Infact Linux often has the reverse problem in that hardware support for new technology often lags behind because hardware vendors focus on Windows first.
>Consider the fact that Windows has the best backward compatibility in the business,
That is a complete and utter myth. Windows has terrible backwards compatibility, and changes to the Windows Driver model, and other changes require drivers and software to be completely rewritten between generations of windows.
>while even drivers break across relatively minor Linux kernel versions and compatibility is likely to be a bigger problem with Linux.
Where do you get this? Drivers are included in the Linux Kernel, it is impossible for a driver to "break" across minor version of Linux, if a driver breaks the kernel fails and is not released.
Linux comes with a limited set of device drivers in the main source tree, just like Windows' bundled drivers. Most of this thread is about rare medical equipment or proprietary drivers/programs from companies that have gone out of business.
Also, the Linux kernel ABI routinely breaks drivers, unlike Windows which happens much more rarely.
https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Linux-Ke...
Yes, the Linux kernel being what it is makes for good/great backwards compatibility.
But that's so far from the point it's not even funny. This is about update policies and internet security at the organisations involved.
Consider the fact that Windows has the best backward compatibility in the business, while even drivers break across relatively minor Linux kernel versions and compatibility is likely to be a bigger problem with Linux.