BTM Computers - Articles
February 17th 2010
Vista? Windows 7? But I like Windows XP!
From what I have gathered from talking to, well, most people, is that they really are not too fond of Windows Vista. People started using XP and eventually got used to it and how to use it and then bam, here comes Vista! Then not long after, bam, heres Windows 7! For some it's like, what the heck is going on? Why the rush? Well the truth is that Windows XP came out in 2001 and we are now in 2010. That is 9 years. For technology that is a looong time. Now, do I like Windows XP. Yes. Why? It is not as bloated as Vista and 7. It is pretty straight forward and reliable. Is it as pretty as Vista and Windows 7? No. Do most people care about that, mmm, probably not. It is nice but not needed.
The reality though is, when it comes to technology, it will always be changing. If we want to use it and enjoy it, we are going to have to learn some things here and there. If you own a computer and don't want to learn anything about it, your expereince will be a frustrating one.
It is kind of an unspoken given that you need to have some basic computer knowledge to be able to use one effectively. It amazes me that some people spend $800 or more on a computer system and can barely turn it on! Now, I am not trying to belittle anyone that has little computer knowledge. Different generations will have varying degrees of computer knowledge and this is fine. If I was part of the baby-boomer generation, I would most likely not care much about learning about computers. What I am getting at, is this is ok and I enjoy helping others and educating a little here and there. It is rewarding for me. I know computers can be fun. They can help us learn, inform us, be entertained, and all that. I want to help that be a better experience for people.
So back to the case at hand.. XP is going bye bye whether we like it or not. Vista is here and moreso Windows 7 is here. We need to learn how to use them. Microsoft doesn't sell XP any more. It is still available at some stores (what is left of their stock that is).
So, try at least to embrace what is new. The exciting thing about technology is that it is changing. It is ok that it is. I understand how it can be intimidating. It is not hard for me to put myself in someone elses shoes who has not been brought up with all this computer stuff and again, that is ok. I would be happy to try and help answer any questions when I can.
32-bit or 64-bit?
There are two bit types of Vista and Windows 7. 32-bit and 64-bit. What does this mean? Well to make a long story short, 32-bit is more compatible with older programs but limits memory upgrades 4GB and only 3 to 3.5 GB is useable and 32-bit not utilize the full power of newer processors. 64-Bit utilizes full power from the processor and is upgradeable to 8GB and all the way up to 192GB depending on your version of windows! So which should you use, 32-bit or 64-bit? I would say for most people 32-bit is still the way to go. 64-bit versions of windows require 64-bit applications, though some 32-bit applications run ok, many do not. This can be very frustrating. Programs you use to be able to run fine may not work anymore. That older printer may not run because its manufacturer did not make 64-bit drivers for it and walla, now your printer won't work. Many people who have had a 64-bit version of windows ended up getting 32-bit because of compatibility issues. 3-3.5GB of memory utilization is plenty for most people and should help Vista or 7 run well. So give them a shot. And in closing, is Windows 7 better than Vista? From what many people are agreeing on, 7 has some must needed improvements. Gimme more time and maybe that topic will be in the next article.
Adios :)
Brian
The reality though is, when it comes to technology, it will always be changing. If we want to use it and enjoy it, we are going to have to learn some things here and there. If you own a computer and don't want to learn anything about it, your expereince will be a frustrating one.
It is kind of an unspoken given that you need to have some basic computer knowledge to be able to use one effectively. It amazes me that some people spend $800 or more on a computer system and can barely turn it on! Now, I am not trying to belittle anyone that has little computer knowledge. Different generations will have varying degrees of computer knowledge and this is fine. If I was part of the baby-boomer generation, I would most likely not care much about learning about computers. What I am getting at, is this is ok and I enjoy helping others and educating a little here and there. It is rewarding for me. I know computers can be fun. They can help us learn, inform us, be entertained, and all that. I want to help that be a better experience for people.
So back to the case at hand.. XP is going bye bye whether we like it or not. Vista is here and moreso Windows 7 is here. We need to learn how to use them. Microsoft doesn't sell XP any more. It is still available at some stores (what is left of their stock that is).
So, try at least to embrace what is new. The exciting thing about technology is that it is changing. It is ok that it is. I understand how it can be intimidating. It is not hard for me to put myself in someone elses shoes who has not been brought up with all this computer stuff and again, that is ok. I would be happy to try and help answer any questions when I can.
32-bit or 64-bit?
There are two bit types of Vista and Windows 7. 32-bit and 64-bit. What does this mean? Well to make a long story short, 32-bit is more compatible with older programs but limits memory upgrades 4GB and only 3 to 3.5 GB is useable and 32-bit not utilize the full power of newer processors. 64-Bit utilizes full power from the processor and is upgradeable to 8GB and all the way up to 192GB depending on your version of windows! So which should you use, 32-bit or 64-bit? I would say for most people 32-bit is still the way to go. 64-bit versions of windows require 64-bit applications, though some 32-bit applications run ok, many do not. This can be very frustrating. Programs you use to be able to run fine may not work anymore. That older printer may not run because its manufacturer did not make 64-bit drivers for it and walla, now your printer won't work. Many people who have had a 64-bit version of windows ended up getting 32-bit because of compatibility issues. 3-3.5GB of memory utilization is plenty for most people and should help Vista or 7 run well. So give them a shot. And in closing, is Windows 7 better than Vista? From what many people are agreeing on, 7 has some must needed improvements. Gimme more time and maybe that topic will be in the next article.
Adios :)
Brian
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