So Microsoft Has Released Yet Another Operating System. How Many Does That Make Now, And Which Ones Were Good ... And Which Ones Were Lemons?

There've been ten main versions of Windows, in chronological order:

Windows 3.x - thumbs up. There was just no comparison to DOS.

Windows NT 3.x - thumbs down. Memory was expensive back then, and compatible software and hardware were scarce.

Windows 95 - thumbs horizontal. Some good points, but some bad points, too. Ever tried to install a card for networking or sound on '95?

Windows NT 4.0 - thumbs up. Looked like '95, felt like '95, worked better than '95.

Windows 98 - thumbs up, especially for the Second Edition. While NT 4.0 was still the best choice for the workplace, '98 worked a treat for home users.

Windows ME - thumbs right down. Bugs a-plenty, and everyone wondered how it was going to cope with Y2K. Or vice-versa.

Windows 2000 - a definite thumbs up. Heaps of support, excellent drivers ... even after seven years, some companies wouldn't swap it for ...

... Windows XP - a wobbly thumbs up to start with, which turned into a definite thumbs-up for ...

... Windows XP Service Pack 2, which cured many of the hiccups that had plagued its predecessor.

And as for Vista, well, the jury's still out on this one.

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