How To Buy a Windows Operating System

Introduction

Microsoft's Windows operating systems are integral and important in the lives of many people around the world. One statistic pointed out that about 80 percent of computing devices around the planet operate using a Windows product. However, it should be noted that operating systems by Apple and Google are taking market share away from Microsoft in various segments. Nonetheless Windows is generally king of the OS.

Although consumers and businesses are dedicated to the Windows product, from a software perspective, most users commonly change hardware devices more frequently. People upgrade to newer computing systems and devices as hardware becomes obsolete. If you are one of these type of users, you should consider the five following hardware examples and scenarios as you go to buy the Windows operating system software.

Step 1

Buy the Windows operating system on a desktop or laptop PC. This is the most traditional way of obtaining the OS. The software is usually installed by an original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, such as Dell, HP or Toshiba. The benefit of purchasing the OS through is a vendor is that you may be entitled to technical support from the OEM that is in some ways less of a hassle than, than if you tried to get tech support directly from Microsoft. It's the one year standard warranty offered by the OEM that usually includes free software and hardware technical support.

 

Step 2

Buy the Windows operating system on tablet or netbook PC. This are basically smaller, scaled down versions of a fully-featured laptop computer. Many consumers are moving away from bulky laptop computers, and Microsoft offers scaled down versions of the OS that can run on less powerful tablets and netbooks. For example, laptops can easily support Windows 7 Home Premium edition, but tablets and netbooks might only be able to support Windows 7 Starter edition.

 

Step 3

Buy the Windows operating system on smartphones. Windows 7 "Mobile" is the name of the editions that appears on cellphones and smartphones. You find these hardware devices at cellphone service providers, such as AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. Alternatively, you can visit the website of the companies that manufacture these mobile devices, such as Samsung, HTC and LG. Here again, if you need technical support, it is easier to go through the cellphone carrier rather than attempting to contact Microsoft about problems with the Windows operating system.

 

Step 4

Buy the Windows operating system on a video game console. This is relatively new concept, but if you are an avid video gamer, then consider buying a console that supports the Windows operating system, such as Microsoft's Xbox Kinect system.

 

Step 5

Buy the Windows operating system as an upgrade. If you don't want to buy new hardware because you feel your existing system is working perfectly fine, then simply upgrade to new version of Windows. However, double-check to make sure you system meets the hardware requirements of the newer version.

 

Tips

Be sure to register your copy of the Windows operating system after you buy it on a hardware device. Registration, is not required, to activate the software, but it's good just in case you need to prove that you are the owner of the license or product key.

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