Whether you belong to either Windows or Linux territory,here is a small account of my own comparison of the new competitors in OS field.I could get a taste of both the new OS's in relatively old (3yrs !!!)desktop having 2GB RAM and an AMD Athlon XP Processor(2GHz).Here i am taking the vital aspects of an operating system into account,to decide which is better, Ubuntu 9.10 (Codename : Karmic Koala)or Windows 7 (Codename : Vienna)?
Speed: Talking about speed, if you've got an older computer that is starting to feel sluggish but you either don't want to or can't afford to buy a new computer, give Ubuntu a go. You'll get an up-to-date operating system running quite smoothly on your out-of-date computer.Although Windows 7 claims a great performance makeover, it cant keep the pace in old hardware as i found.
Tip: Windows 7 is much better than Vista on older hardware, while Ubuntu always has been strong on a wide range of hardware.
Drivers and hardware: Ubuntu is generally good at recognising hardware. Windows needed a driver downloaded for my vintage Wi-Fi PC Card, but it worked right away with Ubuntu But if Ubuntu doesn't automatically install a driver, it can be quite tedious way, and not all hardware and peripherals will work with Linux. Sometimes you'll have to go to the command line, which is terrifying territory for most users. It's worth checking to see if Linux drivers exist for your printer and other key peripherals. It gives me headache why Windows forgets hardware that I have installed previously in even Vista. Windows 7 doesn't seem to have completely solved these issues.
Tip: Both Microsoft and Ubuntu could improve how they handle drivers.
Multimedia: Looking at the default applications that come with both Windows 7 and Karmic Koala, Ubuntu installs needed Players for audio/video. Because of licensing restrictions and Ubuntu's own philosophy, it does not ship with the ability to play commercial DVDs. It's relatively easy to add commercial DVD support by adding Ubuntu Restricted Extras in the Software Centre. Most versions of Windows 7 come with Windows Media Player and Media Centre which scores over ubuntu in DRM-restricted content . The Media Centre is impressive and polished. It organises your pictures, video and music files neatly.
Tip: Microsoft wins this one with its Media Centre, though Linux enthusiasts will be quick to point out the digital-rights management issues of Windows.
Software and applications: In terms of software, i would compare Ubuntu with iPhone. Almost anything you care to do, there's an app.However, you'll have to learn your way to it. For people looking to make the switch to Linux, osalt.com is a good directory of open-source alternatives to common commercial software. Ubuntu comes with OpenOffice and Gimp photo editing software installed.Windows 7 users will need to buy Microsoft Office and such paid packages which is also a turnoff as ever before, or you are now offered download of OpenOffice and Gimp. Ther is a refreshed tool called Ubuntu Software Centre which deserves mention. You can search the directory full of hundreds of applications.
Tip: Ubuntu wins this hands-down with a huge range of free software packages ready to download.
Cloud computing & Storage: Ubuntu 9.10 brings cloud storage to the masses with its Ubuntu-One service. Whenever you save a file, you have the option to save it directly to Ubuntu One. Up to 2GB of storage is free, and you can pay for higher amounts of storage. You can also share files with other people, and your files are easily available on other computers, even ones not running Ubuntu. The service is in beta, though, so I'd expect a few drawbacks. Microsoft has a remote storage and remote desktop service in beta called Live Mesh, which offers 25GB of storage for free. It's not yet integrated into the operating system and Microsoft is under scrutiny about what it integrates into the OS because of its market dominance.
Tip: Ubuntu wins this as well. Live Mesh isn't as well integrated yet as Ubuntu One is immediately from startup.
Ease of use: This is subjective. I've spent the past two years using Ubuntu, and find it relatively easy.(shhh just like any linux flavour, there is a learning curve). Ubuntu has made great strides, but average users will still struggle with it at times. Adding new software sources so that you can easily install applications such as Skype or Google Earth will be beyond most average users. User interface design still lags behind software on Windows 7. Windows 7 will be an adjustment for XP users. Vista users won't notice a change apart from a faster, smoother experience and fewer annoying pop-ups.
Tip: Windows still is easier to use than Linux for some key tasks. Ubuntu is making a lot of progress, but Microsoft has stepped up its game as well.
Graphics: Whoa !! like ever, Ubuntu is way behind Microsoft in 3D Gaming and graphics. I couldn't withstand sight of my nVidia 3D accelarator card laid useless in even new version of Ubuntu.Well, there aren't much capable 3D games in the linux front as well.Folks would you keep your promise to come up with a good effort in this front ?
Tip: Planning for high-end multimedia and gaming ??, never look at Ubuntu.
Final Verdict: Windows 7 is a worthy successor to Windows XP. Vista had well-known flaws, which meant it never replaced XP for most users. For those with a lot of investment in Windows software, there probably will be no reason to look elsewhere. For those not that tied into the world of Windows, Ubuntu is certainly worth a look. Consumers have never had more choices for capable, powerful and easy to use operating systems, and Ubuntu is only one Linux distribution. I had tried Linux frequently from almost 10 years ago, but I always gave up within a few days until the arrival of Ubuntu. It is a relatively easy-to-use, modern operating system, and one that will only cost you the time to download it.
Copyright Notice: Windows 7 and Ubuntu logos and titles used in the post have respective trademark restrictions from Micorosft Corporation and Canonical Inc Ltd.
