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With the release of Windows 8 consumer preview, my thoughts turn to how quick and unpredictable Operating Systems (OS) have been. I remember the fluke that was Windows Vista, which prompted PC manufacturers to package their systems with an OS other than Windows, giving Linux's Ubuntu a try. I recall Windows 7 being the savior and fix for Vista, and how before Windows 7 most people reverted back to XP.

I digress. Today the general public is more aware of their options for an OS, and with that awareness consumers are able to choose an OS that fits their needs, thus changing the market dynamics of OS's. Here is an overview of the world's top PC operating systems.

To kick this off, let's start with a definition of what an operating system is and does.

An operating system, or OS as it is commonly called, is the main software that manages the hardware and programs of a computer. It provides the user with an interface to interact with the hardware and programs or applications installed on your computer.

That is the simple explanation. If you would like more of an explanation, check out this google search OS definition.

Windows alone makes up 80% of OS usage, according to WS3's OS Statistics. (Please note that these statistics are gathered from PC's that have accessed the internet.)

Until August of 2011, Windows 7 was behind or tied with Windows XP in terms of use percentage. As of January of 2012, Windows 7 now accounts for 47.1%

Even within this operating system we see several variants, with varying degrees of features available. It would take considerable time to explain in detail all the differences, so instead I give you a list of editions and a link to Microsoft to better understand the differences. Note that some of these editions may not be available in your country. Currently the following editions are available for Windows 7:

• Starter
• Home Basic
• Home Premium
• Professional
• Enterprise
• Ultimate

Since I won't be going into detail about these variations, I will point out a few of the features that make Windows 7 a unique and worthy experience, found to the right.

The requirements for running Windows 7 are (taken from Microsoft's website):

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Coming in at 31.4% of OS usage is the ever faithful and stalwart, Windows XP. When Windows Vista flopped, it was Windows XP that stepped in and saved the day. Consumers missed the ease and abilities of XP that they either did not upgrade, or if they did they were quick to replace it with XP. It wasn't just individuals doing this either. Corporations, small businesses, and schools were all reverting back.

Let's take a look to the right at why XP is still beloved though it was released back in 2001.

Now don't get me wrong. I love Windows XP, because it has been such a large part of my life being the OS I have most widely used. But Windows 7 goes above and beyond and really answers some of the needs of users, making it more functional and eye pleasing without the process load. My humble prediction is that XP will fade almost completely out of the picture within a few years, especially with the advancing of Windows 8.

The system requirements for Windows XP are (taken from Microsoft website):

• Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
• At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
• At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
• Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
• Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution
• Sound card
• Speakers or headphones