The benefits of Microsoft Windows have talked some people away from the Apple Koolaid.
As the pool of both free and proprietary alternative operating systems continues to grow, there are still a number of reasons that Microsoft Windows is blessed with ubiquity. Retaining up to 90% of the global market share, Windows reigns supreme due to the following:
Compatibility
An apical benefit of Microsoft Windows is a product of its prevalence – developers program and script for Windows. The reason is simple: with a majority market share, it simply isn’t cost-productive to program for any other interface. As a result, new programs are almost always available for Windows, and often, they’re available to Windows users first. While some programs have versions for other operating systems and some operating systems come with emulators and compatibility layers, Windows users need no extra steps, insider tips, or special provisional programs; one need only install whatever program he or she would like to use and load it.
Furthermore, user output is also more compatible. Whereas other office programs are largely unknown (much less, generalized), Microsoft Office Suite is sure to produce files that will open on any computer, despite the operating system. One can even open Microsoft Office programs on smart phones and Tablet PCs, while other office programs are usually ignored.
It’s Nice and “Gooey”
Graphic User Interfaces (or GUIs, pronounced “gooey”) are the result of script programming entered into a Command Line Interface (which communicates directly with a computer’s motherboard and is known as DOS for Windows) and translated into the buttons, windows, text, folders, files, graphics, cursors, and sounds that comprise an operating system. As the most functional GUI, Windows requires no knowledge of programming or DOS commands in order operate and little knowledge of programming and DOS commands in order to optimize. This is counter to most other operating systems, which require at least some knowledge of programming language in order to access full functionality.