Choices, Choices...

With the continually growing market for computers, companies are trying to keep up with the latest additions and gadgets.  One way they does this is by creating or enhancing an operating system (OS).  I currently have two different OS, one on my laptop and one on my desktop.  Here I will describe some of the various features of the 2 OS.  First, my desktop which is a Windows 7 Home Premium.

1.  One of the interesting features that Windows 7 has is its capability to create a home group.  With this application, the user can easily connect 2 or more PCs so that all are connected to one group that makes sharing and printing from multiple locations easier.  This system is security password protected and all documents can be adjusted for varying levels of privacy and sharing.  Here is a quick video to explain more:    
2. Another feature that Windows 7 has is the ability to watch Internet TV in one general location.  This feature collects many of the shows and videos from various websites on the Internet and puts them in one general location under the Windows Media Center.  Another plus, a TV tuner is not required.  Although most of these videos are free, some like Netflix do cost.  However, having all the sites in one location is very convenient, especially when it is sorted by genre. To the right is the screen you will see when you first open the Media Center.   
3. The Windows 7 OS also has 64-bit Support. This is a large plus for the computer because not only can it handle more RAM and memory, it can also help the computer run more quickly and efficiently when many programs are operating at once.  All of the Windows 7 packages (except home basic), are equipped with 64-bit support, but also compatible with 32-bit systems.  One can check compatibility on their control panel.  
4. A unique feature that Windows 7 Home Premium has is Shake.  This feature allows the user to quickly de-clutter their workspace by simply clicking on the pane of the screen desired to remain up and shaking, making all the others collapse to the space bar.  This feature is part of the new Aero experience.  To the right is a video to future explain.
5. A nice security feature that Windows 7 offers is Parental Controls.  This feature allows the user to control when, how much, and what children are allowed to do on computers.  This feature is also in the Windows Media Center, so questionable material can be blocked.  The Windows Live Family Safety is a free programs that complements the Parental Controls, which helps manage websites and provides convenient reports about activity on-line.

 The information for the above is referenced from: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare


 My second operating system is for my laptop, which is the Windows XP OS.  This system also has many nice features.  Here I will explain 5 of them:

1. The first feature is Faster User Switching.  This allows the user "fast user switching using terminal services to maintain a separate user state for each user currently logged on to the system".  This is quite handy because it allows for multiple users on one common computer to use the applications and software without having to shut out of the first user's account. This feature can be found by clicking the Windows Icon in the task bar and selecting the "Switch User" choice.
2. Another feature is ClearType. "ClearType is a mechanism for drawing on the screen that takes advantage of the ability to address at the sub-pixel level on color LCD screens. Text displayed in ClearType appears sharper than when drawn using the standard anti-aliasing technique which is also supported on Windows XP" OS.  This feature can be very efficient and increase productivity for the user optimizing this feature.  To the right is an example.
3. GDI+ is also a new feature for the Windows XP OS.  GDI+ is a new graphics library that builds on the pre-existing GDI capabilities.  GDI+ is a set of class libraries that allows for easier integration into C++ programs. GDI+ also has interesting features of its own including, "gradient brushes, persistent path objects, scaleable regions, and a matrix object".  This application is much more efficient and convenient than the simple GDI application, which will help in all other aspects of the computer's functionality.  
4. Windows XP also has Outlook Express 6 installed.  This allows users to more easily send and receive messages, be apart of newsgroups, organize contacts, and even set up a daily, monthly, and yearly calender.  This allows the user access to many organizational features and applications to increase productivity.  
5. Plug and Play is also found on the Windows XP OS.  This feature is to help users to have access to support for installing devices on computers in the users network.  All the user has to do is insert a Plug and Play device and let the computer do the rest of the work.  The device knows how to install, allocate, and maintain all the features needed for the device.  

This information for the above is referenced from: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc302210.aspx and http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb490837.aspx