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Windows has been around for years in various different version but in this present time, although some people still like Windows 2000, the most commonly used household Operating System is Microsoft Windows XP. With the recent release of Windows Vista, Microsoft will be hoping that this will very quickly take over. Although things have started off slowly with Vista in the end it is going to be the majority of peoples next step as long as the major bugs get addressed and the 3rd part hardware and software vendors get the market flooded with Vista compatible products.

When you buy your shiny new computer it will usually come with a factory install of the Operating System installed on the hard disk. At this point all the system files will be in a good condition, the programs on the unit will have all been tested to work OK together and the system will be running nice and cleanly. But from the minute you first turn the computer on it will be constantly changing with the system files getting updated with user data, internet connections downloading updates, programs adding and changing files, internal and external hardware being installed and all sorts of nastiness coming in from the internet.

At some point pretty much everybody ends up having some sort of problem with some of their programs. This is because with so many different companies and private people making software and with the Operating System constantly being updated through Automatic Updates it is inevitable that there will be problems with compatibility between various mixes of programs. Going back to a shop or manufacturer after a reasonable period of use and saying they are selling poor equipment because you have ended up with software problems or because you are unable to configure your Operating System is a little harsh at best.

The simple fact of the matter is that even though most hardware may come with warranties you need to take responsibility for your own software. This includes the Operating System, even if it came on a computer you have purchased, after all would you have bought the computer if it had come with no Operating system? In essence this just comes with the system and it's your job to get it configured to how you personally want to use it and to make sure that you keep it in a good working condition. The amount of people that seem to be quite upset that they have lost data from some virus or malware on there computer even though after their 3 free months of virus protection ran out they could not be bothered to pay for the protection still amazes me.

There are always ways to try to fix problems but when you have software problems sometimes the quickest and most straight forward process is to re-install the Operating System. In this section of the site you can find information on the re-installation process of Windows XP and Windows Vista for if you find that you are going to need to run through this for the first time.

You can also find basic setup information for some of the most common things people are using there computers for these days.

Windows XP Install / Re-Install
Windows XP InstallInstalling Windows XP is pretty straight forward if you are used to the process but if the worse comes to the worse and re-installing your Operating System is the best way forward then you should not be afraid of giving it a go even though it can be a little daunting if you have not done it before.
This guide will run through the process of what happens when running through the re-install process.

Windows Vista Install / Re-Install
Windows Vista InstallThe process of installing Windows XP had not changed a great deal from the installation of Windows 2000 so it was pretty familiar. When Windows Vista was released the installation process, although in terms of tasks carried out is quite similar, has a new user interface that most people did not recognize.
This section runs through the Windows Vista installation process for those who are unsure on upgrading or how to carry out a re-install of this OS.


XP Wireless Lan Client
XP Wireless ClientSetting up a wireless link to an Internet connection is one of the most common things people are trying to do. If you have done it before or know the general basics then the process is pretty straight forward.
If you do not know what you are doing or where to put certain settings then knowing where to start can be frustrating. This page runs through the basics of the XP wireless client, this is the program built into Windows XP to control your wireless network connections.

Vista Wireless Lan Client
Vista Wireless ClientWindows Vista has a new tool to help monitor your home network called the Network and Sharing Center. From here you can access the Vista Wireless client.
When you have got used to the way Vista handles wireless networks things can be straight forward but as with any newly released Operating system finding your way around and fixing the bugs can be quite annoying. This page runs through how to set up your wireless connection in Vista.

If you feel anything on this site is misrepresented or inaccurate please let me know.

Thank You to those that already have, your input is appreciated and most welcome.