Windows™ XP Professional

Windows is what most people use... for now at least. Windows XP is the most stable version out of all versions I've tried. I've used 3.1, 95, 98 1st and 2nd Ed., 2000, and XP Pro and Home. XP does, however, require quite a bit of setup to get it to work with few enough flaws to be worth using. For instance, you've gotta install Firewalls and Anti-virus software just to avoid getting one of the many viruses targed toward PC users. Windows XP is intuitive, and user-friendly. It has the widest software support and program availability. Some 90%+ of web surfers use Windows. For this reason, I've still got my PIII 1.13GHZ Vaio laptop running XP as well as a virtual version of Pro in Virtual PC on my Mac. I guess I can never totally loose my Micro$oft products... but they just won't be my products of choice.

Screenshots:

My Desktop

XP in Virtual PC

Tips:

1. Start Fresh
   If you purchased a computer with XP pre-installed, try re-formatting and starting with a fresh install of the operating system. Pre-installed PC's usually have a ton of useless programs, ads and spyware that can potentially slow your system down. (Note: be sure you've got the original install discs PRIOR to reformatting.)

2. Keep up-to-date with your Virus Definitions
   I Recommend AVG Antivirus from Grissoft. It pretty much does everything for you, including updating itself (as an option). Never had a virus while using AVG... had quite a few as soon as I stopped using it.

3. Remote Desktop Client for Mac
   If you're on a Mac, and want to talk to PC's, use Remote Desktop. It's MUCH faster than Virtual PC, especially if you have a decent system for your PC and a fast network connection.

 
↑ Top