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Linux trashes NT in 'real-life' tests

Will Knight ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 19 Oct 1999 17:14 BST

Open source operating system Linux has turned the tables and triumphed over Windows NT in simulated "real life" lab tests carried out by UK firm Bloor Research.

Although this is just the latest bout in the ongoing battle between the industry leader of server systems and the popular open source challenger, it is the first time that the OSs have matched up in an environment designed to simulate real working conditions.

The contest covered nine separate categories: OS availability, User Satisfaction and Value for Money, Support, Scalability, OS Interoperability, OS Functionality and Application Availability. Windows NT only came out on top in the category of Application Availability.

The research carried out by Bloor also indicated the most appropriate situations in which to use Linux and Windows NT. It argues that Linux is better suited as a print server, file server and Web server, while NT is more appropriately applied as a mail server, a database server and a groupware server.

Bloor Research based its findings not just on benchmark lab tests but also on consultations with those using both operating systems in genuine working environments.