If you are running Windows XP on your computer, you have a few choices about whether you should upgrade to a new operating system. Here are a few choices to consider:

1. Stick with XP. After all, it’s what you’re used to. Many people still have Windows 98 on their computer and will probably never upgrade. You might be considered stuck in your ways and missing out after a while, but it will be several years before XP is considered obsolete. Microsoft will continue to support XP until April of 2014, so it’s not impractical to keep XP until then. Even after Microsoft no longer supports XP, you can still use it. Web applications and new programs may not be compatible with your computer and your computer will eventually perform significantly slower than newer ones, but if you are comfortable with what you have and don’t use it much, you might not have any problems. If you do, you can always upgrade then.

XP currently holds over half of the market share of all operating systems (including Mac and Linux) combined. As you can imagine, no one’s going to try to get rid of XP quickly, so you should have to rush either. Keep in mind though, that it might be helpful to at least learn about Windows 7 and how to use the new layout and features. You might learn that it’s not so bad and decide to upgrade. Even if you don’t, other people and businesses, like libraries or your workplace will start using Windows 7, so you don’t want to be clueless when using those computers.

2. Upgrade to Vista. If you think it would be better to upgrade one version at a time, it might sound reasonable, but it might not be worth it. Although buying a Vista operating system is less expensive than Windows 7, you will end up spending more when you eventually upgrade to Windows 7. Vista and 7 are almost identical, except 7 has improved Vista in many ways. So why switch to a new, but faulty operating system when a better one is available. If your goal is to save some money, just wait a year or so to buy Windows 7, and most likely the price will have reduced some. XP is still supported by Microsoft for three more years, so you have time.

3. Upgrade to Windows 7. This is what Microsoft would of course prefer for you to do. They even offer an “XP mode” that will allow you to run older programs that were designed to work with XP. This way you don’t have to miss out on everything you used before. On the other hand, switching to Windows 7 also means your computer will be compatible to all the newest, coolest gadgets and applications that are currently available. Once you make the switch and get accustomed to the new layout and features, you rarely miss the old versions.

Keep in mind that many computer technicians warn against immediately upgrading to the newest version of anything from Microsoft right away, like the operating systems or Internet Explorer. Many times, hackers create viruses and bugs to attack Microsoft systems, because far more people use Microsoft than any other operating system. This means that Microsoft products tend to have more security vulnerabilities. Also, Microsoft often has bugs and kinks to work out of a newly released product, so many techs will recommend waiting a year after the initial release date until you use the newest version of Microsoft products.

4. Switch to a different company. You may not have realized this, or not given it much thought, but there are many operating systems other than Windows. Although a very small number of computer users use anything but Windows, Macintosh (Apple) being the next largest user group, it’s certainly a possibility. Keep in mind, though, that some applications and websites are not compatible with operating systems other than Windows, although marked improvements have been made recently to change this.

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Written by Hannah Miller, Online Marketing Representative and Customer Service, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online at www.copper.net! Check out my blog for more articles!

If you are like the majority of computer users, you are using a Windows XP operating system. Even though Microsoft Vista has been released since 2007, more people are still using XP than any other operating system by any company combined. Now, since October 2009, the latest version of the Windows operating systems is Windows 7.

Before XP, Windows released a series called the Windows NT’s. Even after they stopped using this name (the last one being Windows NT 4.0) Windows operating systems were still being created with the NT code base. Therefore, Windows 2000 was technically Windows NT 5.0, XP was also known as Windows NT 5.1, and Vista was Windows NT 6.0. In case you wondered where the name came from, Windows 7 is the seventh version of the NT code base operating systems.

At first glance, Windows 7 is very much like its predecessor, Windows Vista. The interface (named Windows Aero) is much like Vista’s—sporting high-quality graphics and desktop gadgets, a circular Windows emblem button in place of the green “Start” button, and redesigned, sleek windows.

There are a few minor, but intriguing and useful features new to Windows 7 that have added to the interface and its usability. If you like multitasking, you probably find yourself working with several windows open at once. This can get confusing, especially when you when your taskbar is full of tabs for open windows and you don’t remember which is which. Here are a few things you can do:

*Hover over each tab along the taskbar to see a preview of the webpage or program to help you find the one you want without losing the layout of the windows as they currently are.
*Drag windows to the edge of the screen to automatically resize them or to compare two windows at once.
*Click the “Peek” button on the desktop to “see through” all your open windows to see your background, check out a desktop gadget, or find a hidden icon.
*Click, hold, and shake your mouse on any given window to minimize all the windows but that one. Shake it again to get all the windows back!

Another new option is to “Pin” certain frequently used files and programs to your taskbar for quick access, without adding another icon or having to clutter your start menu.“Homegroup” is another new feature that makes networking home computers and devices like printers safe and easy.

You may be apprehensive about upgrading to Windows 7, especially if, like most people, you are still using Windows XP. Many people had problems with Windows Vista, both amateurs trying to adjust to the adjust to the new looks and features, and professionals concerned with its speed and stability. Because of this, and the fact that XP was the latest version for 6 years before the release of Vista have added to many doubts about new upgrades. Windows 7 has set out to combat some of the technical issues brought up with Vista, and, although 7 does offer an “XP mode” that will run older programs, the layout is here to stay. Adjusting to the new design is probably the biggest hurdle, as Windows 7 was designed for ultimate usability. For more information about Windows 7, check out Microsoft.com/windows7.

