Configuration of Microsoft Windows in more complex networking environments required an extensive amount of add-in software and programming to ensure all systems could work. Finally the levels of security inherent in the Microsoft Windows operating system continue to be problematic (Bradley, 2009). The Linux and UNIX operating systems are comparable in terms of kernel and memory architectures (MacKinnon, 1999)(Predd, Cass, 2005). There are variations in the pricing models used for selling them, with Linux being open source and offered in a variety of distributions from leading open source providers including Red Hat (Predd, Cass, 2005). Linux has the strengths of being one of the more stable server-based operating systems given the architecture of its kernel and memory allocation algorithms (MacKinnon, 1999). Linux is more affordable than any of the operating systems in this analysis as well given the unique pricing structure of open source software (Predd, Cass, 2005). Linux also has gained support of server-based application developers as well, with many of the worlds' most used and secure online ordering, distributed order management and supply chain integration systems running on Linux server software (MacKinnon, 1999). For all these strengths, Linux does have the depth of application tiles on the desktop that it has on the server platforms being sold today (Predd, Cass, 2005). It also lacks the ease of use that the graphical interface of Windows has, and this is made very clear when comparing the latest editions of desktop Linux to Windows 7(Bradley, 2009).

UNIX is considered the workhorse of enterprise operating systems, with proven ability to scale...

UNIX is also considered to be one most effective operating systems at remote management functions including virtual system definition and virtual machine performance (Cass, 2003). As a result it is often the preferred operating system many developers choose to create their applications on first. For all its strengths, UNIX also has problems with legacy application support and the ability to support down-rev versions of software as well. There is little if any multithreaded support across hardware platforms given the highly unique approach this kernel takes to recompiling every time an application is run as well.
Conclusion

Comparing these operating systems shows both the progression of the structure, scalability and compatibility of kernel and memory architectures over time. MS-DOS was well suited to the proliferation of desktops and laptops, while MS-Windows is more attuned to the needs of networking within enterprises and rapid application development. Linux and UNIX are ideally designed for large-scale transaction support. Their role as e-commerce and web servers further underscores this point.