How to Upgrade Operating System?

Operating System is essential for a computer to function. The Operating system (for example Windows) get updated very often and newer versions are launched at specified intervals. Windows for instance has many versions from windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP. The latest and widely used version is XP. By upgrading your Windows Operating System to the latest version enables you to use many latest applications. Computer will function more efficiently. For example users of Windows 98 can consider upgrading to Windows XP.

The price of the FULL version of the new OS will be high. But the upgrade version of the new version will be cheaper. You can buy these Upgrade CDs at a cheaper price and upgrade the OS in your computer.

Things to do before Upgrade:

Before you upgrade your OS, find out whether the hardware that you use in your computer will support the new OS. Always, for newer OS versions you will need a computer with higher processing power. Some older hardware devices may not function in the new OS. Even some older applications may not function in the new Operating System.

First take a list of all the hardware connected to your computer. The CPU speed, RAM size, Hard Disk free space are some of the details you need to check and see if these are sufficient for the newer OS. You can find the minimum hardware requirements for the new OS from the vendor’s website.

Generally while upgrading your OS there will not be any problems. However to be on the safe side, take a backup of your important data and copy it into a CD.

Upgrading the OS:

Once you insert the ‘Upgrade CD’ into the CDROM, the upgradation process will start automatically. Now choose ‘Upgrade’ option instead of ‘Fresh Install’ when it prompts.

While upgrading it prompt and ask you regarding the ‘File System’ to choose. It is better to use the same file system as you have been using all along instead of choosing a new file system.

For example, in a Windows 98 Computer, the file system you are using may be FAT16 or FAT32. When you upgrade to Windows XP, it will ask you whether you want to switch to NTFS file system. There is no doubt that the NTFS is a better file system but if you switch to this NTFS then you can never switch back to FAT 16 or FAT32 again. Therefore use the existing file system.

Things to do after upgrading OS:

After the upgrade process is over, check and see every individual application whether it works. If any of them doesn’t work then uninstall the application properly and reinstall them. If you cannot re install then get help from the application vendor’s website.

Also check and see if all the hardware devices function properly. If any of the hardware device does not function after upgrade then install the appropriate driver for the hardware. Get help from the manufacturer’s website.

Some old hardware maynot be supported in the new OS if that is the case then buy and upgrade your hardware device to the latest.