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Written by Hannah Miller, Online Marketing Representative and Customer Service, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online at www.copper.net! Check out my blog for more articles!

Microsoft has been extremely influential in the growth and use of computers and Internet service. Since the very early stages of computer development, Microsoft has been creating products that were adopted by software and computer designers, which promoted the growth of acceptance as a standard for operating systems (OS’s) among computer users. Microsoft holds nearly 90 percent of the market share for operating systems used today! The majority of computers sold today have a Microsoft’s operating system, Windows, installed on their computer.

Before Windows operating systems were developed, computer ran with DOS, or, disk operating system. Basically it was just a black screen with white characters and a cursor. Users would type commands or use keyboard shortcuts and prompts (like Ctrl+Alt+Delete) to perform all computer tasks.

For example, to open a program or perform a task, you would type a combination of letters on your keyboard and press “Return” or “Enter”. The program or task would open a similar page with more white characters on a black screen. You could navigate through the options with arrow keys, or type another command to exit or open another command. A cursor would indicate where you can type more commands. The display upon turning on the computer was in a linear format, so you could only perform one task at a time. Previous commands would be higher on the page, disappearing off the top of the page and new commands  displayed underneath.

You can still see and use the original DOS display format and perform tasks that can now be done with mouse clicks. To open the DOS command window, click Start>All Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt. Type “control” and push enter. This will open your Control Panel window. Close the Window

Microsoft bought MS-DOS (Microsoft-Disk Operating System) in the early 80’s, and this was the beginning of the operating systems the majority of computers use today.

GUI, or graphical user interface was a significant development that changed the way we compute. Graphics, like colors, desktop display, icons, and buttons would replace DOS text commands. Instead of typing a combination of letters and hitting “Enter”, you now just double click an icon with a mouse.

Although the first GUI display on mid-80’s computer fade in comparison to today’s high resolution, colors, and animation, it was a big improvement from the black screen with white letters! This is where the Windows operating systems we know today began.

The name “Windows” represents the transition from DOS format to GUI format. Programs and settings now open in its own frame, or window, which means that you can switch back and forth from one programs to another, and as technology improved, have multiple windows open and running at the same time.

The latest Windows operating systems are astounding and complex in comparison to their late 80’s, early 90’s predecessors. As each new system was released, computers were faster, more colorful and aesthetically-appealing, safer, and easier to use (that is, except for the time it takes to learn new methods and layouts!).

In October of 2009, Microsoft released Windows 7, a crisp, fast, safe, and elegant OS that is hardly recognizable in comparison to the first GUI operating system from 20 years ago, Windows 3.0. For more information about the versions and features of Windows operating systems, go to microsoft.com.

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Written by Hannah Miller, Online Marketing Representative and Customer Service, Copper.net.

Copper.net is a nationwide Internet services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online at www.copper.net! Check out my blog for more articles!

When you connect to the Internet or perform computer tasks, many elements of hardware and software are necessary to make all this possible. Each program you run on your computer to complete tasks is considered application software. Software is necessary for hardware to perform the tasks you ask it to do, like print a paper or connect to the Internet. Not only that, software is also responsible for maintenance and performance tasks that you are probably not even aware of. The most basic tasks and functional level software that enables the computer to function and run application software is called system software.

Your operating system is a core component of your computer’s system software. It is responsible for the look and feel of your computer, how it operates, and how it is compatible with hardware and application software. There are many operating systems created by many companies and function, just like there are hundreds of brands for clothing and food. Although they perform many similar functions, they layout and programming is different among these companies. Most people use Windows operating systems (like XP, Vista, and the newest one, Windows 7). Although most computers are sold with Windows operating systems, there are actually quite a few operating systems created by dozens of companies. The two most popular operating systems used today are Microsoft’s Windows, and Apple’s Macintosh.

Operating systems are responsible for getting the hardware to do what the user wants. It is also the mediator between the hardware and the system software that runs it, and the application software that needs to run on it. For example, the operating system allows you to open a word document (application software) to view on your monitor (hardware).

There are other background tasks your Operating system handles, like processing input and output, implementing security features, and managing memory. This is a primary reason that operating systems are constantly being upgraded. Every time new technology allows for better processing speed and storage space, etc, for hardware, the software has to be upgraded to keep up and take advantage of the new and improved capacity! Therefore, a new operating system is necessary.

Operating systems are also the interface the users see when they turn on their computer and operate their computer. The layout, options, features, and how the basic computer system is organized is a part of the operating system. For example, the way your desktop looks is one of the key elements of an operating system. On a Windows XP operating system, the start button is a rectangular green button and the taskbar is blue. On a Vista or Windows 7 operating system, the start button is a black or dark blue circular button with only the Window’s emblem on it.
Changes to the GUI, or, the graphical user interface (the layout, default colors, buttons, features) is another reason operating systems change over time. Whether it’s a new way to organize or just better colors and features, operating systems often have different layouts than a previous version.

As you can see, your operating system is responsible for most of your computer processes. It is also constantly being improved (or at least changed) and upgraded by their designers. These changes are an inevitable part of progress and an undeniable part of technology.

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Written by Hannah Miller, Online Marketing Representative and Customer Service, Copper.net.

Copper.net is a nationwide Internet services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online at www.copper.net! Check out my blog for more articles!