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Windows was designed to be easy to learn and use. This is most evident in the latest version Windows XP. Almost anyone can learn the basic functions of Windows in a few hours with little if any help. Windows XP includes and extensive collection of how-to files, help files and even interactive video help tutorials. These things can tell even the most computer illiterate how to do almost everything the average user needs to do on a PC. To supplement these are XP's wizards. Wizards are programs that help users accomplish tasks like updating Windows, installing software, and changing settings. In addition to these there is Microsoft's vast internet knowledgebase. Any problems whose solutions cannot be found within XP's help files can be found on Microsoft's website. In the event that users can't find the answer to their problem, Microsoft has plenty of telephone and e-mail tech support that can take care of them.
The installation process for Windows is much easier than the one for Linux or Unix. Microsoft made it, for the most part, an autonomous process that requires very little user input for its completion. Even if you are new to Windows there is there is a step by step guide to ease you through the installation process. There are always "Recommended" or "Standard" installation options if you do not know what installation options to choose. Unlike installing Linux, installing Windows does not require an advanced knowledge of computers.
Since Windows is the most popular operating system on the market almost all software is designed to run on it. This includes many of the software projects found in the GNU community. Microsoft's own software often sets industry standards that other software providers try to meet. Because there is only one Windows XP all software written for XP will run on anyone's copy of XP. In the Linux world, sometimes software won't work right on two different distros. This universality allows users to purchase software without fear that it won't be compatible with their operating system.
Since Windows was always designed for home or office use for those who have little or no computer training it has been designed to be user friendly. Windows is well documented, also a wide selection of tutorials are available in the Windows Help Center in Windows XP or online at Microsoft's website. Windows XP makes it easy for users to learn how to do basic things with their computer. When an installation of XP is completed it immediately loads the Windows XP tour which shows users how to perform basic tasks in Windows. Windows makes it simple for a person who has never used a computer before to pick up simple computing skills, whereas Linux immerses the user in the computer without any idea of what they are doing.
Not only does Windows have Microsoft's own software, there are countless third party applications. This third party software fills in the gaps where Microsoft has not provided software. They also offer an alternative to using Microsoft's own software, and in some cases are actually better than the software Microsoft puts out. For example, users who want more functionality than MS Paint and Picture It offer can use Adobe Photoshop or Jasac Paintshop Pro. This third party support makes competition amongst programmers higher, with the end result being better software. Third party software also helps to keep pricing competitive. Third party support is essential to the success of any operating system. Without applications, there is going to be no motivation for a user to use an operating system, a problem that has plagued Linux and Apple for years.