When considering which desktop computer to buy there is often something integral that gets easily overlooked: the operating system. While most prospective computer buyers often put more stock into processor speeds and video cards, it’s the operating system that dictates how well a computer and the software within will work for you.

After a long stretch of lackluster and unimpressive operating system upgrades Microsoft seems to have hit upon success once more with the Windows 7 operating system. The idea was to create a smoother, easier operating system that does all the things you want it to do, without having you jumping through unnecessary hoops to achieve them.

A desktop computer with Windows 7 means the time it takes your computer to boot up or power down will be cut significantly. It is their goal to liken starting your PC up to turning on your television, which would be a remarkable feat. Multitasking and managing several programs at once will also be easier with a new task bar. Basically, if you didn’t like Windows Vista, Microsoft has worked to improve, fix, or extract all the things that frustrated you. If you are still one of the millions of dedicated Windows XP users refusing to upgrade, you may finally have the operating system successor you’ve been waiting for.

For the casual PC user, this operating system aims to streamline everything and allow for a more pleasant and less convoluted experience. This means your online experience as well as your word processing will be smoother. Easier and faster is the goal here.

Compatibility was also an issue when Windows XP begot Windows Vista. Windows 7 aims to avoid conflicts meaning your software, new and old, will “play nice” with your computer. An operating systems stability is pivotal to it’s success and so far Windows 7 has shown itself to be up to the challenge.

Windows 7 is also user friendly in the sense that it tries to stay out of your way whenever possible. Where Windows Vista was constantly trying to offer unwarranted suggestions, Windows 7 lets you decide when you do and don’t get help. This means less stopping and starting in between reading pop up bubble after pop up bubble to do what you already know how to do.

If you’re looking for a reliable computer from a reputable brand, you can get one from a number of different companies. Computers by HP, Compaq, Dell or Acer are selling for around $500. All these brands will give you plenty of speed, memory, hard drive space, and CD/DVD software burning. You can also get a PC for around $200 as well, but these tend to be bottom of the line brands that don’t exactly inspire fiscal confidence. The aforementioned brands tend to shy away from producing low end computers due to their tendency to fail more frequently.

Try to avoid being talked into extravagant extras and add on features. If you didn’t want it in the first place, chances are you don’t need it now – no matter how cool that salesperson makes it sound. Do a little research, bring a friend in the know along with you perhaps, and make a wise, informed decision. For the casual home user you should have more than you need with the brands I suggested, and with Windows 7 running on them, it will be a fast, easy, and reliable experience, which is everything a computer promises to be, but so often falls short of achieving.

This post is tagged with: acer, compaq, dell, hp, windows 7, windows vista