Re: QUESTION: Win95 vs. NT 4.0

[Matt Craver <MCraver -at- OPENSOLUTIONS -dot- COM>]

KDFisher [KDFisher -at- AOL -dot- COM] wrote:
>Which O/S do you think is a better environment for writers?  I've heard
that
>NT performance is wonderful; i.e., faster if you're multitasking and
working
>in a networking environment, but that there are some compatibility
issues and
>it can't run any16-bit apps.   I've also heard that Win95 will fill the
bill
>just fine most of the time.

NT has a new kernel, that is the operating system is not built on
various extensions of DOS, as is 95 (and 98, as well).  NT also has
better memory management and protects the hardware from direct access by
programs.  These factors make NT a more stable platform for
multi-tasking, and also means that NT is also faster.  Another important
issue is security.  IMNSHO, Windows 95 has no security in a networked
environment.
But as to "it can't run any16-bit apps", this is simply not true.  In
fact, our software is a 16-bit application that runs _exclusively_ on
NT4.0.  Some applications, particularly utilities and back-up programs
like Norton Utilities, are specific to NT or 95.  Many programs work
identically in both OS's, and those that aren't usually make versions
for both.  All-in-all, the "compatibility" issue is a bit of a
shibboleth.
I don't think that this should be an issue for a writer who is an
employee of a larger company - use what everybody else in the co. does -
you'll have fewer issues with sharing files.  If you are trying to
decide what to use and you are a freelancer, use 95 if you need to use
lots of different peripherals or want to play games on the same machine
(95 has better driver support), and NT if you want to run multiple, or
memory-intensive applications.
This is just my opinion.
-Matthew Craver,
Technical Documentation and Support
Open Solutions Inc.
Mcraver -at- opensolutions -dot- com