So you decided to upgrade to Windows XP. Because of XP’s heavy system requirements, you had to add more memory to your computer. You even had to add a larger hard drive. You just found out that you will have to upgrade your anti-virus program and some of your utility programs. On top of that, you are really aggravated by the fact that some of your older programs are not supported.
The upgrade to Windows 95 and 98 was relatively easy compared to this. Has Microsoft lost their mind, making the Windows XP upgrade so difficult? No, Microsoft has just implemented a new master plan to move the computer industry forward, and, believe it or not, it may be the best thing that ever happened to the end user.
All previous versions of DOS and Windows were created with one important guideline - to be compatible with hardware and software in use at that time. This was known as backward compatibility. When Windows 95 debuted in 1995, computers cost over $2,000 and Microsoft realized that their new operating systems needed to work with the computers that were being used at that time because not everyone could afford a new machine. Backward compatibility was devastating to advancement as it kept much of the new technology at bay. While we had the capability to produce technologically advanced operating systems, many of the newer technologies were not implemented because they would not work with older computers.
With the price of computers plummeting, Microsoft, for the first time ever, has created an operating system with an eye to the future rather than a tie to the past. Yes, the system requirements of Windows XP are hefty. Yes, some utilities will need to be upgraded. However, by throwing out the need to be backwardly compatible, Microsoft was able to create a good stable operating system, which addresses the future rather than the past. New Windows XP features bring the latest technology to some of the more exciting new computer-related hobbies, such as working with photographs, playing music, and creating and playing video. XP looks to the future.
Microsoft realizes that even with lower prices, everyone will still be unable to purchase a new computer or even upgrade their computers to handle the powerful Windows XP. Yet, Microsoft has drawn a line in the sand, and that line, in the end, will benefit all Windows computer users, as computers move forward to perform exciting new tasks. By the way, Microsoft is not alone in their decision to look towards the future. Apple’s new operating system, OS X, was also created without concern for backward compatibility.
Buying a new computer with OS X or Windows XP preinstalled is by far the easiest way to benefit from these new operating systems. If you are trying to upgrade, you might be faced with some problems, but at least now you’ll know why.
