What is Backward Compatibility?

3 1	I heard it a few times, what does it mean?! backward compatibility computers asked Sep 08 '10 at 16:52 Database 4.2k●125●155●199

2 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

It means that a device that accepts a new technology, such as ddr3 ram, or socket AM3 CPUS also supports older technology, such as DDR2 ram or socket AM2

answered Sep 08 '10 at 17:01

Tim Fontana
12.8k●126●177●321

Yeah, just what Tim said. Also means software being usable on older OSes, such as Twhirl not only working on Windows 7, it works on Windows XP and Windows Vista too.

(Sep 08 '10 at 17:05) Windows7

ah, good point, i didnt think of it in that way

(Sep 08 '10 at 17:08) Tim Fontana

@Windows7: It also works the other way around, such as Xbox games will work on Xbox 360 consoles (Usually)

(Sep 08 '10 at 17:11) Josh_M

PS1 games playing on PS2 consoles for example.

(Sep 08 '10 at 17:40) Timn96

Backwards compatibility is sort of a non-issue for new computer users since majority of new computer users are starting out with a new computer and using the latest version of most software.

Now, in the case of the new user that is stuck with hand-me-down computers and software.. I suggest baby steps and not to worry about installing new software on their old computer and just concentrate on getting comfortable in the OS of their choice. Then when they get a new computer it'll make adapting to newer software versions easier for them. Too many new users are anxious to jump in feet first (installing Linux distros, designing websites, etc.) before they've even learned how to get to Control Panel.

answered Sep 09 '10 at 08:02

SpyderBite
586●2●12

Your answer

toggle preview

community wiki

Follow this question

By Email:

Once you sign in you will be able to subscribe for any updates here

By RSS:

Answers

Answers and Comments

Markdown Basics

*italic* or __italic__
**bold** or __bold__
link:[text](http://url.com/ "title")
image?![alt text](/path/img.jpg "title")
numbered list: 1. Foo 2. Bar
to add a line break simply add two spaces to where you would like the new line to be.
basic HTML tags are also supported

learn more about Markdown

Become a Gnomie!

Join Us in the Chat Room

Tags:

computers ×273
compatibility ×21
backward ×1