This is a guest post by Lindsey Harper Mac.For college students young and old, choices like Ramon Noodles or cold pizza are not unheard of. After all, schooling is really all about learning how to make informed choices from budgeted meals to technology purchases. Though no definitive announcement has been made yet about the release of Microsoft’s next generation of operating systems, today’s scholars, particularly those older students taking online education courses, have some options to weigh in a relatively short matter of time.
Windows 7- or not?
For PC users, the numbers frame the situation facing businesses, schools and individual users. Ten years after its release, Windows XP still commands just under half-the market with Windows7 at a respectable 28%. Vista, XP’s intended successor, is not even reaching 15% in total usage.
While Windows 7 is strong in new computer shipments, 68%, a long shadow is cast over those ready to purchase new computers for next year’s school needs due to the impending release of Window 8. For those already in the workforce updating skills or certifications, those who may still happily be using XP or making do with Vista, the decision to upgrade, wait or stay put has many considerations to be addressed.
The Windows 8 Dilemma
The now classic hit by The Clash, Should I Stay or Should I Go, is the perfect theme for the dilemma facing those college students who won’t be connecting next year with a new PC equipped with the newest Windows operating system. If the tea leaves are on the mark, Microsoft will likely release Windows 8 so as to coincide with technology purchases by those beginning the traditional 2012 school year. Some industry watchers believe that the new system could be ready by as early as this coming April. This alone poses problems unique to the operating systems college-goers have now. Starting with the smallest overall share and moving up, the factors are pretty straightforward, though not easy to weigh.
1. Vista
Vista users, depending on how old their computer is, can choose to stick with the operating system. For those with an older system, say 2009 or older, the need to purchase a new computer with sufficient system capabilities may by a good investment if such a purchase is affordable.
2. Windows 7
Like Vista users, minus the likely heartaches endured if an early user, Windows 7 users may have machines with plenty of guts to accommodate any school system requirements. This is particularly good news for those older students who may not want to invest in a new computer or even the latest in technology. That can wait until the new job or promotion makes buying a new computer a more financially responsible decision. As most schools will lag in technology before approaching the capabilities of Windows 8, sticking with 7 will probably be just fine for the bulk of those currently using this OS.
Bad news. The most popular Windows operating system of all times, the one many new computer purchased prior to Windows 7’s release to subvert the Vista OS preloaded in their new computer, has its days effectively numbered. The biggest reason for this is that Microsoft will cease supporting this system in just over two years. Now, given the lag anticipated for schools to catch up to system capabilities meant for Windows 8, it’s probably a safe bet to eke out a year or two more before upgrading. By then, however, users should seriously look at skipping 7 and buying a machine with Windows 8, barring release issues such as those with Vista, which no one wants to recall.
Decisions, decisions
For students in the 18-24 age range with the necessary resources for buying a new school computer for next year, Windows 7 may not be the best choice if its successor has entered the stores. However, with the changes in student age profiles, users with perfectly fine machines and older, even beloved operating systems will have to put their critical thinking skills to use, factoring in a host of factors, not the least of which will be their graduation date!
About the Author:
Lindsey Harper Mac is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area and writes on behalf of an online education program. She specializes in technology and education articles. Lindsey is currently completing work on her graduate degree.
Windows 7- or not?
For PC users, the numbers frame the situation facing businesses, schools and individual users. Ten years after its release, Windows XP still commands just under half-the market with Windows7 at a respectable 28%. Vista, XP’s intended successor, is not even reaching 15% in total usage.
While Windows 7 is strong in new computer shipments, 68%, a long shadow is cast over those ready to purchase new computers for next year’s school needs due to the impending release of Window 8. For those already in the workforce updating skills or certifications, those who may still happily be using XP or making do with Vista, the decision to upgrade, wait or stay put has many considerations to be addressed.
The Windows 8 Dilemma
The now classic hit by The Clash, Should I Stay or Should I Go, is the perfect theme for the dilemma facing those college students who won’t be connecting next year with a new PC equipped with the newest Windows operating system. If the tea leaves are on the mark, Microsoft will likely release Windows 8 so as to coincide with technology purchases by those beginning the traditional 2012 school year. Some industry watchers believe that the new system could be ready by as early as this coming April. This alone poses problems unique to the operating systems college-goers have now. Starting with the smallest overall share and moving up, the factors are pretty straightforward, though not easy to weigh.
1. Vista
Vista users, depending on how old their computer is, can choose to stick with the operating system. For those with an older system, say 2009 or older, the need to purchase a new computer with sufficient system capabilities may by a good investment if such a purchase is affordable.
2. Windows 7
Like Vista users, minus the likely heartaches endured if an early user, Windows 7 users may have machines with plenty of guts to accommodate any school system requirements. This is particularly good news for those older students who may not want to invest in a new computer or even the latest in technology. That can wait until the new job or promotion makes buying a new computer a more financially responsible decision. As most schools will lag in technology before approaching the capabilities of Windows 8, sticking with 7 will probably be just fine for the bulk of those currently using this OS.
Bad news. The most popular Windows operating system of all times, the one many new computer purchased prior to Windows 7’s release to subvert the Vista OS preloaded in their new computer, has its days effectively numbered. The biggest reason for this is that Microsoft will cease supporting this system in just over two years. Now, given the lag anticipated for schools to catch up to system capabilities meant for Windows 8, it’s probably a safe bet to eke out a year or two more before upgrading. By then, however, users should seriously look at skipping 7 and buying a machine with Windows 8, barring release issues such as those with Vista, which no one wants to recall.
Decisions, decisions
For students in the 18-24 age range with the necessary resources for buying a new school computer for next year, Windows 7 may not be the best choice if its successor has entered the stores. However, with the changes in student age profiles, users with perfectly fine machines and older, even beloved operating systems will have to put their critical thinking skills to use, factoring in a host of factors, not the least of which will be their graduation date!
About the Author:
Lindsey Harper Mac is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area and writes on behalf of an online education program. She specializes in technology and education articles. Lindsey is currently completing work on her graduate degree.
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