How we choose the Operating System
Quick review of Operating System technology
While Apple, Linux and others have their strengths, Windows is still very
much the dominant operating system (OS) out there for a personal
computer. That gives Windows the likely advantage that more software
applications are written for the Windows platform. However, web based
software is increasingly making inroads into that case and one day we may
see a challenge from the web for an OS itself.
Meanwhile back to the present, security is an issue and the OS should be
more secure than earlier versions from virus attacks and the sort. Ease of
use and an appealing interface are important too.
A 64-bit version has advantages but may currently create compatibility
issues with some hardware devices and software applications. A 32-bit
version is still the version likely to be more compatible overall.
There is debate whether to go for Windows Vista or stick to Windows XP.
Vista is more stable and frankly looks cooler. The Vista Aero interface with
its transparency look is quite sleek. While Microsoft's support for Vista is
here to stay for a while, support for XP should be ending soon though that
keeps getting delayed. For these reasons we recommend Vista Home
Premium for a new computer. However for an existing build with XP already
installed we do not feel compelled to upgrade to Vista.
The only issue we have seen with Vista was when someone was trying to
connect very old peripherals to a Vista setup. In one case it was a ten year
old monitor which would not work with Vista. In another case it was an
older cable modem, but all that was needed was a new Vista driver from the
modem manufacturer's website. So if you are planning on connecting older
peripherals to your new computer check the peripheral manufacturers
websites for Vista driver availability.
Windows 7 has come but it's not always a bad idea to wait for its Service
Pack 1. It's built on the same engine as Vista anyway. Again we don't
recommend upgrading an existing PC with Windows 7, but just recommend
it if you're getting a new PCs. There just aren't that many improvements in
an operating system at this time to get excited about. Also the browser is
now perhaps the most viewed part of the PC, and you can get those
upgrades for free.
Quick review of Operating System technology
While Apple, Linux and others have their strengths, Windows is still very
much the dominant operating system (OS) out there for a personal
computer. That gives Windows the likely advantage that more software
applications are written for the Windows platform. However, web based
software is increasingly making inroads into that case and one day we may
see a challenge from the web for an OS itself.
Meanwhile back to the present, security is an issue and the OS should be
more secure than earlier versions from virus attacks and the sort. Ease of
use and an appealing interface are important too.
A 64-bit version has advantages but may currently create compatibility
issues with some hardware devices and software applications. A 32-bit
version is still the version likely to be more compatible overall.
There is debate whether to go for Windows Vista or stick to Windows XP.
Vista is more stable and frankly looks cooler. The Vista Aero interface with
its transparency look is quite sleek. While Microsoft's support for Vista is
here to stay for a while, support for XP should be ending soon though that
keeps getting delayed. For these reasons we recommend Vista Home
Premium for a new computer. However for an existing build with XP already
installed we do not feel compelled to upgrade to Vista.
The only issue we have seen with Vista was when someone was trying to
connect very old peripherals to a Vista setup. In one case it was a ten year
old monitor which would not work with Vista. In another case it was an
older cable modem, but all that was needed was a new Vista driver from the
modem manufacturer's website. So if you are planning on connecting older
peripherals to your new computer check the peripheral manufacturers
websites for Vista driver availability.
Windows 7 has come but it's not always a bad idea to wait for its Service
Pack 1. It's built on the same engine as Vista anyway. Again we don't
recommend upgrading an existing PC with Windows 7, but just recommend
it if you're getting a new PCs. There just aren't that many improvements in
an operating system at this time to get excited about. Also the browser is
now perhaps the most viewed part of the PC, and you can get those
upgrades for free.
CurrentBuild PC is a trademark & product of CurrentBuild Computer. Components are trademarks & products of their respective owners.
Windows Vista Home Premium
operating system software
operating system software
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