A Comparison-Part 2 (Multimedia and Internet Support(15))

This article is a continuation of the series of article comparing different windows and Linux flavors .
Part 1- Compares user interface


Part-2:
Multimedia and Internet support:(15)

End User Requirement:
1. Basic audio, video support out of box.
2. Support for all type of format after some installation.
3. A Good looking multimedia player with 20% feature what he requires to be visible.
4. Simple steps connect to Internet .
5. A simple browser supporting all kinds of audio/video format by default or by easy installation.
6. A safe browser(a normal home user doesn't think of this as a definite need).



Windows XP :(11)

Good:
So damn easy to connect to Internet . All operators(ISP(Internet Services Providers)) optimize their product and softwares for windows.
Basic audio/video support out of box.
Windows media player is built in and good enough for basic need.
IE is good and simple for normal user.
Good Support For multimedia Streaming .
Lan requires some learning but is good.
MSN messenger support out of box.

But:
Default WMP (version 10) look old and lacks any decent functionality apart from playing some audio/video by default. Though WMP11 has improved its UI and fuctinality for good.And with Winamp(free) and PowerDVD it makes a good package.(albeit at a cost(power dvd (US$ 49.95)).Free alternatives are available but i guess this are the most used.
Again IE6 is bad without any tab support and lacks anything worth writing home about( IE7 was a better browser / IE8 takes it a step further ).And ofcourse Mozilla 3 is available and better and safer than rest.
Not to forget Goggle Chrome and Apple's Safari browser.
Virus are predominantly written for this OS so this is unsafe.



Window Vista(12):

Good:
Has Everything XP has and better. With default WMP11 and IE7(with UAC(User access control)),it has a good combination out of box.
Lan support has improved.
Its safer out of box With UAC.

But:
UAC is irritating at times.
IE7 Still has security holes and is target of Crackers.
Of course Firefox3, Chrome and Safari are available.
If additional Features are required like audio/video ripping and mixing support than money have to be shelved although free alternatives are available but aint polished enough.
Although MSN messenger Support by defalut. Other Messenger requires installation.
CD/DVD burning software still not gr8.



Ubuntu 8.04:(9)

Good :
Firefox 3 is builtin .
Multimedia support is good.
Audio Ripping and mixing software by default.
A few known virus.
ADSL connection is breez and works out of box.
Almost all format supported after some installation.(VLC)
Pidgin is many messenger Packed into one.(support variety of protocols).

But:
No Mp3 Support by default although a simple codec installation does the job.
Configuring a dialup connection requires learning although help is available through Internet forums and isn't necessarily difficult.
No voice/video support in pidgin .
some streaming file don't work.
Not all hardware supported yet.(ex: Doen detect DELL Vostro 1510's lan card).
CD/DVD burning software not gr8.
Default media player has nothing to write home about.WMP is better.



OpenSuse(9):

Good:
Not Much diffent from ubuntu.
Detected my Vostro's lan card.
ADSL Work out of box .
Dial up works with some configuration .
(http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91305).
Amarok is much better than WMP.
Kopete is a multi-protocol messaging client like pidgin.

But:
Again no Mp3 support although installation is a single click away.
LAN connection needs learning.
VLC is not default and needs to be installed.
Cd/DVD burning software not that gr8.
No voice support in Kopete.
Not all hardware suppoted.