What makes Windows XP different from Windows 95 / 98 or NT? Specifically, will windows XP home fulfill a windows 95/98 or NT requirement?

What makes Windows XP different from Windows 95 / 98 or NT? Specifically, will windows XP home fulfill a windows 95/98 or NT requirement?

Yes and maybe.

Yes if you're doing as I did; replacing an older (and creaking) PC running WIN 98 with a new one with XP preinstalled.

Maybe (if you're upgrading). XP will eat up more in terms of memory and speed than 98. So, if you're upgrading from 98 to XP you just might run into some difficulty with your applications unless you upgrade your system.

It's not that XP won't accomodate applications that ran on earlier Windows operating systems, it's that XP requires more out of your PC.

What you want to guard against is running XP ok, but not being able to run, (efficiently) application software.

What I would do is go to the Microsoft home page and look for the section devoted to XP and check out its
hardware requirements. Then after you've determined what's needed, check out the requirements for your application software.

That's the long answer.

The short answer is, of course, if you're buying a new PC w/XP preinstalled (probably with a host of freebie applications) you'll most likely be fine (and you can always run any application issues by a *knowledegable techie).

*which is not me.

One of the primary differences from the user's perspective is Windows XP is a much more stable operating system than Windows 95 or 98 were. I have had my XP system for about 18 months and I cannot remember a single "program crash". With Windows 98, it was not unusual to have 3-4 or more a day.

Both replies are correct. WinXP is markedly more stable and flexible than Win95/98-- as I recall, its main predecessor is WinNT (a server-oriented OS-- designed for heavy, processor-intensive use). It does indeed use up more system resource to ensure that stability. I have XP at home and on my office PC, where I'm running some very processor-intensive mathematical software. I haven't had a crash yet.

HOWEVER-- I have had problems running XP on an AMD Athlon laptop (system freezes). Currently I'm running on two Pentium machines and having no problems at all. Pay a little extra and kick up your machine's memory for a li'l insurance. 512 MB memory is good; I have 1 GB on my home laptop and it's practically ideal.

And as far as Win 95/98 program compatibility with XP-- the "maybe" answer is correct (Microsoft would probably claim complete "backwards capability", ha ha). In my experience, however, I've found that the "old" programs will not run, or run very poorly, under XP. Invest in the newer versions of the software-- you'll be a lot happier.

Sorry, I didn't provide enough info. I have a new computer with XP pre-installed. I'm looking at a freelance job that says, among other things, it requires windows 95/98 or NT. Do I have a problem?

Well, if you're using their equipment and they still have Win95/98 machines in their shop, I'd run. I still use WinNT at work (disclosure: I work in software development and quality assurance), so that's fine. Since you can use WinXP, you will know how to use the relatively primitive Win95/98, so you should be fine.

Best to ask them exactly what "requires Windows 95/98 or NT" and why.

Many older programs and hardware (printers, scanners, etc.) are not compatible with XP. In some cases, you cannot use them at all. Others can be installed and will operate if software updates or drivers are available and XP "certified".

Many companies use proprietary or custom developed software programs that will not run on XP (and that they are not willing to incur the expense necessary and aggravation required to modify them).