By Sam Kleinman
Windows is by far the most widely used software platform, but that doesn't mean that it's the easiest to understand. In the past couple of years, there have been a number of new Microsoft operating systems that appear similar in operation; however, they have quite different uses and target audiences. Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 (Server and Professional), and the upcoming versions of Windows XP (Home and Professional) all look and feel similar; however, they are very different operating systems with different intentions and specialties. Microsoft markets operating systems for the following purposes: business applications (workstations), server applications, and home/media uses. Unfortunately, an operating system that makes a good server doesn't necessarily make a good workstation or media powerhouse.
Microsoft has used two very different kernels for its operating system in recent years. Microsoft uses the Windows 95, 98, and ME (Millennium Edition) kernel (referred to henceforth as the 9x kernel) in consumer level operating systems for the most part; and the Windows NT kernel is used in operating systems that are intended for server and network workstations. Though a particular operating system may be intended for one type of user, there are cases when another type of user may find it more suitable for their needs than the operating system that's marketed to them. A word of advice: just because the box recommends something (with the exceptions of minimum system requirements), does not mean that you have to adhere to the advice.
The first couple of Windows versions were jokes. They were slow and confusing and, as a result, most people opted to stick with DOS. Like most Microsoft products, it took three tries, and after the third try, they made a very nice operating system: Windows 3.1 and its business counterpart Windows for Workgroups (3.11). There were a few differences between these versions, the biggest being that 3.11 supported networks and it ran quite a bit faster than 3.1. As a result, by the time 3.11 hit the scene, most people chose the business 3.11 operating system even though 3.1 was still available.