“Using the same custom-built PC test bed loaded with, alternatively, Ubuntu 8.10 and Windows Vista Business, Ubuntu proved to be a quicker installation, scored higher in benchmark testing, managed wireless connectivity easier and booted slightly faster than Vista. Keep in mind that less than two years ago, wireless integration with Ubuntu was pretty weak and non-intuitive – - especially for Linux newbies – - while Windows XP enjoyed nearly universal market support. Early results show Ubuntu has closed the gap dramatically.”

The review goes on to describe the details of benchmark testing on the aforementioned clean installs of both Ubuntu 8.10 and Vista Business.  The results?  (Higher scores are better)

Ubuntu: 3367

Vista: 2838

In other words, Ubuntu scored almost 20% higher (18.6% to be precise) than Vista on identical hardware.  The Geekbench test is especially noteworthy because it is designed for cross-platform comparisons, it tests both hardware and software performance, and every test can be run in both single and multi-threaded modes.  A glance at the official tests involved reveals other interesting metrics, depending on your application usage: convolution filters (common in Photoshop/GIMP), data compression, fractals (recursive algorithms), STREAM, and more.

And since the test was run on a dual-core processor, multithreading-based results are particularly significant.

After discussing the Geekbench data, the authors make the following comment:

“Even apart from the Geekbench score, the PC with Ubuntu 8.10 was noticeably faster when opening or switching between applications. Boot time with the PC running Vista was 56 seconds; with Ubuntu 8.10 it took 50 seconds.”

Remember: these tests were run on clean installs.  Also, the hardware used was pretty middle of the road (2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo, 2 GB SDRAM, integrated Intel graphics), meaning the performance results are likely indicative for an average user.

ChannelWeb’s conclusion?

“The bottom line: Ubuntu 8.10 Desktop Edition easily ranks higher than any other Linux desktop OS we’ve looked at in the Test Center. Based on performance numbers, its Ethernet and wireless management and zero licensing cost, this is an operating system we can recommend to VARs – - not just as an alternative to Windows but as a strong OS in its own right.”

So now, fellow Ubuntu users, let us spread the word on this clear demonstration of Ubuntu’s performance as compared to Vista.  Remember: identical hardware, clean installs, and well-recognized benchmarking software.

Suck that, Vista fanboys.  (Yes, there are some out there.  I know because they send me hate mail.)

(If you’re in the mood for something entertaining, check out an older ChannelWeb article detailing these same Geekbench tests on clean installs of XP SP3 and Vista SP1.  The conclusion?  “XP still rules, performance wise, over Vista.”  Ha ha!)