Will Ubuntu be the new buzzword in the OS battle ground

Ubuntu Karmic Koala OS definitely has some great features

After releasing the beta version of Karmic Koala in the first week of October, Ubuntu has come out with the full release version of the Koala. It looks good, has got rich features, faster boot, seemless network connection, better integration with cloud computing environments & simplification of cloud creations using open source tools on Ubuntu server edition. So serious are the makers about boot time that they plan to tie it up to 25 sec on a netbook. Desktop beautification is given some good thought, Red Hat’s Plymouth (a new graphical boot process that is able to benefit from the latest Linux graphics capabilities) is something they are trying to integrate to this version of Ubuntu. One thing geeks really want to see in Ubuntu is to do away with the brown-yellow theme colors, it gives a dull look.

The OS war is getting hot day by day. Windows 7 and Koala have been released within a week’s time. Windows remains the favorite OS till date for its simplicity of use. It has received optimistic reviews from testers.  In the operating system market dominated by Windows, where Mac is bent to create its own niche, Ubuntu carries the prospects for Linux. What's more, Canonical is introducing Ubuntu on mobile Internet devices MIDs, netbooks, servers and cloud system. Microsoft is already diversifying Windows 7 for netbooks and cloud systems, surely we could expect more. Clearly, both Windows 7 and Ubuntu 9.10 are complete operating system that could make for your daily desktop. Here is our take on the two:-

Boot Up Time

This is most discussed issue between the two operating systems.  No doubt Windows 7 boots faster than Vista, but Ubuntu 9.10 has a breezy boot up.

User Interface (UI)

When comparing Linux with Windows, user interface is always a contended issue. Windows Explorer comes with slideshow that changes the desktop background within a scheduled time. Windows 7 adds a number of UI enhancements. Redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar. Enhanced Start menu and window management.

Ubuntu offers a more intuitive UI as compared to other Linux distributions. Ubuntu 9.10 now adds overall theme refresh, and a redesigned login manager. It would carry the most up-to-date GNOME version.

Security

Windows 7 can claim to be the most secure operating system in microsoft’s kitty. Windows 7 comes with remote connectivity to corporate networks seamlessly, protection for data on thumb drives, and fewer user account control prompts to bug users as compared to Vista. Windows 7 security has been enhanced with Multiple Active Firewall Policies, DirectAccess, BranchCache, BitLocker To Go, and AppLockerWindows 7 security enhancements are especially guided at mobile users.  Still Windows remains vulnerable spyware and virus attacks.

Overall Ubuntu is a highly secured OS. There are abundant ways to avoid spyware on the Linux-based operating system.

Stability Factor

While Microsoft releases updates each month it includes patches for Windows, Microsoft Office software, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and other Microsoft software like SQL Server and Exchange.

Where as Ubuntu may be able to boast of lesser vulnerabilities, given that the user is only using the core operating system.

Hardware Support

Windows 7 edges over Ubuntu for this, as there are a number of compatible hardware devices and software applications available to use with it. The flexibility to install a wide range of additional hardware and software enhances the overall user experience.

Ubuntu continues with its user friendliness and artwork upgrade. It's hardware detection is like to receive a boost in the latest version. Especially, Ubuntu has much less trouble adapting to the 64-bit configuration.

System Upgrades

In Windows 7 DirectX version has been updated to 11 and the OS also features native support for WWAN. Karmic Koala will have Ubuntu One client installed by default and Ext4 would be the default file system.

Additional features

Windows 7 offers a calculator rewritten to include Programmer and Statistics mode along with unit conversion and date calculation. Windows 7 offers a Windows XP Mode for users still easy with the older version. Windows 7 offers multi-touch for Tablet PCs and capable devices.

In the latest version of Ubuntu Pidgin has been replaced with Empathy IM. GRUB 2 is the default boot loader for Ubuntu 9.10, replaces the previous GRUB Legacy boot loader.  Still it misses some features like lock/password support, an equivalent of grub-reboot, and Xen handling.

Pricing

Windows 7 comes at a better tag price as compared to Vista. Still Windows price seems a pipe dream when you compare it with Ubuntu that comes at $0. This free distribution and the free will attracts the users to it.

Conclusion

For better Windows 7 should strive to be faster and resource efficient like Ubuntu and the later must look to build a user-friendly interface like Windows 7. Clearly Microsoft looks forward to Windows 7 as its best bet in the desktop market, where Ubuntu is Linux's challenge that is all out to break the Windows.