How To Build A
Computer
Step
Two:
Operating Systems (O/Ss) Introductions
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 is the latest 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. However, there is at least one
version available for Small Business. However, it is not
practical for most small business unless the owner is a very
well experienced computer technician with Server 2003 training
and certification. It is clearly NOT suitable for personal use.
It is expensive.
Windows
XP
Windows XP is Recommended. This is
an excellent 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. However, the days of
Windows XP are numbered.
If you can get your hands on a legal copy of Windows
XP, espcially Windows XP Professional, that would
be good.
Windows
Vista
Windows Vista is now found on many new computers,
Windows Vista is reliable and it is an excellent O/S
for general computer operations in the home and for
small-to-medium business.
Vista is more "advanced" than Windows XP. Of
course, they also advanced the price. There is a very sticky
problem with pre-Vista games, software, and hardware, none of
which can be used with Vista. That can be a
problem. Nevertheless, there is no doubt, Windows
Vista is the O/S of the future. Installation, which is
with a DVD, is said to be fairly easy.
For more information about Windows XP and
Windows Vista, please read 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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