What Was The Best Windows Operating System?

[Quenched]

Microsoft have released many Windows operating systems, and Windows 11 being the most current one. 

 

But what would you say was your favourite edition?

 

By that I mean the best operating system to use from a user friendly way?

 

Mine would be Windows XP, that really was for me the most difficult to be forced to give up due to when support ended, it became impossible to use from a security point of view. 

 

Worse ever one for me was Windows 8, which forced users into using it with a whole different interface, which was over complicated and unnecessary. 

 

I think for me Windows 7 took quite a bit of beating, but the king of Windows for me really was XP. 

 

 

[Buenchico]

I find myself largely agreeing with the rankings here:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-versions-windows-of-all-time/

If you go into Curry's, they'll obviously try to convince you that it's absolutely essential that you only use Windows 11.  Then, when you hand over your money, they'll record the transaction on their own computers, which aren't running Windows 11 (or even Windows 10).  Curry's own in-store computers actually run Windows 7! 🖥 😊

[Roobaba]

Good question.. don't get me started on my Microsoft thoughts about what their operating systems are like to use from a users perspective. I have experience of using early PC's back in the day, I used Acorn computers but started with the Sinclair ZX81 soon progressed to my firm favourite one of the first batch of BBC 'B' personal computers.. programming in BASIC. Things were so much simpler and easier back then, so that's what I look for in a computer these days. My user experience is important Microsoft tries to get us to do what they want us to, I do not do what anyone wants to me to do unless it's the good thing to do.

So, I agree with Buenchico in as much as rankings are likely to be in some way useful, but as I don't click on links online unless I am certain of the final link destination I'm not sure what his rankings are unless posted on AB here.. I'd say my favourite is Windows 7 but beyond that it's what you get used to. I now have my first Windows 11 laptop been setting it up, usual hassle stupid requests, much worse now than in the past I would say.
Windows 8 I agree was the worst for me, but Windows 10 is not what I would consider friendly for a basic level computer user. Everything is sooo frustrating, please clever people out there design us a perfect simple to use computer.. no doubt working with AI.. why can't we just speak to it, it says 'your wish is my command oh master' and it does whatever I ask in no time! :O) 

 

[1ozzy]

Windows 3.1

Followed by 98

Guess I'm old 😩

 

[drmorgans]

 

I wish Microsoft wouldn't bundle loads of "new" stuff with their latest offering. Often they're playing catch-up, so trying to impose Edge when we all have our preference for a browser such as Chrome or Torch.

 

[1ozzy]

Windows has become too invasive for me these days, trying to insist on what apps I use, upgrades I dont want, upgrades that destroy what I've set up that works for me. Microsoft can get ***.

I don't need a computer these days, my Android phone does everything I want to do online.

[1ozzy]

And doesn't give me any grief !!

[theshedman]

It's XP for me, being not young I found it quite easy to use.  Talking of Currys when I bought my latest laptop with Windows 11 installed I was asked if I wanted the new version of word but said I would carry on using my old one version 2003 professional and they said it would not work with Windows 11.  Didn't buy new version from them but put my old one on and guess what, it works fine.

[davebro3]

XP (pro) best for me - still have it on an old laptop.

W10 might not be too bad when they stop doing support upgrades - freezing my laptop for ages, not telling me what's happening & no way to stop it!

[barry1010]

My machines update overnight, don't have problems and only noticed because I have to switch them back on.

I've been using Windows since 3.1 but can hardly remember what the previous versions were like, we quickly adapt.

[netherfield]

Without a doubt it was XP, although 7 was good as well, easily the worst for me was Vista and 2000, never had 8 so can't comment. 

Also used a programme called Lotus 123, far easier than Excel, but Microsoft eventually defeated it.

[drmorgans]

 

My "career" goes back to SuperCalc and though it's been tinkered with still does everything most people would want. I also liked WordStar but that was replaced with word-processors that were more like DTP programmes.

 

 

[barry1010]

WordStar - when WYSIWYG was a new, big thing, a huge advance really.

Now taken for granted and forgotten.

[sandyRoe]

May I ask a question?

I've been given an old Samsung laptop which runs on Windows 7.

Signs appear sometimes saying you may be victim of software piracy.

Would it be worthwhile updating?

[bhg481]

I've got 2 computers running Windows 7 and 1 running W10 and 1 W11. I much prefer 7 but avoid external websites involving money.

[netherfield]

Sister In Law has an old laptop, not used for a few years, on W10. Ever since the update from 8 the dvd drive stopped working. Last week I managed to get all her photos off on to a USB stick, from the computer and dvds she made over the years. We tried a USB dvd drive and that won't work either, although it works fine on our computers, I looked on the Microsoft site and it appears this was a problem when moving to 10, but to quote the site ' this problem has been retired now'. Seems a shame to not be able to sort it out, although for today it is poorly specced, a celeron processor and little memory.

[barry1010]

Updating to what sandyRoe?

You could try running it on Linux

 

[Quenched]

sandyRoe, 

Personally I would ignore those signs, as its their way of making you spend money and upgrade.

But if everything is working ok, its best left as it is. 

 

Microsoft support would have ended now for your laptop, buts its no big deal.