Windows Vista

* Sidebar- The Sidebar is one of the most significant graphical differences between Windows XP and Windows Vista. The sidebar is a dock that sits on the right side of the desktop that can have ‘widgets’ added to it that have extremely varied functionality. By default, Vista comes with a clock, calendar, as well as other basic computer functions, but there are many custom functions that can be downloaded from the internet. If your sidebar is turned off, go to start, all programs, accessories, and then click Windows Sidebar. If you want the sidebar to be visible above other applications, you can change the default setting from the appearance and personalization tab from the control panel.

* Better Security- Security was a key part of Microsoft’s plan when upgrading from Windows XP to Vista, but why do you never hear much about it? You do hear about it, but it’s not positive feedback most of the time. While Microsoft did indeed make the OS much safer by adding in their UAC (User Account Control) Settings, they also made it much more annoying. If you’re annoyed by the UAC settings in Vista, they can be removed by: going to control panel then User Account and Family Settings, Add or Remove User Accounts, Go to Main User Account page, Change Security settings, and then uncheck UAC. The UAC can be turned back on in a similar fashion, but more than likely you’ll just want to get an anti-virus program instead.

* Improved Search Options- One of the best changes that Microsoft made in the transition from XP to Vista was their improvements in the searching system. Locating files and folders in XP was often a clunky and painful experience, but no more in Vista. All you need to do is open your start menu in the bottom left and search for the file name, and your file will be found quickly and easily. Search speed was also increased and the searches parameters can be changed dynamically, or while you’re searching.

These are three options or services that Microsoft has provided to you that many people don’t know about. All three are widely documented on the internet if you require further information, but this article should have given you a good gist on some of the most crucial changes when updating your OS.

Photo Credits: Stijn Vogels

Originally posted 2009-11-05 03:20:07.

Linux

1. It’s difficult to use- One reason that Linux has not caught on as the operating system is that it’s perceived as being difficult to use. This is true to a certain degree as the installation and general ways to use the system are much more complicated than that of a Windows and OSX system. If you’re willing to learn, however, Linux is a very powerful operating system and may be perfect for you.

2. You Like Your Current Operating System- Linux offers many things that the other two operating systems don’t, but one thing that it can’t change is how much you’ve grown to like your current operating system. If you don’t want to go through the pain of reinstalling programs and copying files that’s good enough reason not to make the jump to Linux.

3. Support- One reason that average users should steer clear of Linux is the lack of support that they may become faced with. If you’re someone who relies on getting your technical support from Best buy, you may as well just go to the store and buy a Windows computer instead, because Linux isn’t the OS for you.

4. Compatibility- Many programs are starting to offer Linux support and many open source developers are filling the void left by not having some of the world’s most popular applications. Even with these signs of hope, however, it doesn’t mean that you will be able to go the store and buy a Windows based video game and be able to run it. Its problems like these that will haunt beginners.

5. Your Work Uses Windows- If you’re buying a new computer for the workplace it’s probably a good idea to stick with your Windows machine. If you’re required to run any program that is not natively supported under Linux it could become a pain to find an open source alternative or perhaps even impossible.

Linux isn’t a bad operating system by any means, and if you’re someone who likes software development it may be the perfect platform for you. If you are someone who simply wants a computer that works and will run common applications while having support readily available, then Linux is not for you.

Photo Credits: Extra Ketchup

Originally posted 2009-11-10 03:47:34.