According to the report, the first arena in which Windows is still ahead is competitive gaming, as many popular titles such as Valorant, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six Siege rely on anti-cheat protection systems that operate at the kernel-level anti-cheat. These systems need reliable access to the deeper layer of the operating system, which is more easily implemented on Windows due to its closed nature, while the openness of the Linux kernel, which is usually one of its strengths, turns into a disadvantage in this area, because its modifiability makes verifying its integrity more complicated.
The second area is software to control accessories and peripheral devices. It is true that Linux often excels in basic recognition of devices such as the mouse, keyboard, and camera, but the problem appears with advanced devices that rely on accompanying software to provide their full features, such as professional gaming mice or advanced keyboards. The report indicates that major companies such as Logitech, Corsair, Razer, and SteelSeries do not find sufficient incentive to develop original versions of their programs on Linux, due to its small share in the desktop computer market, in addition to the problem of multiple distributions that makes supporting the platform more complex.
The third area is highlighted in professional software, where basic tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and a large number of specialized programs in engineering, finance, and health care are still not available on Linux. The report believes that this point cannot be resolved simply by moving from one distribution to another, because the issue is related to market calculations and commercial returns, as companies focus on the platforms that include the largest base of professional users, i.e. Windows and macOS. Cloud-based or browser-based alternatives have not yet succeeded in completely closing the gap, especially in heavy and specialized work such as professional design or CAD/CAM environments.
The report concludes that Linux today is much better than it was, but it still collides with the reality of the market, where market share controls the decisions of software and game developers and hardware manufacturers. Therefore, despite all the technical improvement, Windows remains ahead in crucial areas that have not yet been decided in favor of Linux.
