advanced versions of certain programs are released first (or only) on Windows.

The hardware is also more expensive than the equivalent in the PC worldThis raises the barrier to entry. Furthermore, Macs aren't primarily geared towards gaming; many of the latest titles are released for Windows and, in some cases, for consoles, but they don't come to macOS or do so with a delay.

On the positive side, Mac users typically show higher rates of very high satisfactionThis is partly due to the ease of installing and uninstalling software, the system's consistency, and its relative immunity to common threats affecting the Windows ecosystem.

Chrome OS and ReactOS: lesser-known alternatives

Besides the three major ones, we find other systems such as Chrome OS and ReactOS, which occupy specific niches but are worth keeping in mind when comparing Windows with other environments.

Chrome OS, developed by Google, is designed for lightweight computers designed for cloud uselike the popular Chromebooks. The system is based on the Chrome browser and prioritizes simplicity, fast boot times, and security.

This system is usually installed on equipment with modest hardware and little local storageThe idea is that most applications and data reside in the cloud, which simplifies maintenance and reduces the risk of losing local information. It's a very attractive option for educational environments, home users who only need to browse the web, use email, and perform basic tasks, and for those who particularly value mobility.

In terms of security, Chrome OS has an advantage because It severely limits the installation of traditional software. It relies on web applications and, in many current models, Android apps. This reduces the attack surface and makes it one of the most robust systems against typical desktop malware.

The biggest drawback of Chrome OS is its dependence on internet connection and the focus on online applications. Although there are increasingly more offline options, those who need full desktop programs or very specific workflows may find it very restrictive.

ReactOS, for its part, is a free operating system project It aims to be binary-compatible with Windows applications and drivers. In other words, its goal is to allow the use of the Windows ecosystem without having to pay for licenses, by implementing a system from scratch that behaves "as if it were" Windows.

In practice, ReactOS is still in development phase and not suitable for productionHowever, it's interesting as a technical experiment and as a reminder that it's possible to try to recreate the Windows environment in open-source software. If it ever matures enough, it could become an intriguing alternative for those who want compatibility with Windows programs without being tied to the original system.

Key differences between Windows and other systems

To fully understand the comparison, several dimensions must be analyzed: architecture, software compatibility, customization, security, performance, and update policiesEach system plays its cards differently.

At an architectural level, we can divide the landscape into Unix-inspired systems and the Windows familyUnix was a key system in academic and government environments from the 60s onward, and its design has directly influenced Linux, macOS, and Chrome OS. They all share concepts such as the permissions model, a powerful command line, and a relatively modular system structure.

Windows, on the other hand, evolved from MS-DOS and later along the lines of Windows NT. Its architecture is different and has been modernized over the years, but it maintains its own philosophy, very much geared towards the desktop user and the integration of a huge variety of hardware.

In terms of software compatibility, Windows is king in terms of the number of applications and games.macOS covers the areas of design, video and audio editing, and development for the Apple ecosystem very well. Linux has a huge ecosystem, especially of free software, but in some professional niches it lacks part of the commercial catalog. Chrome OS focuses on web and Android applications, with little traditional software. ReactOS, in theory, aims to run Windows programs, although its current state of development doesn't yet make it a viable replacement.

In customization, the champion is LinuxYou can choose from different desktop environments, themes, window managers, and almost endless configurations. Windows and macOS allow for quite a few adjustments (backgrounds, fonts, accessibility, etc.) but maintain a consistent visual base. Chrome OS is the most limited in this respect, prioritizing simplicity over extreme customization.

If we look at security, all modern systems receive frequent updatesWindows attracts a larger share of attacks because it's installed on more machines, forcing users to be especially careful with software updates and sources. Linux and macOS enjoy a somewhat better reputation in this area, thanks to their architectures, which make them less attractive targets for certain large-scale threats. Chrome OS, with its cloud-centric design and application sandboxing, is generally considered very secure for the average user.

In terms of performance, Linux and Chrome OS usually Make better use of modest hardwareoffering good performance on simple or older machines. macOS is also highly optimized for Apple hardware. Windows, although much improved, tends to require slightly more resources to run as smoothly, especially when many resident applications and background services are running.

