Windows 98 Vs Windows NT Essay Research

Windows 98 Vs. Windows NT Essay, Research Paper

It is rather difficult to choose between main operating systems, which exist today. Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows NT belong to one and the same product family made by the same producer, Microsoft Corporation. However, looking so much alike, they have a lot of differences users have to consider. The main difference is that each operating system is used by different kinds of people, according to their goals and expectations. Primarily home users use Windows 98; still supporting business applications while Windows NT is used primarily by businesses, still having some possibilities for home use. Here, I will briefly describe both operating systems, pointing out their differences, along with advantages and disadvantages each system has. Also, some conclusions are going to be made about the benefits each system provides for different people and organizations.

First of all, let me describe the main features of Windows 98. After Windows 95 release, which was a boom, Microsoft started planning for a new version. Windows 98, or Memphis, as it was previously known, was not designed to produce the revolution on the software market. It was not even to outperform the success of its predecessor, Windows 95. It was made as a pre-step in developing totally new system, Windows NT. In comparison to Windows 95, there was no major user interface change. That fact made many potential users stay on previous systems, refusing upgrade. However, being just a .point. release, Windows 98 is one of the best systems, which ever existed. The philosophy is .extend and improve.. Nobody was trying .to rock the boat.. And the philosophy worked for this very system. The developers focused on four key areas where they achieved great success. The areas are as follows:

-Provide the best Internet experience possible.

-Deliver higher quality computing.

-Make computing more entertaining.

-Unlock the power of PC and accessories.

Now, let me focus on each area. First of all, Windows 98 ships with an integrated Internet Explorer Web browser and Web-view enabled Shell. This brings users the best Internet experience possible since the new browser is fast and convenient, and functions properly. Before Windows 98, a lot of people used Netscape Navigator, which was slow to load, memory hungry, and very unstable. Now, web-based Windows update tool is available, making updates easy as never before. Second, Windows 98 is faster and more stable than Windows 95, and programs load and run more quickly. Microsoft says it has made over 3000 improvements to Windows since this version of the product was first conceived and the attention to detail is obvious. Windows 98 also offers a new file system (FAT32) that adds more disk space, support for multiple (up to 9) monitors and faster boot-up and shutdown times. A wide range of automated tools keep your system running smoothly without any interaction on your part, making Windows 98 the first step toward a self-maintaining operating system. Also, Windows 98 includes numerous improvements to its multimedia capabilities, including the latest version of DirectX, MMX support, DVD support, and support for all the latest multimedia hardware and software. If you are a game player, Windows 98 is the ultimate games platform with full support for legacy DOS games such as DOOM and Duke Nukem 3D, as well as some OpenGL or DirectX games like Quake 2, Forsaken, and Unreal. Games and other multimedia software titles run faster and more reliably on Windows 98. The system incorporates support for the latest hardware innovations, including Universal Serial Bus (USB), force-feedback joysticks, digital cameras and video, scanners, 3D sound cards, TV tuner cards, and much more.

Now, let me move closer to Windows NT. I.m going to use Windows NT 5.0 also known as Windows 2000, as an example. Windows 2000 is a major upgrade, combining the best from both Windows NT and Windows 98 to produce the very latest operating system technology. Primarily targeted at the business community, it offers many benefits for the home user as well, particularly in the area of security. Installing Windows 2000 is easy, however transferring to this new operating system and taking advantage of all its powerful features can still be a very hard job. The system helps businesses to be more productive, by using user friendly Windows 98 like interface and Windows NT technology. In its improvement Windows 2000 focuses on four key areas, which have became the tradition of Microsoft. They are as follows:

-Work anywhere and anytime.

-Work the way you did with Windows 98, however much faster.

-Rely on your PC.

-Use the Internet better.

Windows 2000 and Windows 98 are quite similar and in the same time they are totally different. As I have mentioned above, Windows 2000 was built using graphical interface, similar to one used in Windows 98, however the technology differs. If Windows 98 is designed mostly for home users, then Windows 2000 suits more for businesses, from small ventures to large enterprises. It has many cosmetic changes in interface and windows applications, however they are not so important to focus on. Instead, let me focus on the key element, which is, increased productivity and reliability.

Aside from user interface differences the main differences between Wi