Is there a subject more sensitive for hardcore computer users than the operating system they use? It's one of those subjects that inspires extreme opinion and zealots will be guaranteed to vent their opinions forcefully, and woe betide anyone who disagrees.
It's with some trepidation then that we pitch the most recently updated flavour of Linux, Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala, against the new mainstream choice that is Windows 7.
While Windows is only manufactured by one company, there are literally hundreds of flavours of Linux available out there aimed as specific user bases, but a few are dominant. Ubuntu is increasingly become the defacto choice for standard desktop users simply because a lot of work has been put into making it as easy to use as possible.
Ubuntu is based on a version of Linux called Debian, which itself consists of a Linux kernel, combined with GNU project tools, while the desktop interface is based on the Gnome project. It's all distributed in Europe by Canonical. If that all sounds complicated, then welcome to the world of open source.
Ubuntu (pronounced Oo-boon-tu) has been around since 2004, since Mark Shuttleworth gathered a group of developers to create a new flavour of Linux aimed at the desktop. Version 9.10 is not an update to the ninth version, but rather the first numeral represents the year and the second the version release for that year. Each version is also known by an alliteratively named animal so 9.10 is Karmic Koala and the previous release was called Jaunty Jackalope.
The history of Windows is surely very familiar to people, but we'll have to mention that Windows 7 has been hailed as the panacea for the PR and to a large extent sales debacle that was Windows Vista and it's been very well received by reviewers and analysts alike.
Let the head to head comparison begin...
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
-
Tiny11 review: Windows 11 with only 2GB of RAMReview A version of Windows 11 for older machines that don't meet the full requirements
-
Red Hat Enterprise Linux becomes foundational operating system for Cohesity Data CloudNews New strategic partnership between Red Hat and Cohesity aims to drive innovation in the data security and management space
-
Ubuntu shifts to four-week update cycleNews Critical fixes will also come every two weeks, mitigating the issues involved with releasing prompt patches on the old three-week cadence
-
AlmaLinux follows Oracle in ditching RHEL compatibilityNews Application binary compatibility is now the aim with 1:1 now dropped
-
How big is the Windows 10 cliff-edge?ITPro Network With some comparing the upcoming Windows 10 end of life to Windows XP, we ask members of the ITPro Network for their insight
-
Everything you need to know about the latest Windows 11 updates - from bug fixes to brand-new featuresNews Two new cumulative updates are on the way and will be installed automatically on Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines
-
How to download a Windows 11 ISO file and perform a clean installTutorial Use a Windows 11 ISO to install the operating system afresh
-
We could all benefit from better Windows and macOS accessibility featuresOpinion Today’s accessibility features can help you work through a nasty injury, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement
