  |
|
|
|
Windows has numerous versions like XP Home, XP Pro, Server 2003 and they are coming out with Vista. Which of these is best for me?
It is a blessing and a curse when we are given several options to choose from. Life would be so much easier if we knew exactly what we had to use. This article helps you choose the best Windows OS. While choosing an OS, there could be numerous permutations and combinations as for as the features are concerned but my point is to hit some main ones here. NetworkingIf you are using a PC and if you are planning on doing a small network, XP would be the best. But there are two XPs to choose from. It depends what kind of network you are attempting. For a simple workgroup networking, Home is good enough but for anything higher like a domain network, you will need XP Pro. Also, XP Pro should be loaded on the host computer if you are to attempt remote computing. MediaTypically people use a Mac to do media but Windows is no inferior. Windows has a year old version called Windows Media Center Edition which is aimed at media oriented consumers. Windows MCE has a great GUI which clearly differentiates itself from the rest. The OS is fast for graphically oriented programs and does a great job with the TV tuner cards. ServerAs the name suggests, to set up a server using Windows, Server 2003 is your best bet. Server 2003 is a highly professional OS which can sit in the center and delegate different rules and policy changes to the other computers on the domain. Another big advantage of Server 2003 is its ability to integrate with other Windows networking softwares like Exchange. It works with great ease lending flexibility to the whole system. 64 Bit64 bit processors are a new concept (been there for over a year) and I will try to provide a brief explanation between the 64 bit and 32 bit. Suppose there is a big yard and there are 32 people working in the yard. It takes 64 people lesser time to do the same work as 32 people would. This is the basic difference between 32 bit processors and 64 bit processors. The 64 bit processor is supposed to be faster than the 32 as a whole lot of simulataneous processing is taking place. The current 32 bit Windows works on 64 bit processors but not any faster than the 32 bit processor. The 64 bit Windows OS comes in 2 different flavors, Server 2003 and XP Pro. If you are somebody who depends on a lot of 3rd party programs, most programs are not written for 64 bit OS and you might face a problem installing those. Make sure that all your programs would work on 64 bit OS before making the switch. ConclusionThe more the merrier. This is where Mac misses out on. Windows has a powerful set of OS' that should serve everyone with different needs and different tastes. Can't wait for Vista to make its entry and shoot all the opponents down...
The copyright of the article Which Windows OS? in PC Software/OS is owned by Abhinav Kaiser. Permission to republish Which Windows OS? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
