New Notebook Computers and Their Operating Systems: Which One to Choose?

When it comes to purchasing a new notebook computer, one of the first questions that might come to mind is, 'Which operating system should it come pre-installed with?' The most common options are Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and Windows Server 2012. Let's explore why a new notebook computer would typically come with Windows 10 or a similar modern operating system.

Windows XP: Outdated and Unsupported

Windows XP, released in 2001, is no longer a viable option for a new notebook. Microsoft officially ended support for Windows XP in April 2014. This means that it no longer receives security updates or support. Choosing a notebook with Windows XP today would expose users to significant security risks, making it a poor choice for anyone needing a modern computing experience.

Windows 8: A Legacy Choice

Windows 8, released in October 2012, introduced a new interface optimized for touch devices. While it was a common operating system for new computers in the years following its release, it is now considered outdated. Microsoft continues to support Windows 8 until January 13, 2023, but it won't be long before it too becomes obsolete. Therefore, a new notebook computer is unlikely to come with Windows 8.

Windows Phone 8: Designed for Mobile Devices

Windows Phone 8 is a mobile operating system specifically designed for smartphones and tablets. It is not intended for notebook computers, making it impractical and unrealistic for a user to find a notebook running Windows Phone 8.

Windows Server 2012: For Servers, Not Notebooks

Windows Server 2012 is an enterprise-level operating system designed for server environments. It is not intended for consumer notebooks and is typically used for managing network resources and services rather than personal computing. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that a new notebook computer would come pre-installed with Windows Server 2012.

Modern Alternatives: Windows 10 and Chrome OS

For the modern user, the most likely options for a new notebook computer are Windows 10 or Chrome OS. Windows 10, released in 2015, has gone through several updates and is the current mainstream operating system for most notebooks. Chrome OS, on the other hand, is a lightweight operating system designed for cloud-based computing and is commonly found in Chromebooks.

Addressing Your Questions

Question 1: Windows 8 was never very popular in the first place. How does a new user who is new to computing even know what this is?

Windows 8 became less popular as it introduced significant changes to the user interface, which many users found confusing and disliked. However, it was still a common choice for new computers for several years. For a new user, it might be familiar, but it is significantly less common than Windows 10 or Chrome OS.

Question 2: How did you know about Windows Phone 8? I didn't even know that existed.

Windows Phone 8 was indeed a mobile operating system, part of Microsoft's efforts to compete with Android and iOS. It was launched in 2012 and was designed for smartphones, not for use on notebook computers. Its short lifespan and limited adoption mean that many users are unaware of its existence.

Question 3: Although Windows Server 2012 is based on Windows 8, it is called Windows Server 2012. How would a noob assume it is Windows 8 and not Windows Server?

Windows Server 2012 is a completely different product with a specific purpose, which makes it unlikely that a novice user would confuse it with a consumer operating system. Furthermore, the differences in terminology and intended use make the confusion highly improbable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a new notebook computer would typically come with Windows 10 or Chrome OS, as these are the most current, supported, and user-friendly options available. Choosing an outdated or specialized operating system, such as Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, or Windows Server 2012, would be unwise for a modern computing experience.