Jupiter Jones said:
Then you have Windows Vista.
Windows Vista like Windows XP has Compatibility Mode which can help run
older programs that otherwise might run poorly or not run at all.
Too elaborate a "little" on what Jupiter said...
Vista is like Windows XP, Windows XP is like Windows 2000, Windows 2000 is
like Windows NT.
In other words they are similar, but have been updated over time to meet new
demands from users and support newer hardware.
Windows Vista can potentially run Windows XP, 2000, or NT Software because
Vista maintains "backwards compatibility" with these other Operating
Systems. However if you are running say "Windows XP" and you want to run a
Windows Vista "Only" application, you can't, because you don't have Vista.
There are very few applications that require Vista. Most applications run in
Windows XP, and Vista.
You have Windows Vista, but you can also run software that works with
Windows XP, 2000, or NT. You MAY have some compatibility problems with older
applications, but look for updates for the program you are trying to use.
most programs that are still supported have some kind of support to run the
program under Vista.
Good luck, Hope I didn't confuse you even more.
-A.