As of the writing of this article, I have worked with the following versions of Windows (ordered by length of use):

• Windows XP
• Windows 2000
• Windows 98
• Windows 95
• DOS
• Windows 3.1

The first computer I used was a Windows 3.1 PC. I will not explore this Windows version in this article (mostly because I was in grade school when I used Windows 3.1), but I can, in retrospect, relate the progression of Windows 3.1 to Windows 95.

Prior to Windows 95, I had used a word processor (think typewriter transitions to PC), but anyone familiar with basic word processors versus PCs understands that they are worlds apart. I picked up tricks and skills with Windows 95 quickly through a simple process: right click. Windows developers create context menus (the menu that appears when you right click) for everything, and within this menu is a list of actions that can be performed. By right clicking, you rarely do any major damage to your system, but you are able to identify certain tasks that most Windows components share. From this simple process, I began to understand how Windows arranges and interacts with its components.

Though I did limited research using my Windows 95 PC, I didn't begin to really understand the mechanics of software (including networking, installation, and maintenance) until I received my Rose laptop with Windows 98. The laptop was my own workstation, and I stretched it like putty. I learned how to release and retrieve IPs (common task with Windows 98 on LANs), how defragmenting and scan disk repaired the workstation, and the finer details of software [un]installation. I explored the full hard drive, playing with various files and options while mastering Windows' techniques. After my first year at Rose, I took a help desk position troubleshooting the Microsoft product MSN, and during this internship I became Microsoft certified in Windows 95/98 networking, which opened a new world of web application and networking skills to my arsenal.

This growing arsenal was called into action frequently, typically in the form of DOS (Windows command-line interface) interaction, as I fumbled with solutions to the innate troubles of Windows 98. However, I had to develop a new arsenal when I moved to Windows 2000, which resolved many of Windows 98 unfriendly issues. As an aside, I will note that many issues were resolved with Windows NT, a precursor to Windows 2000, though I have no direct experience with Windows NT. Stability and an interface geared towards proper administration are the characteristics of Windows 2000. Though software support seemed limited at first, Windows 2000 quickly grew to be an acceptable server alternative for many administrators. Though many basic features had changed from Windows 98 to Windows 2000, the features were still present--perhaps in a more reliable form. However, with the embarrassing failure of Windows ME (which I have experienced, but consider unworthy of mention in this article), many clients remained with familiar Windows 98. Klynt Gerde, another Rose and Neoteric colleague, missed the Windows 2000 upgrade fad (though never fully supported by Rose's IT staff) and moved straight from Windows 98 to Windows XP.

Most workstations and clients, as of the date of the articles, come preinstalled with Windows XP. Microsoft's newest version was an acceptable answer to many Windows 98 users who wanted a more stable PC. Though Windows XP came loaded with new features, I prefer to disable most of them. In a comparison between Windows 2000 and Windows XP, I often consider moving back to Windows 2000, which a Neoteric workstation continues to run. However, once we understand that Windows XP aimed to be a blend of both a reliable workstation and user-friendly client, it's power and appeal becomes apparent.

Now that we have reviewed my credentials for both Linux and Windows, I will begin with my own comparison of the two juggernauts.