why do people tend to use microsoft windows than any other OS?
448464
It's a little more complicated than that.  Back when Microsoft first started, they developed DOS but sold their OS license to other companies and handled writing drivers and software for the hardware, they also handled tech support for the operating system.  This was not common practice at the time.  IBM was Microsoft's first customer, since they did not have an operating system for their computer and the DOS PC was born.  At the time there were not any other major PC companies but there were other computers which were simply known as IBM clones which had essentially the same parts.\n\nEnter Apple, which had the Macintosh (1984) and a GUI based operating system, highly highly unusual at the time.  This computer was ten times easier to use than any DOS based PC, the Macintosh became popular with businesses and schools because it was easy to use.  If memory serves it was also more expensive but the ease of use made it very popular.\n\nEnter Windows 1.0, Microsofts attempt to enter the GUI based OS market, it was more or less a copy of Apple's operating system but most of those features faded out with Windows 3.1.  Microsoft succeeded because they licensed their OS out to third parties whereas Apple kept the OS development and hardware internal to their company there were no third parties (save for the short lived Apple clone program in the late 90's) that were allowed to sell Macintosh computers or the operating system, this is where Apple failed.  This is why Apple computers cost more, especially when they were still using PowerPC processors.\n\nMicrosoft succeeded because their operating system was compatible with just about every piece of hardware out there, especially now with Windows XP and PCs are highly upgradeable, you can add any piece of hardware and usually it will work, this is not the case with Apple, even now.  Want to add a new graphics card to your G5, oooops, sorry, you can't do that.  Want to add a sound card to your G5, ooops, sorry, you can't do that.  Want to add a WiFi card to your G5 desktops, ooooops... you get the idea.\n\nHowever, Apple now allows you to install Windows XP on their Intel based systems through the use of a program they call Boot Camp which runs Windows XP natively on any Intel based Mac.  So I suppose in theory you could now add any piece of hardware you wanted to, though, OSX might have a fit when you boot into it.  Apple has now opened their doors to the Windows world, hoping to get more customers and it'll probably work for a time.  There is also a lot more software available for Windows XP, much of it freeware, there are more games for Windows XP, there's just more for Windows users.
353009
Why? I run Linux. If I'm going to get a free OS I'll get the superior one, thanks.
1101828
Windows OS is designed to make it as easy as possible for the end user..and other operating systems are not copying that probably wouldnt like to come out as copy cats
223566
all above answer are true\nBUT - MS Windows is still based on DOS - (though it uses only Basic Functions of DOS for running Windows)\nand its definitely and totally different from the operating system used by the Mac
171268
Install Linux, it is free!  Windows 98 is not free, if you get a copy of it that would be software piracy and therefore illegal.  Linux is better anyway, and it is time for you to learn a new operating system (really, it's not that hard)!
431797
It depends on your plan of use. If you plan to use if for office, then its better to use windows because it has programs like word, powerpoint, excel, etc which is really useful in the office. but if you are in the magazine or publication then its better to use a mac os because of the sound and picture quality is very good.\n\nanother difference is that with windows there are a lot of softwares and programs available in the market  that can be compatible with the os because windows comprise almost 80% of all the computer in the world. but the downside is that because of this there are also alot of people familiar with windows already hence the proliferation of alot of viruses, bugs, worms,etc that can infect your computer. On the other hand, even though that there is not alot software/programs for an apple or a mac because it only comprise 15% (5% all other os) of the world's computers, you can be sure that your computer has less possibilty of being infected by viruses. \n\nAside from being more user friendly, there is this fact that you cannot clone a mac. everything i done by apple. there are no spareparts for an apple thus increasing the security of a mac computer.\n\npricing also does make a very big difference. due to the exclusiveness of a mac computer, its very expensive compared to a windows computer. but if you think you cant handle viruses and your computer crashing, so i think a mac is a very good investment.\n\nthis are some of the point i can share with you about a mac and a windows os. now its up to you to make the choice.
18304
First of all, some people are happy with it. They don't want to spend the money to buy Windows XP if they can work with 98! Also, a less likely reason is that less viruses are made for less common, old, OSes.
302841
Microsoft Windows is a bloated insecure monster.  Like a house that's had a new story added to it every few years, each new addition featuring better technology and yet the foundation and bottom floors remain archaic and full of poorly patched holes.\n\nThe argument for best system can however be made on the grounds that as the most popular OS on earth it's compatibility with pretty much all commercialy developed software packages is assured.\n\nJust my thoughts,\n\nArmus
651338
If your on Windows 95 or 98, nope its part of your PC. But when Windows Me, 2000 and XP came out MSDOS was scratched but still there. So you really cant get away from MSDOS. Infact if you look at Linux OS, you see its DOS core alot better than that of a Windows OS. Windows XP still has it DOS roots. Windows just makes it pretty for the users to look at. Linux is a bit more indepth.\n/ \n  /root\n  /dev\n  /usr\n  /etc\n  /home\n  /lib\n  /var\nand so on.
169874
It depends on what you are using it for.  Both have pros and cons.  There are security holes in both.  You only hear about the Microsoft holes because most people use it.
171326
I don't think it has to do with like, more like we don't have a choice!  Windows is a horried OS but we are stuck with it until Linux can come out with something that is a simple to use as windows.  As it is now most of us wouldn't know how to configure and operate it. Most of the programs we like aren't availible in Linux yet. But, there are alot of people buying an extra hard drive and putting linux on that to learn with. \n\nLinux is the better OS by far but windows is what we are stuck with right now.
122933
The most common types of operating systems in personal computing are Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.
105248
Windows ME is the WORST operating system Microsoft created.   If you have an older PC, I would switch to Windows 2000 or Windows NT.  They are much more stable.\n\nI like Windows XP but I still prefer Windows 2000.
478345
For the average user, especially for corporate compatibility, Microsoft OS is the best choice. For the "power" home user or corporate power user, Linux (probably Red Hat, see RedHat.com) is the best choice. There are very good alternatives, these days, to MS product choices that are, for the most part, very compatible (see OpenOffice.org) and free. Linux now offers the stability, useability, and flexibility not found in any OS brought to market by MS. I'm not, however, "bashing" Windows - it is a good product for the average consumer. For linux, I strongly recommend Red Hat -- mostly because I am a RHCT ;) but they do have a strong corporate / support offering.
125117
Well.I am in the favour of Microsoft.The thing that should be remembered is There are millions of people going to use their software with different platforms.Microsoft always comes with the suggestion of minimum hardware requirements to run such and such application.If it cant be met,its obvious that computer can crash.Also it depends on the application u use for the same.If a particular application needs 256 Mb of ram in minimum and if you dont have it,Noone can help you with it.
699977
In terms of market share, unfortunately, Microsoft Windows.\nPopular in terms of enthusiastic happy users, Apple's Mac OS's.\nBut popular in the business world, Unix and it's derivatives, not easy to learn or use for us non-uber-geeky-people.
283326
If u r looking got user friendly stick to windows. If u dont have a thorough knowledge of computers u will lost using Linux.