Operating System Statistics for 2019:
According to average statistics for 2019, which we checked from various sources, almost 46% of all desktop system users use Windows 10, approximately 35% of PC users use Windows 7. About 4% use Windows 8/8.1, 2% use Windows XP, and Windows Vista has less than 0.5% of users in 2019.
By the way, after Windows 7, MacOS is the most popular, but this article is not about that.
Hardware Requirements and Optimization:
It can be said that Windows XP is the least demanding system for hardware configuration, but as of 2019, this OS is no longer suitable for everyday use because many important applications have stopped working or are no longer updated. For example, the Google Chrome browser no longer supports updates on XP. Therefore, we will skip it in this review, as well as Windows Vista.
You might be surprised, but the official minimum system requirements for Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, and Windows 7 are the same:
Processor – at least 1 GHz;
RAM – 1 GB;
Free disk space – 16 GB.
However, there are some “hidden pitfalls.” Official data is one thing, but in practice, it is somewhat different. In practice, Windows 8.1 shows itself to be the least optimized system, with poor performance on weak hardware. Windows 7 performs well even with 512 MB of RAM if all graphical “features” are disabled. However, if you do not have strict performance limitations, Windows 10 wins because it receives many updates that optimize its performance on new hardware (on new PCs), unlike Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, which no longer receive main support, with Windows 8/8.1 only getting cumulative security updates.
In summary, for optimization, Windows 10 wins. System loading, sleep/wake, and overall performance benefit from the latest updates, leaving older versions of Windows behind.
Functionality:
It’s worth noting that new hardware, especially motherboards, and specifically their drivers, often only support Windows 10. The same goes for modern graphics cards, which perform best under Windows 10 because the graphic drivers are designed for it. Therefore, if you use modern hardware, we recommend using Windows 10.
For weaker hardware or if “ironclad” stability is required, Windows 7 may be suitable, as it will no longer receive updates that might “break” your system.
Security:
Windows 7 – Features User Account Control (UAC), which requires user confirmation before performing any action. It also includes BitLocker encryption and biometric support, such as a fingerprint scanner.
Windows 8/8.1 – To create an administrator or standard user account, an email address must be linked to the PC, and each account is integrated with OneDrive. It supports multiple login methods, such as password, PIN, graphic key, or fingerprint if your PC supports it. The Task Manager has been updated so that third-party programs cannot interfere with running processes or harm the system. File encryption technology has been improved, and there is an option to encrypt the entire local disk or external drives.
Windows 10 – Built-in security is closely integrated with other installed applications, and users can control all security settings from the “Windows Security” menu. The firewall supports Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing you to run Linux applications. You can set specific rules for WSL processes in the firewall as for any Windows process. The new “Current threats” section in the “Virus & threat protection” menu shows all detected threats and lets you take necessary actions directly from the menu.
The “Controlled folder access” feature from the “Ransomware protection” component protects important data from unauthorized access by malicious software that might encrypt files.
With Windows 10, you might not need an additional antivirus, as the built-in one performs its tasks effectively without extra system load. This is primarily for home PC use.
Which Windows is Better?
It all depends on your system requirements and the device you will be using it on. As of 2019, Windows 10 is the most advanced system in terms of modern feature implementation.
We also recommend using only original installers and product keys for seamless system operation. Download Windows 10 Pro and Home installers from the official Microsoft website. You can purchase genuine product keys in our online store at the lowest prices. Instant delivery of the product key to your email immediately after payment. Our online store provides 24/7 tech support and guarantees. Purchase Windows 10 Pro product keys in the catalog on the next page.
