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Jul - Computers and Technology - Favorite Windows versions New poll - New thread - New reply
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Which Windows versions are your favorites?
Windows 3.x or earlier
 
 5.7% of users, 3 votes (9.7%)
Windows 95
 
 1.9% of users, 1 vote (3.2%)
Windows 98/98SE
 
 17.0% of users, 9 votes (29.0%)
Windows Me   0.0% of users, 0 votes (0.0%)
Windows NT 3.x   0.0% of users, 0 votes (0.0%)
Windows NT 4.0   0.0% of users, 0 votes (0.0%)
Windows 2000
 
 5.7% of users, 3 votes (9.7%)
Windows XP
 
 35.8% of users, 19 votes (61.3%)
Windows Vista
 
 3.8% of users, 2 votes (6.5%)
Windows 7
 
 30.2% of users, 16 votes (51.6%)
Multi-voting is enabled. 31 users have voted.

Danika
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Posted on 04-18-10 12:04:20 AM (last edited by Schala at 04-17-10 09:11 PM) Link | Quote
Which Windows versions are your favorites?

The first Windows version I used was Windows 3.1 in middle school, and I didn't really like it that much; I found 95 to be much better, in my opinion (I preferred the Explorer interface over Program Manager).

I thought the first version of Windows 98 was terrible, as it was known for its unwanted Internet Explorer integration, which made people who wanted Netscape or another browser forced to install IE on their computer with Windows 98. Several months later, 98 Second Edition (basically like 98 SP1) was released, and the IE integration was toned down somewhat... it was one of the reasons I stayed on 95 until 2001. =/

Windows 2000 was also pretty good, and was a popular choice for those who couldn't run XP due to a lack of disk space, processor speed or RAM. I still think they should have released 2000 Home and 2000 Pro, like they originally intended (but it was delayed until XP for some reason...) since Windows Me was a mistake edition (98 SP2 or 98TE, basically... they should have stopped at 98SE instead. =/)

I was a late adopter of 2000 and XP, not getting Windows XP until buying a new computer in late 2006, and then it started to have problems within a few months (older HP computers are definitely better than newer ones... this one has been working fine for 12 years yet the one I bought in 2006 didn't last one year before the XP install went kaput.)

I got a Mac shortly after, since I was desperate for a new computer. Two years later, I started to put my eyes on Windows 7, and started to think about a new computer to replace my 2007 iMac. I decided to buy a custom-built computer this time, since I felt it would be the better idea... =D

So, I'd have to say... 98SE, 2000, and 7 are my picks for my favorite Windows versions. =D

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Posted on 04-18-10 12:09:54 AM Link | Quote
My first Windows was 3.1, and after 95 and 98 came out I still generally preferred how 3.1 worked. Even today, I prefer folders full of shortcut icons over the Start menu. I liked being able to type a destination for copying in File Manager instead of having to use the clipboard. I liked being able to exit completely to DOS for games and programming.

Windows 98 in particular caused me a lot of grief with BSODs and general slowness. I didn't think it was much better than Windows 95 and didn't like all the Active this, Active that, integrated IE (we used Netscape), etc. I liked the NT versions of Windows better though (except for games), starting with 2000 at school. XP I thought was a step down from 2000 in some ways with the kiddy default theme, and I don't like how Windows Update worked on XP, so I ended up turning it off

Vista wasn't as bad for me as a lot of people said, and I'm enjoying 7 so far for the most part although I prefer the classic taskbar.

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Posted on 04-18-10 12:10:38 AM Link | Quote
Three favourites? hmmm..

My first favourite is obviously Windows NT 3.51, simply because its the last version of windows that still kept the Windows 3.1 GUI interface and the Program Manager shell, though I never actually used this OS during the early days of Windows, and I can run some modern programmes but not all of them when using NT 3.51.

My next favourite is Windows 7, the so-called superbar is really nice and has helped me switch over from using the program manager shell I liked using in the early days of windows, though I don't got any other good thing to say about Windows 7, it does feel more responsive than Vista and I can run many of my programmes just fine.

And last but not least, Windows NT 4 was a great OS to use in the early days, though it lacked usb support but back then I didn't have any usb devices so it didn't matter years ago, I still think its just as good as Windows 95 in my eyes.

And that's about all I can say about my favourites.. :/
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Posted on 04-18-10 12:41:50 AM Link | Quote
Okay, let's see... I've had good experiences with Windows 98, back when it was running on my only computer. I had a lot of fun with that machine (three monitors ) and it didn't bluescreen anywhere near as often as some people seem to complain about.

I've only used Windows ME with some old Gateway laptop. It would crash at random, possibly because the laptop was garbage. I was disappointed at the lack of Windows 9x-style shutdown screen. (It's fun to modify those.)

Windows 2000 has some pretty horrendous usability issues, mainly related to the fact that it's not at all intended to be used outside a company network.