Regarding the policies for updates and long-term support, Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS They depend on their respective manufacturers, who set version cycles and support periods. Linux, being an ecosystem of distributions, offers many options: from versions with extended support for enterprise environments to very frequent releases for users who want to always have the latest version.

How to choose an operating system according to the type of user

The choice is not only technical: it depends a lot on who will use the equipment and for what purposeThere is no single winner, but rather a system best suited to each profile.

For home users, ease of use, compatibility with popular games and programs, and the availability of support are usually more important. In this area, Windows remains the most versatile option, with the largest selection of applications and a familiar interface for almost everyone.

macOS is very appealing to users looking for a more polished experienceThese users value design, integration with other Apple devices, and often engage in creative tasks such as video, photography, audio, or graphic design editing. For many, the higher hardware cost is offset by this overall experience.

Linux, in distributions like Ubuntu or Linux Mint, is gaining ground among home users who want a free, secure system with less dependence on proprietary softwareWith these user-friendly distributions, installation is simple and there are software centers with thousands of applications just a few clicks away.

If we're talking about developers and programmers, the outlook leans heavily towards Linux and macOSLinux offers a very powerful development environment, perfect for backends, servers, containers (Docker, Kubernetes), and command-line tools. macOS, being Unix-based, is also very convenient for development, especially for iOS and macOS applications. Windows has closed the gap with WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), which allows you to run a Linux environment within Windows and combine the best of both worlds.

In gaming, there's not much discussion: Windows clearly dominates.Most major titles are designed for it, and graphics card drivers are usually very well optimized for this platform. Linux has improved significantly with Proton and Wine, and more and more games run acceptably, but it still hasn't reached the same level of compatibility. macOS, due to Apple's decisions regarding graphics and compatibility, has become increasingly marginalized in high-end gaming.

In business and corporate environments, the priorities are security, stability and centralized administrationWindows (in its Enterprise and Windows Server versions) is the foundation of many organizations, thanks to tools like Active Directory and its integration with Microsoft 365. Linux (Red Hat, Ubuntu LTS, etc.) dominates servers, databases, and cloud services, offering long-term support and commercial options for those who need them. macOS plays a significant role in creative sectors and some technology companies, especially in high-level, individual roles.

In education, cost is a major factor. Linux is ideal for make use of old computers and teach programming or systems concepts. Chrome OS, with its Chromebooks, has gained enormous traction in schools thanks to the low price of the hardware, ease of management, and integration with cloud services. Windows remains present due to compatibility with specific educational applications and historical inertia.

Costs, licenses, and other decision factors

Beyond the technical characteristics, one must take into account the economic cost and the licensing modelIf you're looking for a completely free environment (system and most software), Linux is the clear choice.

Windows computers typically include the license cost in the price of the machine. For most users, this goes unnoticed, but it's important in large-scale deployments or when comparing alternatives. In businesses, Windows licenses and associated software (Office, security solutions, etc.) can represent a significant expense.

In the case of Apple, macOS is included with the hardwareHowever, the higher cost of the equipment makes the final price significantly higher than that of many equivalent PCs. Nevertheless, the integration of the entire ecosystem and the resale value of the devices lead many users to believe the investment is worthwhile.

Chrome OS usually comes pre-installed on relatively inexpensive devicesand it doesn't usually add a significant extra cost to the hardware. In return, a cloud-centric usage model is assumed, with clear dependencies on Google services.

In all cases, it's also important to consider the hardware requirements. Windows is very versatile and runs on a huge variety of configurations, although not always with the same smooth performance. macOS is restricted to Apple machines. Linux offers a great balance, with ultralight distributions that run on older computers and others designed to take advantage of the latest processors and graphics cards. Chrome OS, by design, is optimized for modest hardware, but it's not as flexible when it comes to installing it on any computer. For example, it's useful to know the common SSD failures and its symptoms when assessing storage.

If we put all of the above together, it becomes clear that there is no operating system that wins on all fronts: Windows excels in compatibility and gaming, Linux in stability and freedom, macOS in integration and user experience, and Chrome OS in simplicity and cloud-centric security.The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, the type of applications you need, the importance of security, whether you want to tinker or not complicate your life, and of course, habit and personal preference.