Being in the Computing Servicing Industry, we see and repair hundreds of machines per year, of all different shapes, sizes and colours.  One of the things that often confuses our clients is the nature of an operating system, and the correct selection for their computing needs.

What follows is an explanation of the different types of Windows around, followed by Coral’s recommendations on what you should be using.

Windows 3.1

Windows 3.1 is rarely in use in the modern day.  In its time, Windows 3.1 allowed for a graphical environment in which to perform your everyday tasks.  For today’s practical usages, Windows 3.1 is less than helpful and instead is more often than not found on machines pre-dating 1995.

Windows 95

The Windows style we are all familiar with today got its first try with Windows 95.  By offering a full multi-tasking environment, it was able to utilize modern hardware to achieve its full potential.  Windows 95 is no longer directly supported by Microsoft.  Windows 95 was able to play games created for DOS and Windows 3.1 due to its shared 16-bit/32-bit environment.

Windows 98

Microsoft took the criticisms of Windows 95, and produced a better version of Windows.  Quick, able to use modern hardware (especially items such as USB devices), Windows 98 became a foundation operating system for many companies and individuals alike.  Windows 98 was a more integrated operating system, controversially coming pre-packaged with programs like Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer 5.

Windows 98 Second Edition corrected a lot of initial problems with Windows 98, and has become one of the most popular operating systems in existence.  Windows 98 also saw the introduction of Internet Connection Sharing natively, owing to the explosion of the number of home networks.

Windows NT 4.0

Windows NT was able to cater for the more demanding market of advanced business enterprises, by offering a true 32-bit multitasking operating system.  This enabled businesses to run more advanced programs such as CAD Design Software and be able to complete their tasks faster.  For the everyday user, Windows NT was not advantageous due to its lack of support for recent games via the DirectX method.

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 built on the foundations laid by Windows NT and created something powerful for businesses.  It was upgradeable internally with everything that the modern age offered, and could even correctly play games!

Windows Me

Windows Me, or Millenium Edition, should not be confused with Windows 2000.  Whilst Windows 2000 was designed with business and power computing in mind, Windows Me was created to build on Windows 98 and offer a multimedia-optimised version of Windows that was targeted towards the home or individual user market.  Windows Me also did away with DOS-based drivers and/or startup environment, meaning the majority of older programs written for DOS or Windows 3.1 became a headache to run.  Stability issues also plagued users of Windows Me for those that had older machines.

Windows XP

Windows XP has created a new style of Windows, finally merging the Windows NT/2000 branch with the Windows 9x (95/98/Me) branch in one powerful package.  Featuring two types (Home and Professional), each offers a different blend of features, which have made both branches so successful.

The Home Edition is aimed towards the home and individual market.  Functionality wise, it operates similar to Windows 98, but with the power of Windows 2000.  Games and applications all benefit from this blend.  The 16-bit nature of Windows is completely done away with, meaning all drivers are loaded within Windows dynamically.  The more advanced features of Windows XP Professional (such as file security, etc) are not available under Windows XP Home.

The Professional Edition of Windows XP is a large improvement upon Windows 2000, further enabling its user to achieve their tasks.  It is able to use multi-processors on machines, utilize more memory, etc.

Coral’s Recommendations

Ultimately, each version of Windows requires a minimum recommended configuration of hardware to achieve full efficiency.  Each version of Windows is also aimed towards a different market, whilst different applications require certain versions.  Here’s a guide to help you decide when buying a new computer, upgrading your old one, or deciding between different types of operating systems.

Business Users:

CPU Speed  Minimum (MHz)	CPU Speed Maximum (MHz)	Recommended Memory (MB)	Recommended Windows Operating System
> 200	< 400	64MB+	Windows 98 / Windows NT
> 400	< 800	128MB+	Windows 2000
> 800		256MB+	Windows XP Professional

Please call us on (02) 9870 7777 if you’d like more information, or to discuss the right operating system for you further.

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There are quite a number of Operating Systems out there, not just Windows based. Including Microsoft operating systems you have a choice of:

- Windows 3.1
- Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows 98se
- Windows NT
- Windows 2000 Professional
- Windows 2000 Server
- Windows ME
- Windows XP (Home & Professional)
- Unix
- Linux
- BeOS

A list is located at Google.