Windows XP is nice, except for a few really stupid internationalization mistakes. Being able to make it look like Windows 98 is a plus, and the stability and usability in 32-bit Professional edition is great.

Windows Vista and 7... Show me how to make them look like Windows 95 and I'll be a lot happier. Some of the interface changes are improvements, but I don't want everything to be so shiny. I also like the functional 64-bit support. I haven't used either very much, so I'm still undecided.

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:23:20 AM Link | Quote
Supakitsune
Originally posted by Joe
Windows Vista and 7... Show me how to make them look like Windows 95 and I'll be a lot happier.
Er, not entirely sure why you're so obsessed with Windows 95's UI, but sure.
Right click the desktop, choose Personalize, and choose the Windows Classic theme.
This won't change the Explorer look back to its pre-Vista/7 self, but it's close, I guess.

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:35:21 AM Link | Quote
It's too bad that you can't get rid of that Show Desktop button at the bottom-right of Windows 7, AFAIK... then my Windows 7 would look almost like Windows 9x/2000... =/

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:39:54 AM Link | Quote

If microsoft did make that a toggle option, chances are some people would be turning that off, but I don't see a problem with the desktop button since I'm using aero glass obviously, but for those using the classic scheme its completely understandable if one is trying to get it down to what windows used to be like.

I still wish microsoft kept in the classic start menu for Windows 7, but I guess I'll live without it, and I'm aware of alternatives that can provide its own classic start menu, its just not the same if I can't have a native classic start menu though.. :/

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:42:02 AM Link | Quote
Supakitsune
Originally posted by MilesHayashi
If microsoft did make that a toggle option, chances are some people would be turning that off, but I don't see a problem with the desktop button since I'm using aero glass obviously, but for those using the classic scheme its completely understandable if one is trying to get it down to what windows used to be like.

I still wish microsoft kept in the classic start menu for Windows 7, but I guess I'll live without it, and I'm aware of alternatives that can provide its own classic start menu, its just not the same if I can't have a native classic start menu though.. :/
Yeah, that did get on my nerves.
Getting rid of both the classic start menu and the classic logon screen is kind of annoying...
I'm more annoyed at the loss of the classic logon screen, though.
I don't use the start menu that often, except for the Start Search, actually.

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:45:12 AM Link | Quote
I have to say Windows 7 and Windows 98 SE. You can never go wrong with either.

Also, what is up with the background of the page?

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:50:16 AM (last edited by MilesHayashi at 04-17-10 10:52 PM) Link | Quote

Originally posted by Supakitsune
Originally posted by MilesHayashi
If microsoft did make that a toggle option, chances are some people would be turning that off, but I don't see a problem with the desktop button since I'm using aero glass obviously, but for those using the classic scheme its completely understandable if one is trying to get it down to what windows used to be like.

I still wish microsoft kept in the classic start menu for Windows 7, but I guess I'll live without it, and I'm aware of alternatives that can provide its own classic start menu, its just not the same if I can't have a native classic start menu though.. :/
Yeah, that did get on my nerves.
Getting rid of both the classic start menu and the classic logon screen is kind of annoying...
I'm more annoyed at the loss of the classic logon screen, though.
I don't use the start menu that often, except for the Start Search, actually.


Losing the classic logon screen did annoy me too, I can no longer customise it to the way I want to. The old msgina/gina interface was nice until microsoft replaced it in vista with something that is supposely better. But instead I changed the Windows 7 logon screen background with one of my own, there's a string in the windows registry that can be changed and it appears to be mainly intended for OEM use, but as long as I can change my logon background I'm happy, still wanted the classic logon screen though.

Edit: I found the link that shows how to change the Windows 7 logon background:
http://www.blogsdna.com/2698/you-can-customize-windows-7-logon-background-officially.htm

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:51:31 AM Link | Quote
I like the Show desktop button itself, but I don't like how resting the mouse pointer over it will minimize everything temporarily until you move the mouse off it. IMO, resting the mouse over something shouldn't be enough to initiate an action because it's so easy to do accidentally.

Another reason why I prefer Windows 3.1 menus.

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:55:04 AM (last edited by Milly at 04-17-10 10:57 PM) Link | Quote




#51
I've used:
- Windows 95 (1997-2000)
- Windows 98SE (2000-2001)
- Windows 2000 (2001-2002)
- Windows XP (since 2002)
- Windows Vista (at work, since 2007)
- Windows 7 RC1 (not enough to say much about it)
- Windows 3.1 and NT 4, at school (again, not enough)

Windows 7 seems to be a definite improvement over Vista, but that doesn't mean much I still don't feel a need to upgrade from XP, and I hardly even use any XP features (ClearType, and that's about it, I use the classic theme and login) ... I'd still be fine with Windows 2000 if it had ClearType and ran programs that require XP SP2 or SP3

I'd only use Windows 95 or 98 over 2000 for the DOS compatibility and lower requirements, 2000 just felt better (more stable, at least)

Even for 64bit, all I'd gain is RAM, and 3.25GB is still more than enough for now ...


