FreeBSD vs. Microsoft Windows

FreeBSD is the closest to a UNIX style operating system. This has been extensively used by vendors in the field of routing, switch and security as their base operating system. This speaks for itself being a reliable, scalable and secure operating system.

Incentivized

I highly recommend it because it's the most used operating system in the world. If you work with other organizations or share info, it's easier if you have the same system instead of Linux, for example. Also, a large number of employees know how to use it, but not so many know how to use Linux or macOS.

Incentivized

• stability
• security
• scalability

Incentivized

• Great integration with my business accounting software Quickbooks
• Great integration with Microsoft Office 365
• Easy to find files that I haven't used in awhile with search feature
• Simple, easy to find listing of programs available

Incentivized

• Installation can be tricky for first timers
• You need to be comfortable using a command line terminal most of the time

Incentivized

• Forced updates occasionally have bad timing when ignored for too long
• Microsoft Edge Web Browser is a bit clunky
• The 3D desktop still needs some improvement

An all-purpose operating system for business or personal users. Overall, the OS is very user-friendly and intuitive, enabling even new users to quickly utilize the system. The same can be said about the apps within Windows. There is also good cross-functionality between applications, although the ease of use could be improved.

Incentivized

support remains spotty, researching online articles are a pain

Incentivized

MDT helped deploy OS to users machines via PXE boot.

Incentivized

FreeBSD was the only operating system out of many I tried to install easily on older hardware and to run in a very performant way. For example, I had a lot of trouble trying to get Ubuntu to install on older hardware and when it did, it was too slow to use. FreeBSD installed quite easily and even after installing a desktop such as XFCE - it still run surprisingly fast. I was very impressed with it's performance, which it seems is a goal of the FreeBSD project.

Incentivized

We selected Microsoft Windows because of the user friendly nature of it and a big factor is that other user never used macOS or Ubuntu so the productivity will decrease a lot because you have to explain a whole new OS. I always only recommend macOS or Ubuntu if you are a graphic designer of a developer. But for the day to day office work Microsoft Windows is the way to go.

Incentivized

• As FreeBSD is free - the ROI is at least the cost of some commercial Linux or Windows based OS (which can be very expensive)
• Allowed the re-use of older hardware that would have otherwise been disposed
• No cost development environment
• Opportunity for a no cost server setup also

Incentivized

• As a a windows-based app, with a windows-using customer base, working in the environment is extremely helpful.
• Relatively easy to develop on, there is documentation and support widely available.
• VERY wide hardware compatibility, any replacement parts we need for our machines are easy to use.
• Windows updates frequently fail requiring our MSP or more often one of our customer support staff to intervene to get them running again.
• Poor performance and inefficient resource utilization requires frequent upgrades.
• Windows 10's service ending next year has required company-wide hardware upgrades due to the Windows 11's excessive requirements.

Incentivized