Operating Systems

This page describes the most popular operating systems on the market today. In our opinion, the most popular operating system (if you consider Windows '98© part of Windows '95©) would be Microsoft Windows '95©. We will explain the various differences and similarities between the two. Also, we will give you a short "run down" on a few other operating systems and what makes them different.

Windows 95/NT

Windows '95© is for PC’s and Windows NT© is generally for networked PC’s, and it can be used for PC's that need more security. Other than that, they are pretty much the same. Windows is the most popular operating system on the market today and as of 1998 it runs about 90% of all computers in the world. Windows '95© has a more complex interface, and it's problems are generally simple and easy to remedy, though they can be big. Although, in June of 1998, Windows '95© was upgraded to Windows '98©. Windows '98© is simply an upgrade to Windows '95 sporting better stability, more features, and web integration.

System Requirements for Windows '95:

486/25 MHz-based system recommended
8 MB of memory (RAM) recommended
40 MB of available hard disk space
VGA or higher-resolution display
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

System Requirements for Windows NT:

Pentium or faster processor
16 MB of memory (RAM); 32 MB recommended
110 MB of available hard disk space
CD-ROM drive or access to a CD-ROM over a computer network
VGA or higher-resolution display adapter
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Other Operating Systems

MS Dos

MS Dos was the original hit operating system that Microsoft Co. created. MS Dos stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System. It is sort of a database type operating system that revolutionized computers. It included a directory command [dir] that allowed you to manage and locate files. Thanks to this feature it is very easy to manage files. It has a very simple interface and rarely encounters problems. It is usually the way to fix many Windows '95 problems because of it's ability to easily and "willingly" destroy files. Plus, it is a very simple interface and non-complex system that provides a fallback for Windows. The one problem with it was that it required you to know many commands to get it's full capability.

Windows 3.1

The second hit operating system the Microsoft Co. came up with. This also revolutionized computers and operating systems. It was based upon a "windows" system with a background and a system of folders (called windows) and a "program/file manager" that allowed users to manage and locate files easier. The file manager was an improvement on the directory command of Dos.

Windows 98

With it’s suspected release in late June of ’98, the latest update to the Windows Operating System has generated a tremendous amount of hype. This long awaited release is anticipated by everyone from a low-end PC user in Germany, to the Federal Trade Commission in the US. The overwhelming question on many PC users minds, is is it worth the hype? With Windows 98’s many new advances and updates, the answer is yes. Since it's release, it has sold more copies than expected. It is already a standard on almost all new PC's bought in America and largely around the world.

Some features of Windows '98© are advanced video displays and control panel settings, including the addition of a second monitor to view multiple applications at one time. Updated drivers and accelerated setup procedures make upgrading a breeze for the novice user. It has full compatibility with the new USB ports found standard on most of today's computers. It allows the PC user to maximize the PC's speed and hard disk space. It also provides almost instant upgrades for Microsoft products by way of the internet and Microsoft's webpage. Probably the most controversial of all it's aspects would be that it integrates the internet into the operating system. There are many misconceptions about this. Amongst these misconceptions is that you could crash your computer if your browser or internet connection failed. We're not yet sure who made this one up. It is not possible to do such a thing. If your browser or internet connection failed, Windows would automatically retry to connect to the internet. If this is not successful, you will (in the worst case) simply have a minor hardware or software problem with your modem or your internet connection.

The system requirements for this cutting-edge operating system are not as strenuous as expected. A low-end PC bought within the last 3 years would probably fit the bill.

System Requirements for Windows '98:

486/66MHZ or better (preferably better)
16 MG RAM (64 for optimal performance)
120-300 MB hard drive space
CD-ROM (DVD recommended for full use of video technologies)
1 or 2 VGA monitors and independent video cards
Microsoft Compatible Pointing Device (It doesn't necessarily have to be a mouse) and Keyboard