So my vote would go to XP, with 2000 as a close second

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Posted on 04-18-10 01:59:18 AM Link | Quote
I'm customizing my 98SE installation to look more like a hybrid of Windows 2000 and XP right now, using a combination of 98SE2ME, KernelEx, and Revolutions Pack 9. I find that it runs much faster than 2000 SP4 on this machine, and with KernelEx, I can run some newer software (such as Opera 10.5x, but sadly not Google Chrome =/), and Revolutions Pack 9 adds the Windows 2000 icons and performance tweaks. =D

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Posted on 04-18-10 02:36:37 AM Link | Quote
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Metal_Man88's Post
Windows 3.11 for Workgroups: Network support, limited 32-bit app ability, not a bulky hunk of garbage, only a few general protection faults.

Windows XP: Stable, versatile, fast, beats out Vista and 7.


And I hate the early 95 layout: It was dopey, loaded with pretentious music that annoys you every start-up, and treats you like a red-headed stepchild by constantly pointing at things with annoying arrows.



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Posted on 04-18-10 02:45:15 AM Link | Quote
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Posted on 04-18-10 05:19:01 AM Link | Quote
Originally posted by Supakitsune
Originally posted by Joe
...
Er, not entirely sure why you're so obsessed with Windows 95's UI, but sure.
I dislike everything being shiny and/or brightly colored.

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Posted on 04-18-10 08:27:07 AM Link | Quote
Paulguy's Post configuration
Your layout is mostly white and light grey, though.

Also, takeown.

Anyway, I selected 7, XP and 98, specifically SE.

98 was fun and alright back in the day. XP was quick and simple. But I like 7 for the compatibility with newest programs and it doesn't seem slower than xp. I also like the spotlight thing they have on the start menu.

I always use classic theme.

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Posted on 04-18-10 09:06:53 AM Link | Quote
Had tried every version in this poll, except the non-SE version from Windows 98 and NT 4.0.
I really like Windows 2000 Professional, although I only used an old licence on a secondary machine. Even with little resources on that the operating system ran surprisingly well.

Most satisfied I was with XP in the long run, it was stable. The only gripe was working with a restricted account. By default even "Run as ..." is a potential security hole and you may use something like MakeMeAdmin to eliminate those risks, but I think Microsoft fixed this with Vista and 7.

Currently this machine runs Windows 7. I would have stayed with XP, but upgraded for those reasons:

- 4 GB of RAM in a new computer. So to fully utilize them, I needed a x64 licence anyway, as my versions only support 32bit and a newer OS might utliize the resources in a better way than an older one
- Cheap student offer. Around 40$ for either Home Premium or even Professional was a fair price imho. Back then paid twice as much for XP Home, and used it for years.
- Opinions from friends. Except one they didn't like Vista at all, but were very satisfied with Windows 7, until now at least
- Having no experience with SATA drives and the installation of XP, I just didn't want to experience any hassle with it (if you have no floppy and have no experience to include the driver into the XP install CD); built the new machine in December 2009 and until then I still had an old motherboard with IDE support only

Current favourite operating systems: Windows 7, some time I had Kubuntu set up in dual-boot, as well.

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Posted on 04-18-10 11:56:16 AM Link | Quote
It took a bit of tweaking (and Service Pack 2) but I actually like Vista the best out of the ones that I've tried.

I haven't tried Windows 7 yet, though I'd be a bit leery of it because a few of my games/programs/my monitor supposedly have problems with it. Stability is one thing, stuff I use not being able to work is another.

Before Vista I used XP and loved it to pieces, so it's probably the runner-up in my book.

Before that was 98SE/Plus. I'm not quite sure what to make of either of those, though I really did do most of my early internet surfing on 98SE.

Hated 95, though having a piece of shit computer didn't help much.

I guess before that was just DOS. Hmm...

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Posted on 04-18-10 08:40:16 PM Link | Quote

  • Vista and 7 are probably my favorites. Vista was EASILY the most stable from my experiences... I laugh at the fact that I used to dread it. 7's only been a tiiiny notch down, but other than that it still feels a bit more polished than Vista.

  • 98SE. I always craved using this version and actually ended up with a machine that runs it as its primary OS, despite being used to much better machines. Fond memories as well with using it on machines that weren't mine.

  • 95. I remember getting a machine with it in 2002... I had so damn much fun with it. I seriously don't think anything can top the experience of using a semi-recent version of Windows for the first time, save the first few weeks I got my G4 as well.

  • XP. I've spent the most time on it, learned it the best. It's okay, really... it's nice and speedy, but you really have to break it in for it to be really nice. (such as uxtheme hacks and plenty of other customization) I've also run into some negative experiences (and heard of others) with it, though nowhere near as bad as I've experienced with 64-bit Windows. Still, though, when it works, it works well.



I've also had some decent experiences with ME, though I haven't REALLY used it long enough to be able to pass a solid judgement on it.


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