FREE Independent advice on buying and maintaining a home computer - PCAdviceNow

Operating Systems

If you are new to computing then you should choose a Windows Operating system either Windows XP (with service pack 2) or Vista Basic / Home premium.

Whilst Vista has sold well both in the USA and other markets, Microsoft have confirmed that XP 2 will be available and supported for the next couple of years as a result of direct PC manufacturer and consumer feedback.

The current challenge with Vista is that its still very new and due a service pack shortly to fix various bugs etc, in addition not all software programs will run with Vista. Check that the applications that you use are Vista compatable before purchasing your new computer.

Vista Basic does away with the new aero interface and offers some additional security benefits over XP, Vista Home Premium has the new interface which is good to use, however it does require a good specification PC in terms of memory and CPU. Vista Ultimate is for those who have to have the top version and professionals supporting specific applications. Not sure that you really need it for home use!

So the key differences are:

• Windows Aero interface in Vista

• Windows Sidebar for those of you who want to run little gadgets e.g. clocks on your desktop

• Media Player 11 (this also works with XP)

• Windows Search is improved in Vista, you are now able to search files from virtually anywhere

• Support for Direct x10 (See graphics section in Base Specifications)

There are other operating systems available e.g. Linux but unless your a competent user, I would not venture into this territory. Operating systems like these tend to require more computing knowledge and in some cases the GUI (Graphical User Interface) that you use to ask the computer to carry out your tasks and instructions is not as user friendly as Windows.