To keep it simple I’m referring only to the versions in the title of the post unless otherwise noted.
Initial Cost (retail and otherwise)
Windows $99-349
Fedora $0-$59
Speed about equivalent for both. Minor variances on this or that but overall not significantly different for everyday tasks.
Security Risks:
Windows – connected to Internet 18 minutes without Anti-virus and firewall – INFECTED
Fedora – connected to Internet 18 months without Anti-virus and firewall – CLEAN
Total Cost of Ownership – primarily cost of ongoing updates and various other maintenance per workstation, or desk top. Laptops slightly higher.
Windows $300 per year on average
Fedora $100 per year on average
Costs for additional software
Windows $750
Fedora $0
Stability
After cost, this is the most significant factor:
Windows7 – Stable 10-12 days between critical errors over a period of 3 months.
Fedora 11 – Stable for the entire 3 months. No critical errors during the same 3 month period.
Security and time spent securing windows is a significant factor in the Total cost of ownership. All figures projected from actual figures compiled from multiple clients of various residential and business demographics in Southern California. Your mileage will vary, especially in different regions of the country.