Linux distributions are created and maintained by different organizations, and they differ, not in what they are able to do, but in how they accomplish it. Micr

Linux distributions are created and maintained by different organizations, and they differ, not in what they are able to do, but in how they accomplish it. Microsoft is a single organization creating artificial strata within a single product. Both lead to a confusing array of choices, but while the diversity of Linux distributions is an organic outgrowth of Linux's licensing, leading to competition for users and maintainers which drives changes and innovation in the resulting products, the Windows stratification is completely artificial and does nothing to drive change or innovation, instead simply increases user confusion only in order to capture pricing flexibility in the market. I'm sure it's profitable for Microsoft to do this, but as a user, it's incredibly frustrating. Luckily I am able to choose not to deal with the Microsoft market-shaving licensing morass anymore, and I can spend my mental energy thinking about what I'm building, instead of choosing which licensing strategy is most cost-effective, and constantly worrying about compliance.