Personal computers continue to lose their edge to tablets, which are attracting more users. But current PC owners are still choosy about the operating systems they run on their machines. In a latest research by a web analytics firm, Net Application, Windows 7 is the most dominant desktop operating system as it continues to grow despite a newer version of the Windows OS in the market. Users, however, are ready to try out the newer OS versions such as Microsoft Windows 8, 8.1 and Apple OS 10.9, provided they are offered as free upgrades.
In terms of market share, Windows 7 went up from 46.42 percent in October to 46.64 percent in November. A growth of 0.22 percent compared to 0.05 percent increase in market share of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 combined, during the same period.
Microsoft launched the first official update to its latest Windows 8 in October. The Windows 8.1 grew from 1.72 percent to 2.64 percent in the month of November, but this is mainly among the users who were offered a free upgrade from Windows 8. But the Windows 8 popularity did not grow overall, slipping from 7.53 percent to 6.66 percent during the same period.
Surprisingly, Windows XP has not lost a significant user-base in the overall market share despite Microsoft repeatedly warning XP users of the risks of continuing with the older version of the Windows. Windows XP market share just fell 0.2 percent, from 31.24 percent to 31.22 percent, according to Net Applications. Microsoft has confirmed that its Windows XP will meet its end in April next year, which means the software giant will no longer release updates or support the OS after its deadline.
While Microsoft has dominated the OS market with its different versions, Apple has followed the lead with its OS X. Apple OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), which is free for OS X 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) users, it had the highest adaption rate with 2.42 percent of total OS market share.
According to a report from ZDNet, Windows 8, 8.1, and Apple OS X Mavericks will see a significant rise over the next few months, considering good sales of PCs and laptops running the latest operating systems occur.
