Windows NT/2000/XP
  • Redesigned OS (not based on DOS) that sacrificed some on backward compatibility and resource usage to add stability, performance, and security
  • Disk I/O: uses FAT16 or NTFS, a better performing, more secure file system
  • (Win2K/XP provides support for FAT32)
  • Memory: almost exclusive use of private address space requires more resources but provides more stable OS
  • User Interface: GUI heavily integrated, often requires management on server

Unix/Linux
  • Linus Torvald wrote a UNIX compatible kernel called Linux. Others, including RedHat, have packaged the kernel with supporting applications to create fully functioning distributions of the Linux OS.
  • With emphasis on administration, portability, and remote access, primarily a command-driven interface, although numerous x-window (a GUI interface) overlays are available
  • Stability, security, and networking inherent in kernel design
There are multiple flavors of UNIX the most popular being:
  • AIX (IBM)
  • HP-UX (Hewlett-Packard)
  • Linux (Open Source)
  • Solaris (Sun)
  • UnixWare (SCO Group), etc...

This means that applications that run on UNIX platforms (and that only have a character-based interface) can now be integrated, non-invasively and in real-time, with new applications, whether they are composite applications, packaged or web-based.

If you were asked to choose between Windows OS and a Unix based OS which one you will choose and why?

I will choose Windows OS for the mere fact that I’m used to it. Even though I'm well aware that Unix platforms are better in terms of security, customization, have large user support communities, cheaper, etc...