Installing and Upgrading Client Systems

The chapter describes how to install and upgrade client systems. The client version of Windows is the version that is purchased and installed on personal computers such as desktop computers, laptops, workstations, and tablets. Windows Server operating systems are purchased and installed on stand-alone physical servers, blade servers, and virtual machines. Windows XP merged the consumer-oriented Windows 9x series with Windows NT/2000, while introducing a redesigned user interface that included the Start menu, Internet Explorer 6, and Remote Assistance functionality. As a result, Windows XP became one of the most popular client operating systems in history. Microsoft attempted to replace Windows XP with Windows Vista, which had an updated graphical user interface and improved security. Unfortunately, Windows Vista was not well received, and it failed to overtake Windows XP. To overcome the shortcomings of Windows Vista, Microsoft released Windows 7, which offered increased performance, a more intuitive interface, and fewer User Account Control pop-ups. A user interface (UI) is the part of the operating system, program, or device that users use to input and receive data, and to tell the computer what to do.