Windows (I assume non Mobile or CE) is a general purposes OS that's easy to configure and (mostly) runs out-of-a-box. Linux (even more so RTOS or some obscure,

Windows (I assume non Mobile or CE) is a general purposes OS that's easy to configure and (mostly) runs out-of-a-box. Linux (even more so RTOS or some obscure, niche OS), on the other hand, requires more knowledge to be configured, launched and administrated what leads to increase cost. Nobody wants to hire Linux hacker to administer vending machines when it can be done by anyone with minimal technical skills using mouse, keyboard and a phone to call tech support center. Most of ATM's and cash registers still use Windows XP for the same reason.