April 1, 2008

Windows 95 is back from the dead

By David Hudson

Staff Writer

            Some students have probably noticed that many computers, namely in the WA, are being switched from Windows XP to Vista. The school has decided to take a turn in the opposite direction for operating systems that the school’s PCs will run on.

            The technicians have begun a gradual change on all the computers where all of the XP and Vista operating systems will be phased out; the changes are scheduled to be completed by the end of the winter/spring semester.

            It has been decided that JCC will downgrade to Windows 95. Although this may seem a little odd to some students and staff members, there are some definite strong points about this change. Windows 95 is much cheaper and also allows users to have some pretty innovative features, such as a start button and a digital clock in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. The layout of the desktop is also much more stylish than that of the newer XP and Vista designs, that fact alone is one of 95’s biggest drawing points.

            Teachers are very excited about the switchover. Speech professor and debate team leader Paige Beauchene had this to say about 95: “I’m looking forward to the downgrade because all my favorite games I like to play will run on a school PC now, I’m really into that FPS (first person shooter) called ‘Blood,’ ” which was first available in 1997, a mere 11 years ago-- blink of an eye really.

            Regardless of a few minor software/ hardware compatibility issues, such as the OS’ lack of support for USB drives, this change is very positive and will doubtlessly make itself known quite soon once the operating systems are changed around. JCC students are in for quite a surprise!

            Note: Some users may notice an increase in “Blue screens of death,” an issue almost completely ironed out in Vista. All part of the fun!

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!