Introduction

The world of operating systems is shaped by a myriad of choices, leading to diverse outcomes. If Microsoft’s Windows had been based on BSD Unix,

Impact on Design and Philosophy

-hidden design

For starters, Microsoft’s Windows operating system would have adopted a more Unix-like engineering, particularly in terms of security and efficiency. Unix, known for its adaptability and ability to handle multiple tasks, would have introduced a different design philosophy to Windows. This shift would have made Windows more dependable in a myriad of scenarios, especially in system management environments.

Windows is often criticized for its over-complication, especially in server operations, which can be attributed to design decisions that may or may not have been necessary if based on a more lightweight and flexible Unix-like kernel. For instance, Active Directory and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) might have found a more streamlined and efficient design given a Unix foundation. In Unix/Linux environments, far fewer enterprise-specific features are required, making the system much less complex and easier to manage.

Comparison with Apple’s macOS

Apple chose BSD Unix for their macOS operating system, leading to a different approach in system development. This choice allowed macOS to maintain a high level of performance and stability, particularly in server environments. If Microsoft had made a similar choice, the Windows operating system might have been more optimized for server tasks and demanding environments.

Design Decisions and Implementations

Microsoft initially considered using BSD Unix through their Xenix product, which they eventually spun off to the original SCO. By the time they started building a real multitasking system for the 386, BSD was still encumbered with licensing issues and was not a viable option. Instead, they hired Dave Cutler, a former member of the VMS team at DEC, to develop a new operating system. Cutler, who had a strong dislike for UNIX, chose to create a new kernel (NT) that was independent of UNIX.

Many of the issues that plagued Windows over the years, such as the driver model, interface implementation, and the Registry, are not directly related to the differences between the BSD/NT kernels but rather to design decisions that could have been made regardless of the kernel choice. For example, if Windows had been based on BSD Unix, Group Policy might have been designed with fewer complicated features, and the Registry might not have been implemented as a single, cluttered application.

Conclusion

While it is impossible to know for certain what Microsoft’s Windows would be like if it were based on BSD Unix, the possibilities are intriguing. The operating system could have been more efficient, more secure, and more suited to server environments. However, many design decisions and implementation choices would likely have remained the same, regardless of the underlying UNIX philosophy.

The path Microsoft took, with its focus on a highly flexible and adaptable operating system, has shaped the entire ecosystem. If they had explored a different path with BSD Unix, the history of computing might have unfolded in a different way, but the ultimate outcome would depend on the specific design decisions made along the way.