Alternative Operating Systems

Not really alternative, but I wanted to get your attention. Today, three of my customers were not using Windows XP. Two were Windows 98 and one was an older Macintosh. It’s always fun for me to keep my hands on some of these older machines to keep my mind agile.

I am always amazed at how functional and quick Windows 98 can be. One of the customers called because their 98 machine was running extremely slow. Within 90 seconds of sitting down at their machine, I knew what was wrong. She had upgraded to the newest and biggest version of McAfee Security possible. We don’t recommend the large security suites from McAfee or Norton for any computer, but for older machines they can mean pure death. It took her computer a full five and one half minutes to boot up with the McAfee installed. When we took out the McAfee and added AVG instead, the computer booted up in less than two minutes. She was amazed and satisfied.

My other 98 customer was having some problems printing from the Internet, but we eventually figured that out as well. After tweaking both Windows 98 machines, they both ran at speeds that some XP users would drool over. You’ve heard me say it a million times, but there is NO reason to upgrade your computer unless it no longer meets your needs.

The older iMac that I saw was fun to work with today as well because the Mac operating system is cool to work with after working with Windows machines all day. We plan on adding DSL to their system next week, and they look forward to learning more about their iMac.