Step 2:
Operating Systems (O/S's)

When building a computer you will be considering which operating system to use. Basically, you can select either a Windows O/S or Linux.

The Linux system is discussed in full in the Computer Buying Guide at Part 4 - Operating Systems as well as Step 18: Operating System Installation, later in this tutorial.

Windows Operating systems, or O/Ss, differ widely in their ability to install easily. If you're a newbie to O/S installations, there are a few things you should be told.

In order of their dates of introduction:

Windows 95

Windows 95 installation requires a full working knowledge of DOS. I must tell you that you can expect a Win 95 installation to be frustrating.

A hybrid version of the earlier Windows^® 3.x with some qualities of an early version of Windows NT^® operating system, Windows^® 95 was a huge advancement for that time. But it had problems with stability; so much so that I recall counting the days until Windows^® 98 would be released by our friend Bill. Technically speaking, problems associated with Windows^® 95 were generally due to a backward compatibility issue with the older 16-bit software written for DOS and Windows^® 3.x. Nevertheless, Windows^® 95 has its place in computer history as one of the most important operating systems.

If you already have a computer that works well with Windows^® 95, I recommend you leave 'well enough alone' and do not consider upgrading.

If for some reason you decide to install good ole' Windows^® 95 into a new computer, I suggest that you only use device drivers that are written specifically for Windows^® 95. This will speed everything up and will make your life a easier. Win 95 does support "Plug 'n Play" which makes the installation of components usually easy.

Windows 98

Windows 98 installation requires some knowledge of DOS, but not if the installation is an upgrade. This is an important consideration in selecting which O/S to select. You can also expect a Win 98 installation to be frustrating.

Even though it was criticized as nothing more than a de-bugged Windows^® 95 with some extra bells and whistles added, in 1998 when it became available, it was paradise compared to the temperamental Windows^® 95. Windows^® 98 improvements include the integration of Internet Explorer (IE) into the operating system, improved Help, the addition of troubleshooting wizards, better DVD, improved USB, and multiple monitor support. Generally, Windows^® 98 is a better choice than Windows^® 95. Windows^® 98 is best for the old Pentium II processors with at least 64 MB memory.

Windows NT

Windows NT^® is the beginning of a line of computer operating systems that is separate from the Windows® 95 line. This O/S was designed for business and technical users. It has developed into a progressive line of "mature" operating systems known for multitasking, advanced security, network support, power, steadfast stability, and dependability. Undoubtedly a lot of this is due to a brilliant crash prevention capability that usually works well. (Nothing's perfect.)

Because of its solid strengths, Windows NT^® should not be upgraded to another O/S. However, Windows NT^® is not a first choice for new O/S selection. A constant problem with Windows NT^® has been compatibility issues with hardware, for which it has a rocky history. It does not support "Plug 'n Play" making hardware and software application installation (including games) tedious, and at times extremely difficult to impossible to install. It is highly advisable to use hardware and software specifically certified to work with Windows NT^®. Software application selection is more limited than for later Windows O/Ss.

If you wish to install Windows NT^®, and you have limited experience with O/S installations, you will need a lot of help of a professional technician. It is difficult.

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 is based on the Windows NT^® "kernel." In fact, it is sometimes referred to as Windows NT^® 5.0; and it can be thought of as the next generation in the blend of the security, manageability, and reliability of Windows NT^® with the user-friendly Windows^® 98. Of course, a variety of operational goodies were thrown in. It is clearly an improvement over both older operating systems.

A few of the advances include support for multiple processors, support for hundreds of languages, enhanced USB speed, support for FireWire (IEEE 1394 standard), off-line viewing of files and folders, enhanced Windows® speed, thumbnail viewing of graphics before opening, and the ability to "Hibernate", or to automatically turn off the computer and monitor at a set time. That is only a partial list. This is the best Windows up to this point.

If you wish to install Windows 2000, and you have limited experience with O/S installations, you will need help because this installation is complicated and requires a professional technician.

Windows ME

Windows ME, or Windows Millennium, was rushed to market with numerous problems. This O/S is very unstable, this means it will crash your computer completely and repeatedly. Avoid this O/S.

Windows Server 2003+

Previously referred to as the "dot net server," Windows Server 2003 was a later generation of Windows NT^® kernel-based O/S after Windows 2000. This is a server best used in a large corporation or large institutional environment. There are newer versions but they all require training and certification. It is clearly NOT suitable for personal use. It is expensive.

Windows XP

Windows XP is an excellent basic operating system. It is usually easy to install and is very stable. It has loads of features and it is inexpensive. Mostly, we like XP because it will play our older games, software, and hardware. Infact, most O/Ss in use today are Windows XP. It is an excellent O/S especially for no frills, get the job done computing, especially for small-medium business, working with documents, and for made for XP games.

If you can get your hands on a legal copy of Windows XP, espcially Windows XP Professional, that would be good. Some gamers play games on Windows XP Pro SP3 because they like the performance and reliability.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista is now, thankfully, being retired. Even before Windows 7 became available, many computers still came with Windows XP because Windows Vista was such a pain, it was never popular.Windows Vista was basically reliable for general computer operations in the home and for small-to-medium business, but the problems were too many. There were a very sticky problems with pre-Vista games, and huge problems with pre-Vista software and hardware incompatibilities. Everything in a Vista computer had to be made only for Vista, including all hardware and software programs. This made it very inconvenient.

Installation, which is with a DVD, was said to be fairly easy. But why bother? People are dropping Vista like a hot potato.

Windows 7

Windows 7 has been an overwhelming success with many people eager to drop Windows Vista and its problems as soon as Windows 7 hit the market. Windows 7 is now the standard O/S that comes with most computers. Windows 7 is very stable, very reliable and it was generally an excellent O/S for general computer operations in the home and for small-to-medium business. The Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional editions are the most popular.

Windows 7 has better speed, performance, hardware and softwear compatibility. Many old Windows XP games will run on Windows 7 using the compatibility mode. For this you need to install an "XP Mode" which is a virtualized copy of Windows XP that ensures full backwards-compatibility, but you will need 2 GB of RAM and an additional 15 GB of hard drive space, plus a CPU that supports hardware visualization.

Some may consider Windows 7 better for playing many of today's games, or for use in an entertainment center.

Upgrade from Windows XP?

The question is, should those with Windoes XP upgrade to Windows 7? I doubt many will. There is no compelling reason to change from Windows XP to Windows 7. Security in all Windows O/S's is very poor, Win 7 is expensive and requires a powerful computer, and you need a clean install, which is a lot of fun work. Plus you will need to learn a new user interface. This is annoying as you will have to re-learn how to do XP basics. All this for a O/S that has no clear advantage over Windows XP.

Some may consider switching to Linux rather than Windows 7. With Linux you would have solid stability, and none of the Windows shortcomings and problems such as viruses and various attack scripts. Nothing is perfect and Linux has its own shortcomings.

For more information see Part 4 - Operating Systems in the Computer Buying Guide, as well as Step 18: Operating System Installation, later in this tutorial.

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