The Computer Upgrader - Check Operating System

Check the operating system

The operating system (OS) is the most basic level of software after the BIOS. It manages the computer's hardware, as well as running all of the other software on the system. Thus it affects every other aspect of your computer's performance.

At this point, if you are running Windows 98, you should definitely think about upgrading to a new OS. With 256Mb memory, and Windows 2000 or XP installed, you will have a *much* more reliable computer. We do not recommend Windows ME for any purpose.

If your computer is running Windows 95, you can probably upgrade to Windows 98, which will allow your computer to run newer software, and talk to modern printers, scanners, etc. But if you need to run the latest software, you should certainly consider skipping 98 entirely and getting a later model computer capable of running at least Windows 2000. Recycle this one and pick up a $300 replacement on ebay.

Linux and Mac users should keep their systems up to date by downloading the latest revisons from their respective websites. (see sidebar)

Get Microsoft operating systems here.

Get Mac OS software here.

Get linux for the PC here: Redhat, Suse, etc. YellowDog linux for the Mac here.

There are several different kinds of operating systems that one can have, and several different versions of each kind. The kind most commonly used in the home are the Microsoft family of operating systems, which include DOS, the Windows operating systems, and the Windows NT operating systems.

Another option is the Unix family of operating systems, including most recently Linux, a free Unix-clone available for many different types of computers.

Macintoshes have their own OS, predominately limited to Macintosh systems. More information on MacOS can be found at http://www.apple.com. What operating system is best for your computer depends heavily on your system's processor speed and RAM. With Unix and derivative operating systems, this will mostly determine whether or not you can run the system with the X graphical interface, while with Windows, it will determine whether you can run the operating system at all.

Most older computers, from 233 Megahertz and up, should be running at least Windows 98, which requires a minimum of 32 megabytes of RAM, and runs best with 128 or higher. Windows 2000 and XP are slightly more system intensive, which means that they require slightly more in terms of RAM and clock speed, running best on a system with around 128 to 256 megabytes of RAM, and clocked to at least 350 megahertz. Windows NT and Millenium Edition are virtually identical to Windows 98 in terms of RAM and processor usage. Windows 95 has slightly lower requirements, but also offers lower stability and functionality.

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