About Windows Versions
Different Microsoft Windows Versions exist and many are not aware of the most
common ones. So this is my attempt to provide a basic overview of these
versions and their differences. It is not intended as an end all authority
about Windows Versions.
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Windows 2.x
This is pretty much an outdated version of Windows that was not very
stable or effective but worked on 16 bit systems. It frankly required too much
memory to work well and was more or less a MS DOS skin. Uses FAT16
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Windows 3.1x
This is another 16 bit version of Windows and was pretty stable but also
was a MS DOS skin or interface. It is still used on some older systems and
works reasonably well on about 4mb of memory with a 386DX processor or higher.
Uses FAT16
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Windows 95
Windows 95 was the for runner of most of the current versions of Windows
now in use. It works only on 32 bit processors and really did much to
activate the Internet. Works on 16mb of memory but likes 32mb or more if
possible. Uses what is known as the Windows 9x kernel. FAT16 or 32
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Windows 98 /98SE
The next progression of the Windows 95 operating system. It also uses
the Windows 9x kernel. Likes at least 32mb of memory on system to operate.FAT32
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Windows NT
Windows NT4 is the Network version of Windows 98. It has additional
support for more drives and computers over buiness networks. It also uses a
Windows NT kernel. Works best on at least 64mb of memory. FAT32 or NTSF.
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Windows 2000 Professional
This could be also called Windows NT5 as it also uses the Windows NT
kernel and is generally regarded as the most stable version of Windows.
However not all software and hardware work correctly with Windows NT generally
in the USB ports, some hardware such as scanners or printers, as well as some
games. In some cases updates to hardware drivers or games may be required.
FAT32 or NTSF.
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Windows 2000 Server
This is built on the Windows 2000 Platform but also include support for and tools for server function.
However since it is in the $800 range it is nor generally going to be used for home use in most cases, and given the fact Linux also will do most of the same things for free or a fraction of the cost many would be using Linux in the home or small server operations now... Should be run only in NTSF I would say.
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Windows ME
This may well be the last version of Windows that uses the Windows 9x
kernel. It has a few additional features on the Windows 98SE version such as
rollback and a look that tends to be newer. Works on 32mb or more memory. It
however tends to be slower than Windows 98SE and while in some cases is more
stable, but at the cost of some speed generally. FAT32
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Windows XP Home
Windows XP home is build on the Windows NT kernel, and is designed for
home use. It has most of the same features of Windows ME but is generally more
stable. It does have some downsides however such as a copy protection called
Product Activation that may be a problem to some users. It also allows or can
allow direct remote access to the kernel which can be a problem as far as
security. It can do FAT32 but will default to NTSF during the install process
so if you do not select to customize the installation you will have to live
with NTSF or have a hassle formatting back to FAT32 if you should desire to do
so.
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Windows XP Pro
Windows XP Pro is built on the Windows NT kernel, and is designed for
professional use. It has most of the same features of Windows XP Home but with
a few additions.
It does have
copy protection called
Product Activation like the home version. It also allows or can
allow direct remote access to the kernel which can be a problem as far as
security. It can do FAT32 but will default to NTSF during the install process
so if you do not select to customize the installation you will have to live
with NTSF or have a hassle formatting back to FAT32 if you should desire to do
so.
FAT means File Allocation Table and pertains to how the hard disk file system
works. FAT16 is a 16 bit file system which was used with MS DOS and hasa limit
of 8 characters in file names.
FAT32 is a 32 bit file system. Uses in Windows 95 / 98 / ME and can be used on
Windows NT and 2000.
NTSF is a file system that is considered more secure and can be used with the
Windows NT kernel but not the Windows 9x kernel so it's use is limited to
Windows NT/2000/XP. NTSF also has other advantages such as support for drives over 152gb, support for longer file names, support for larger files, and it also allows file indexing which will speed up disk seek times.
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Some basics about your system.
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Note: Windows NT 5.0 = Windows 2000 - Windows NT 5.1 = Windows XP
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