Windows
From MobileRead
Windows is the name of an operating system from Microsoft. The full name includes the name of the release. Historically it was a UI on top of the DOS operating system but more recent version include the full operating system. The versions in order of their release include: Windows 95, Windows NT4, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.
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Windows 95, 98, NT
These operating systems do not support USB devices so may have trouble with some utilities that need this capability. These are all destandardized and thus are not tested to work so you may have problems with current programs. Be sure the program states that it will work on one of these platforms before using it.
Windows 98SE, ME
These operating systems are no longer supported. They support USB but there may not be a driver for the program you are using. Programs you intend to run should be identified as supporting these platforms. You will need to install drivers provided by the manufacturer. Do not expect any needed drivers to be present.
Windows 2000
This operating system is still in wide use in business but not in home systems. Internally this is called Windows NT version 5.
Windows XP
This is the most popular OS on PC's today. It is available in several configurations for different hardware platforms. Internally it is called Windows NT 5.1
Windows XP64
This OS can have problems with devices and programs that use USB since there may not be a driver for your device.
Windows XP Home/Professional
Both home and professional editions are widely supported. Any Windows application you wish to use will likely work on these platforms. This OS on a laptop can provide a good portable reading experience except for the poor battery life and landscape orientation. A multimedia version is also available but the base OS is the same.
Windows Tablet
A Tablet PC can be a perfect eBook reader environment with the exception of poor battery life. Released in 2003. A special version (2.6.1) of Microsoft Reader is now available for this platform.
Windows embedded
This version can be custom configured for smaller devices and system requirements.
Windows Vista
This OS will eventually replace XP but currently it can cause problems with many applications because of the change in security features. It may be very difficult to install some applications and changes to the applications themselves may be required.
Windows Vista has 4 versions depending on the features, Basic, premium, business, and ultimate. A tablet version is also available.
Making Windows eBook friendly
Windows has some features that can be used to make it more friendly for eBook users. For example the Thumbnails feature can be customized for certain eBook formats.
For more information
See EBook software for information on what eBook programs you can use with your Windows machine.
http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx - for Windows products
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryDesktop.mspx - a history of Windows
Need to trim the size of Windows? Try Nlite or Vlite for Vista machines.
