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What kind of Operating system should I get? 

Info on buying a computer

Computer technology changes almost daily. To keep up with the technology is a full time job. To advice someone on what type of computer to get, is an impossible task. Everyone's needs are different. Everyone's preferences is different. Therefore, these pages are for your information to make an educated decision. There is so much information that it may confuse you more than help you. However it is important to review all the information. Also as technology changes, some of the information provided here may not apply.

For more information that I don't have included here, see the following

Hardware questions       Information on computer parts.

 

There are numerous version of operating systems

• Windows XP Home

• Windows XP Media Center

• Windows XP Professional

• Windows Vista

• Windows 7

• Windows 8

There are also other operating systems such as Linux and others. I have never used them so can't give advice on them.

Windows 8 has just came out. I have not used Windows 8 yet to give an opinion on it. However there usually is bugs on new operating systems. That is because there is no way for a software manufacturer to design software that is compatible with every piece of hardware and software on the market. They design it the best they can and then put it on the market. As the software gets used, they find out what doesn't work with the software and they put out patches for the software. That is why it is good to wait awhile after new software comes out to get it. However when you buy a new system prebuilt, you may not have a choice and get the new operating system. That is something to consider. You may or may not have issues with the new software.

Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and probably Windows 8 has 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the operating system. Buying a new computer, you should get a 64-bit system. They are faster and the 32-bit is being phased out. Most if not all software is now compatible with 64-bit. However if you are upgrading your computer. If you have a 32-bit computer, make sure you are using the 32-bit version of the operating system.  (just an FYI, they are in the process of designing 128 bit systems so it is evolving)

Vista has come out and offers different levels depending on what you need or want. Review all versions to determine which one offers the capabilities that you need. Some older programs may or may not work with Vista. Some hardware will not work with it as well. Review the devices and software you have to see if they will work with Vista. May manufacturers are selling Vista systems with 1 gig of memory. I strongly recommend at least 2 gigs of memory if not more. My system is over 3 years old using Windows XP Professional and it is much faster than the systems that just came out with Vista that is only using 1 gig of memory. Microsoft will say it will work fine with 1 gig of memory but I disagree. It will run but you will not see the speed that you should on a new system. If you are going to use Vista, have at least 2 gigs of memory but preferably more.

I love Windows XP and Windows 7. I prefer Windows 7. I would recommend staying away from Windows Vista. I have not touched Windows 8 yet so can't give an opinion on it. As time goes by, they will come out with newer operating systems.

NOTE: Many computer companies are selling the computers without the operating system CD. They state that the customer does not need the CD since they have a restore partition on the hard drive. That is fine if you are wanting to restore your operating system on the same drive later on. However, if your hard drive dies, or you decide to upgrade your hard drive, you will loose the restore partition and you won't be able to restore your operating system. You will have to contact the computer company you bought the computer from to get another CD. If you already have the CD, you can start the rebuild but if you do not then it can take a week or two to get the disk. NOTE: Microsoft will not replace the CD. They will refer you to the company you bought the computer from because the product key is tied into that brand.

For information on operating systems, click here.