This paper compares Windows 7 and Ubuntu Linux across four key criteria relevant to beginner or limited-skill computer users: ease of use, security vulnerabilities and manufacturer responsiveness, ease of adding programs and hardware, and overall system stability. While Ubuntu offers notable advantages — including greater stability, fewer viruses, and an open-source platform that may foster deeper understanding of computing — the paper argues that barriers such as command-line requirements and inconsistent application design make Ubuntu too difficult for the average beginner. Windows 7 remains the more accessible choice for limited-skill users despite its security and stability shortcomings.
Windows has long been the default operating system of choice for the new or limited-skill user. Linux attempts to claim part of the market with its open-source product, but has thus far been largely unsuccessful. This paper assesses several important characteristics of operating systems for limited-skill users, comparing Windows 7 to Ubuntu in terms of ease of use, security vulnerabilities and manufacturer response, the ease of adding programs and hardware, and overall stability.
With Linux's new Wubi installer, Ubuntu installs easily — contrary to one of the most common past complaints. When the system boots, it asks the user which operating system they would like to run. Ubuntu 10.04 comes with Firefox 3.6 and several other preinstalled applications. While one might hope that a limited-skill user could restrict their use to those applications without too much difficulty, in practice even installing Adobe Acrobat requires an adventure into the Linux version of a command line — a step that is far too demanding for the limited-skill user.
Additionally, many user-experience details that enhance the Windows experience are simply absent in Ubuntu. Some time-saving features available in Windows 7, such as Jump Lists, are not available in Ubuntu. This may or may not be relevant to the limited-skill user, depending on whether their initial computing experiences were with Windows. There are also some inconsistencies in application design across Ubuntu, which is not an insurmountable problem but is a meaningful obstacle for newer users.
One of the advantages of using Linux is that there are far fewer viruses designed to attack the system. Security is a much more serious problem for Windows users, and addressing security concerns reflects a higher overall cost of running a Windows system. However, every operating system has its flaws. Linux has shown itself to be considerably more responsive in delivering patches than Microsoft.
"Software availability and hardware compatibility compared"
"Ubuntu's reliability versus Windows crash frequency"
While the open-source ethic could influence experienced and limited-skill users alike, the current state of Ubuntu may simply be too difficult for a limited-skill user to operate comfortably. This is unfortunate, as there are many distinct advantages to using Linux — it is a more stable and secure system than Windows, and it allows users to learn computing on a less opaque platform, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of operating systems and computers in general. However, at this stage, there are simply too many barriers to entry for the limited-skill user.
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