On the opposite side of the spectrum from Linux is Windows, and, unlike Linux, most computer users inevitably come into contact with Windows at some point or another. Windows gets its name from the "windowed" environment it provides for running programs, and this windowed environment, or graphical user interface (GUI), is the core of the Windows system. The origins of the GUI can be traced back to the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (Parc) in the early 1970s, but it was not Xerox who first popularized the idea of the GUI.

In the early years of home computing, Microsoft was one of the many operating system producers who realized that the GUI would be crucial to computer sales. Unlike Linus, Microsoft founder's Paul Allen and Bill Gates were out to make money by producing software; these two soon realized that money was made by enticing the masses, and utilizing a computer's resources via a GUI enticed the masses. Although's Microsoft's initial products were trite and primitive, the Windows operating system quickly grew to become the most popular operating system. By the 1990s, Windows was becoming a household name, and by the end of the 21st century, Windows was in place in homes, business, and governments around the world.

As Linux is the "manual" of operating systems, Windows is the "automatic"; learning to use Windows is significantly easier than Linux, but Windows does not give the user as much power. With GUI-fication comes more restrictions, less control, and the ability to generate more errors. However, Windows provides more roadblocks to prevent the user from totaling the computer. Many users find that the GUI tools that can diagnose and fix computer problems enable the user with a significant amount of control despite a small amount of knowledge.

As Windows has grown in popularity, many software companies have jumped on the bandwagon. Because of this, a large supply of applications exists for the Windows operating system, and many standard applications come installed with the operating system. Windows also comes with network support and GUI tools to get the user connected to other computers and the internet. These tools have made it simple for computer laymen to connect and share information with one another whether they are separated by cities, states, or even countries.

There is little doubt that Windows is a key player in the computer revolution. Before the introduction of the GUI, computer use was primary geared towards learning institutions, researchers, hackers, and governments; Windows allowed the common man to embrace a world of computing marvels. Windows and Linux alike contain numerous pros and cons, and each system appeals to a different classification of computer users. However, there are still users who prefer neither Windows nor Linux, but instead one of many alternatives to both Windows and Linux.