Usage Statistics

Current data on operating system usage statistics reveals that Windows is by far the most predominantly used operating system. In fact, most applications are traditionally created to run on the Microsoft platform which does not provide many other options for program use. Die hard Apple fans, naturally, prefer the Apple operating system but this is confined to a smaller user community.

In recent years, however, Linux has grown in popularity as an alternative. Some software developers do provide support for Linux and the growth in the open source community has resulted in a group of dedicated and loyal supporters. In general, Linux fans tend to be from the technically savvy ranks of computer use. Operating system usage statistics still favor the entrenched Microsoft OS but there is growing awareness of alternatives.

Additionally, emulators are now evolving that provide the ability for programs to be cross run on different platforms. This is useful for Apple or Linux users who cannot find an alternative program to use on their machines. Umware and Win4Lin are programs that support running Windows based programs on a Linux system. Softmac provides emulation for Mac users who are making the transition to a windows based environment and want to preserve the use of some older programs. The latest Macintosh systems now provide the ability to run Windows XP and Vista based applications.

Information on operating system usage statistics is available from various types of sources such as websites, magazines, books and surveys. However, the internet is the fastest source of obtaining the latest operating system usage statistics. An example of this is the website w3schools (www.w3schools.com).

Recent data from www.w3schools.com provides further insight into os usage statistics. Data collected from log files comprising a period of five years provides a breakdown on os system usage statistics for the period ending June 2007 as follows: Win XP 74.6%, Windows 2000 6.0%, Windows 98 0.9%, Vista 3.6%, Windows 2003 2.0%, Linux 3.4% and Mac 4.0%. The main underlying trend is the progressive movement of Windows 98 machines to Windows XP or Vista platforms. As of July 11, 2006 Microsoft no longer provides incident support or security updates for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows ME operating systems and ancillary applications. With the recent release of the Vista product, it is likely that OS system statistics will increase in favor of the Vista product in the years to come as new products are released that are compatible with this operating system.

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