It's quite common for linux afficionados to relate stories of how they'd built Windows machines that were unstable. They forget the obvious cause: they they don't have the skill it takes to create a stable, secure Windows machine.
On the flip side, a Windows afficionado could hardly be expected to ensure that a fresh installation of Linux is secure and stable.
There's a double standard in effect:
Windows is expected either be stable and secure out-of-the-box after a default install or it's crap.
Linux is expected to be installed by a knowledgeable, experienced professional or it's your own damned fault it's not stable and secure.