Congratulations, Windows 7, as you've passed your predecessor in user share in July.
According to web analytics firm Net Applications, share for Windows 7 was at 14.46, while Windows Vista was at 14.34. This marks the firs time that Windows 7 usage had been greater than that of Windows Vista, perhaps a sign of those on the older OS upgrading or getting new machines.
Windows XP, however, remained the dominant Microsoft OS with 61.9 percent of the share – more than all other Windows operating systems combined.
Microsoft still has a stranglehold on the operating system market, though, with 91.3 percent.
Apple, despite its huge success on mobile devices, experienced another slide in Mac OS X for the fourth month straight, which now sits at 5 percent.
Amongst hardcore gamers who use Steam, however, Windows 7 64-bit is the most popular OS. For July it captured 30.32 percent of the market, just squeaking by Windows XP 32-bit at 30.17 percent.
The distant third and fourth on Steam went to Windows Vista 32-bit at 13.92 percent and Windows 7 32-bit at 11.54 percent.
(Sources: Computerworld, Tech Report.)
On the other hand
I must also congratulate Apple for their failure.
Anywho, I love XP but now I love Win 7 even more.
On the other hand
I must also congratulate Apple for their failure.
And even greater for Apple./sarcasm
Horrible to less horrible. Hmm.
Can you even bring yourself to say that they are improving or getting better?
Probably not, even to admit it was less horrible must have been like pulling teeth.
If the user base is higher for Windows 7 in the more technically capable segment of hardcore Steam gamers what does that say about what Windows 7 actually delivers, because the same old tired arguement about idiot customers who dont know anything being duped into buying something they dont know just doesnt hold water. Your average Steam gamer is literate, informed and capable and they know a good thing when they see it, Windows 7 is exactly what the PC using world needed, a worthy successor to a solid OS that is sadly a bit long in the tooth.
It's a real shame about Apples shrinking market share, I honestly mean that, because it is like any other competative market. Without a technically proficient alternate to spur development along then stagnation occurs. Windows XP had a run for 8 years before Windows 7 came along and Apple did nothing to capitalise on it. How come Linux managed to do so with no resources and no advertising? Some would even say that Windows 7 was rolled out to fight off the competition from Linux, rather than Apple.
So well done Windows 7, but dont get cocky. Because one day Apple may release an OS that allows people to install it legitimately on their existing PC hardware, use all their existing software without performance hits and play all their games without compatability issues. Be ready.
I doubt it, Apple are far too closed minded and make their money on the Hardware markup! Drivers for open systems would be a nightmare as well.