Microsoft Windows stability and efficiency? (try to be unbiased)?

1) They don't have the legacy of older software, interfaces, etc. to maintain. When MS makes a change that impacts the legacy a lot of people scream. it is a delicate balance.

2) Windows is a huge amount of code which has been around for a number of years. It is not redesigned with each release.

3) Newer O/S and software have had the opportunity of learning from Windows mistakes.

4) Most lighter things do not provide the broad spectrum of support (software, drivers, tools, add-ins) that Windows does. Firefox for example doesn't support ActiveX controls which has been a core integration point up til now. The fact they have precluded such techologies means they are safer and faster but can also limit their use. As an average consumer you wouldn't see that but try it in a business setting.

Windows does it's job perfectly, as long as you never install anything. Microsoft does not control what third party vendor software does to the Windows so be fair. Nor does it control what installing different hardware does to Windows. It can be stable and it can be secured, but this all depends on what the user installs. They have stepped up to the plate by creating the new Microsoft Security Essentials, which is both Anti Virus and Malware protection. Only down load it directly from Microsoft, this even includes the service packs for Windows. IE is definitely a different kind of issue, since it is actually Windows Explorer embedded with web page enhancements, but opens a door that will also affect Windows Explorer. IE isn't even set to default for finding your network connections, a user need to set this in the settings. If not changed you will get cannot display the web page.

Actually the main reason behind the stability issue is the architecture of Windows itself. Windows is not a all-in-one package. Many third-party softwares are needed to do various works. Which creates a bunch of new files and registry entries. Also there are issues like defragmentation, virus, file corruptions etc. But on opposite Linux distros like Ubuntu, Mandriva or so so have basic applications built-in in it's installation package. So there is no need to install extra softwares. Linux's installation/uninstallation process is also better than windows. Linux OSs generally don't need any system utility softwares like windows. That's why Linux I think is a bit more stable. For this same reason MAC is also more stable than Windows

I have always had Microsoft Windows, (15 years) and always will. I also have firefox even I don't think it's any version of windows. (example you gave) I have never had any stability problems. I believe more computers have stability problems than Microsoft Windows do.