Ubuntu and Windows Boot Times Compared
A boot time test as a rule brings more criticism than praise for the tester, seeing that the tests are usually considered flawed. A new test has fixed all that.
In February TuxRadar released a benchmark test for installation, bootup, shutdown and I/O performance of Ubuntu 8.04, 9.04, Windows Vista and 7. The benchmark elicited considerable criticism, as it was found that the boot times involved some "irrelevant" values.
Tuxradar has since improved on its benchmark and released a video comparing Windows Vista and 7 with the two current Ubuntu versions 9.04 and 9.10. This time, to avoid any accusation of "cheating," bootup was defined as the interval between bootloader startup and loading the homepage in Firefox. The video clearly shows in the Windows versions how the GUI shows up fairly quickly, but both Ubuntu versions overtake them in the end....
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
PwnEscape Poses VM Vulnerability
A guest-to-host escape flaw in Linux KVM, named PwnEscape, might be yet another means of attacking Linux.
-
Linux Mint 27 Set for a Christmas Release
The developers behind Linux Mint have announced a Christmas release, and it looks like Santa's sack will be brimming with features.
-
Is Linus Torvalds Vibe Coding?
The creator of Linux has added AI into his process for Linux kernel development, and it's more than just for debugging.
-
openKylin 3.0 Released with Expanded AI Integration
The latest release features a pre-installed AI agent to help perform tasks.
-
DigitalOcean Ends Open Source Credits Program
In a change that has surprised many open source developers, DigitalOcean has decided to sunset its Open Source Credits Program.
-
Office 365 Available for Testing on Linux via Bottles
Linux users can now test the official Office 365, thanks to Mirko Brombin's work on Bottles.
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of other European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.

Boot times matter
Boot times matter to me. I carry a laptop around to lots of customer meetings - as convenient as suspend and hibernate are, sometimes reboots are needed. Doing so quickly is a big deal. I am happy to see Ubuntu 9.10 win - just upgraded last week.
Rob
who cares about boot times?