Operating Systems
Part 4
The operating system of a computer, often referred to as an "O/S," is the master brain
that controls the computer. The processor may be doing the work, but it's the O/S that tells it what to do
and how to do it. Closely linked to the O/S is the BIOS (which was discussed in Part:3 Components), which
is also controlled by the O/S.
The operating system does three (3) things:
- It controls the hardware,
- It controls the software, and
- It provides you with a way to control the computer.
If you purchase a computer from a store or online, it will usually come with an operating system
already installed. You may not be given a choice of which O/S to have, but one is usually installed. It
may also come with some software programs or a "package" of software programs which is also already installed on
the system. This is very convenient.
At times you will be given the ability to order a specific operating system and software programs or
package to be installed on a new computer. But that is not usually the case.
If a computer comes without an operating system and software, it's because the computer was very
inexpensive. This is a way for the manufacturer to make a computer seem less expensive in cost.
At other times, a manufacturer will provide a very cheap price, but you may be buying only part of an entire
hardware system. So, always read very carefully, and check exactly what you get for what price.
If you will be building your own home computer, then you will have the ability to select your operating
system and software.
The following operating systems are or have been commonly available on new or used computers.
Windows Vista
 Code named "Longhorn," Windows Vista is the next generation after
Windows XP. Some believe Vista is a side-step rather than a step forward, but that
is a matter of opinion. It was released worldwide in January 2007. The primary "objective" of Vista was to
increase security in Windows thereby raising public trust in its products. In that regard, it is true
that it is "more" secure than earlier Windows O/S's.
Also, Vista has hundreds of new and reworked features from Windows XP that
cover a wide range of its "improvements and advancements." These include a new user interface, Windows Aero, new
multimedia creation tools including a DVD Maker, and a completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display
systems. Vista is designed to ease communication between computers within a home or work network, making it easier
to share files and digital media (but not with older equipment or software).
Vista does seem to have a few problems. In fact, Vista has been criticised because of
unexpected problems. For example, some (even expensive) hardware will not work with Vista. Examples include
S/PDIF-based high-end audio cards and non-HDCP enabled high-definition monitors. Other groups have complained about
poor laptop battery life, very serious problems with software compatibility, namely problems with pre-Vista
games that use DirectX 9 or older, problems with Symantec and
Adobe programs (these are expensive) and a wide range of other software. Plus, did I mention
that the O/S itself is expensive?
If you have pre-Vista games, software programs or hardware you already own and you want to
continue to use, then it may be worth while looking for Windows XP Professional as
an O/S, if possible. These are getting harder to find. Or repair your old computer and use it only for
your older games and older software.
However, if you have no such restrictions, then I recommend you buy a computer with Windows
Vista. Almost all new computers that use Windows now come with Vista. All
new software and games are built with Vista in mind. Vista is clearly the wave of the future.
Windows XP
 Windows XP was first released in 2001. Code named "the whistler," Windows
Experienced (XP) is the next generation after Windows 2000 in the merger of the Windows NT® and
Windows® 98 lines. Windows XP is closer to the perfect marriage of these two systems, showing
greater stability and increased reliability over all previous Windows®
versions. Plus, it has a range of new features, including a completely new interface design. Also, it updates
itself automatically (check to be sure it is still supported by Microsoft) and has wider support for
languages. It was intended for home and businesses of all sizes.
It is true that Windows XP (and its predecessors) have been criticized for security vulnerabilities and overall
susceptibility to viruses, so has Vista. This is a cronic Windows problem. However, if you use an
anti-virus program and a firewall for protection then there should not be a
problem. Also be very careful what you open in your email box.
I recommend you use Windows XP or Windows 7. With either one make sure you use a very good anti-virus
program AND a very good firewall programme.
While the home version of Windows XP is no longer available on new machines, Windows XP Professional was still
available on a few new machines as of the time of writing.
Windows 7
Windows 7 has become quite popular, especially among those disppointed with Vista, which is just about
everyone. Windows 7 is now the standard O/S that comes with most computers nowadays. Windows 7 is
somewhat more stable, more reliable and it is a good gaming computer, good for use in an entertainment
center, as well as general computer needs in the home and for small-to-medium business. There are a variety
of Windows 7 editions, but the Home Premium and Professional editions are the most popular.
Windows 7 is better than Vista in speed, performance, and in the touchie area of hardware and
softwear compatibility (a serious problem in Vista). Many Windows XP games will run on Windows 7 using the
compatibility mode.
Linux
 Linux is a UNIX®-clone that is popular among some medium to large
businesses, universities and other institutions that have the technical staff to look after it. It is also a
cult O/S for some hard-core Linux techies. It is a rich and superior O/S that is much more stable
than Windows® NT, is multi-user enabled, and is excellent in a multi-tasking environment. It is
essentially a POSIX compliant UNIX® with all the UNIX® standard tools and utilities.
However, Linux is an O/S only for those who are experienced in the use of "the UNIX matrix,"
or for those who are highly technically-minded and have the time to work on this difficult
system. It is NOT user-friendly in any way. Read as much as you can find about
Linux before you decide to try it.
The basic Linux program is "open source" (free), but it is advisable to pay the voluntary "release" charge
(inexpensive) to get the extra goodies that make it worthwhile, including programs to make installation of the
O/S easier.
There are older Windows operating systems that are no longer commonly used. They are discussed in Operating Systems Introducation in How To Build A Computer.
Next, in Part 5 - Software, we discuss software programs, including Anti-Virus Programs,
Firewalls, and email applications.
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