We use Microsoft Windows on our desktop machines, development workstations and servers. The software we sell requires windows 10 minimum, as well as Microsoft SQL server. All of our productivity applications are microsoft-based, and run on windows, including office, our trouble ticketing system, our accounting and sales tracking suites and the many small apps we use for development and testing.
Pros
It is very easy to use, can be picked up by a novice in minutes.
It is aesthetically pleasing, and appears clean and modern.
Most programs that people use in their day to day run on windows natively.
Cons
Resource usage is ridiculous, sitting at idle routinely half of my ram is consumed just by Windows and it's services.
Windows runs slowly, mostly because of it's overuse of resources.
Windows crashes more frequently than Linux or Mac OS.
Mostly because of its ubiquity, it is a big wide open target for hackers, scammers and malware writers.
Likelihood to Recommend
The vast majority of business applications require it. There are some equivalents available on Linux for most applications, for example Gimp as an alternative for Photoshop, or thunderbird for Outlook, but some very specific apps require it to run correctly. Wine is difficult to configure and use, and can create instability. As a result, it is pretty much always recommended.
VU
Verified User
Technician in Customer Service (Computer Software company, 11-50 employees)
Microsoft Windows is an excellent operating system for nearly every situation. As we use computers for a variety of different tasks, having a dependable and secure operating system installed is a must. Microsoft provides this with regular updates and patches, which in turn results in a more secure and user-friendly digital environment. Further, Microsoft's various other software applications easily integrate with this operating system, which results in fewer technical issues interrupting the workflow.
Pros
Smooth operating system
Intuitive user interface
Easy integration of other Microsoft products
System encryption
Very secure
Cons
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
Likelihood to Recommend
Microsoft Windows overall is well suited to most business and personal applications. It is an excellent operating system that provides plenty of features and integrations for the end user, as well as there is a great deal of software manufactured for use with this operating system. With the provided encryption possibility for professional users, this is a highly secure system. Logging onto the system with full encryption in place though can become a bit time-consuming.
