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Basic Question: What will you use it for?Jan 18 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Each version of Windows has it own computer niche. Identify your own special needs and then pick your version. Every version cover a special need.
If you are running a PC, you will most likely have to use some version of Windows as you operating system. But when you start to look at the Windows market, you maybe somewhat confused on which version would best fit your needs. This is what I hope to clear up in this Epinion. You can basically divide the Windows software into two groups, the business and home groups. The business groups included Windows NT 4.0 ,Windows 2000 Professional and Windows 2000 Server. Since I do not run or maintain any type of server, I have not used the Win2000 Server and I will not evaluate that version. For the home group, I will compare and contrast Windows 95, Windows 98/98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition (more commonly called ME) The business group Windows NT 4.0 Until recently I have never used this version of Windows so I’m not the greatest at it as of yet. But from little experience that I have had, I can tell you that this version is not setup like home Windows group at all. What’s the difference? Well, this version of Windows is a ready for network program. This version is built and designed to work on a Local Area Network (LAN) because of it’s advanced scripting and security features that these systems need. Windows NT is a very stable program with very few multimedia abilities. Because of the lack of these options, the version just seems more reliable and runs much faster than all other version of Windows. Because most networked computers can be accessed my one or more different uses at all times (by on location or my remote) the security options are much stronger than most other version. You are required to setup at login name and password at the prompt. This will lock out anyone who does not have an correct user name and password. You can also set one user name as the master login, which that person can control, and lockout curtain options for other users that login on that same system. This features is very nice especially with several people use the same system during the course of the day. As I said earlier, this version is not a multimedia friendly version of Windows. You may find that some sound cards, cd-roms and graphics boards may not work with the OS. Also some multimedia programs as well may stop working with NT. It is the price you pay for the adds security and networking features. Windows 2000 Professional This is really an upgrade to Windows NT 4.0. You will find that it is a much more friendly looking and acting OS then NT. The menus and controls are almost a copy of the Windows 98/ME OS. But like NT, Windows 2000 is built for networking workstations and includes the great stability and security that you would expect. But unlike NT, you can use a lot more multimedia devices on it and even run most games on it without too much problem. I have ran Windows 2000 on my home system both as a stand lone and a dual boot (having two different version of Windows on the same system) and I had very little problems with conflicts with software or hardware. This OS combines the best of both home and business features into one package. This is my personal favorite version of Windows, and I still use it today. Home Group Windows 95 This was the first release of the Windows 4.0 series (not to be confused with the NT 4.0 version) and the platform is still used today. This was the first and the buggiest 32-bit version of Windows. It introduced the world to the world of Plug and Plug and allowed for the easy multitasking. There where three releases of Windows 95, which the last release allowed for USB support, which did not work well. Because of the bugs and lack of support for newer hardware, stay away from this version of Windows. Windows 98 & 98 Second Edition This was the second and third major upgrade of Windows 4.0 series, which featured a fully working USB support. This version had a better Plug and Play support as well as improved Dial-Up Networking connections. This version of Windows was more graphical and was more user friendly. This version also fixed a good part of the Win95 bugs, but was still troubled with new major bugs. This version of Windows has progressed far from the initial release of Windows 95. This version would be my recommendation for most home users because of the features and the low cost of the upgrade version compared to Windows ME. Windows ME This is the fourth and final release of the Win4.0 series. This version boasts a new customizable menus system, and more user-friendly features, including digital camera software, and a moviemaker built-in. Win ME also includes Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 along with Windows Media Player 7. Though these new features sound great, do they warrant an upgrade from Windows 95 or Windows 98? Well yes and no. If you are running Windows 95 you should upgrade to Windows ME if your system can handle it. If you are running Windows 98 then I would stay put. Most of the new features of ME can be downloaded from the web, making the $100+ upgrade way to expensive for what little you get in return. In closing... As you can see, each version of Windows fits a special need. If you are a home user I would recommend Windows 98/98SE and maybe even Windows ME for some users. If you are a business user I would recommend Windows 2000 Professional. It is one of the best versions of Windows out today.  |
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by texas-swede
