Remembering XP
Windows has come a long way since the early days of 3.1 and 3.11. Windows 95 marked the first time that the user interface had been drastically transformed into what we now know as Windows. The advent of the Start button and the accordion-like programs menu was a new way to view software and applications. Windows 98, ME and 2000 were very much similar to the previous flavors of the Microsoft OS, XP would be the next time we’d see an obvious change in the way windows looked.
The first time I can remember seeing Windows XP, I was blown away at the bright colors, 3D-like buttons and re-configured start menu. It was on an 800 MHz Hewlett Packard and at that time most users were still using CRT monitors and a ball mouse. That was more than a decade ago and programs have changed, hardware has increased in power and capacity and yet there are some who will hold on to XP until they are literally pulled, kicking and screaming from their 10 year old operating system. I am still a big fan of the aging OS, but I no longer feel the need to use it as my primary operating system. Sure, I might keep it in the closet and pull it out every few years for nostalgia sake, but to continue using it as my main OS doesn’t make much sense. Does XP still handle pretty much everything you can throw at it, yes, but there will be a point and it will come soon when it will no longer satisfy all our needs (e.g. RAM limitations).
Start Menu
To switch or not to switch?
Sure, you could make a great point for not switching from XP to Vista because of the software compatibility issues, driver support, performance drop and bad press, but with Windows 7, most, if not all of those things are no longer an issue. There will be some software that will not work, that’s a casualty of war. I have yet to find a device that I could not find a working driver, even though I know the problem of incompatible hardware does exist. I’m one of those who can’t wait for the next installment of something and Windows is no different. Usually, I have to sacrifice compatibility for a new UI and a few new features, that has not been the case thus far. In writing this article, I have honestly searched for a compelling reason to continue using XP, and other than a few programs that will not work on 7, I have found none. Windows 7 will even include a virtual XP mode to help businesses make the switch. Money might be a reason for not making the switch, but you get what you pay for and Windows 7 certainly delivers.
Windows Explorer
Before it’s too late
How will a world without XP function? I think we’ll be alright. We may not be there yet, but I think it’s coming sooner than we’d like to think. Why wait with those clinging to something that has served its purpose, but is quickly fading into history? Windows 7 is almost here and Windows 8 will not be too far ahead. If there ever was a time to abandon ship, that time is now and it’s Change you can believe in.
well said
I hope XP users agree with this, haha.
Windows 7 DOES deliver. I’m also one of those people who jump on the newest OS even though I may sacrifice some programs. But really, if you think about it, those programs that are incompatible are there better programs out that do the same plus more? That’s what I like to think.
I’ve finally made the move away from XP to 7 after computer meltdowns both at home and in the Office and I’m pleased (and most relieved) to say that I love it. I decided today to take a retrospective look at Vista, thinking that perhaps my loathing of it was a result of resistance to change rather than anything inherently wrong with Vista, but, true to the old adage, first impressions are often the right impressions. It is slow, awkward to navigate, frustratingly vociferous (with its excessive UAC prompts) and generally a head shaker. Win 7 by contrast flies on my 6 year old P4 and the dock certainly works a treat for frequent program management (especially in the two button world of Wintel). Nice work MS.
There is one program I miss, that worked on XP and doesnt work on 7 and that is “Folder Size”. It adds another column to windows explorer and calculates the sizes of the folders.
There are other programs which do that, but they dont integrate into the windows explorer and it’s a shame.
i doubt people with xp will switch to 7 when it comes out. my guess people will switch to windows 7 years after it is released.
The world will be fine without Windows XP. As long that Windows have a future. Without Windows the world may not be able to function properly. Microsoft Windows is by far the most popular operating system in the world. Even though it has some problems but still there are improvements that Microsoft can make. As you can see that Vista has problems and Windows 7 fixes it and plus with new features and Windows Touch. The world already functions fine without Windows 95. Windows 7 is already an excellent operating system. In the future with Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows 7 will become even a better operating system. The world is in danger with Windows XP. Windows XP is not secure. Windows 7 is more secure and also more modern operating system.
Windows 7 is an excellent operating system since Windows XP. While both Windows ME and Vista are the worst operating system. However, Windows Vista is the first redesigned Windows operating system since Windows 95.
The Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 is the one of the best features I loved in Windows 7. This pack is only available for touch screen computers. It is so cool and of course it’s based on the Microsoft Surface. There is a pond screen saver on the touch pack. This pond is similar to the pond in Microsoft Surface. All you have to do is touch it. When you touch the pond,your fingers create ripples just like touching a real pond.
You can play in the water without getting wet.
I can’t wait to test out Windows 8.