PG Music Home Forums General Discussion Off-Topic Best OS in my case

I have to lappies with Win2K SP 4. One is Internet only the other is music only. Some of the security software I use has just dropped Win2K support. I'm getting replacement discs from Dell for free. The Dell originally came with XP home edition. For the Dell, that is the internet lappy which is better Win2K ,and find new security software, or XP Home?

Same thing with the Toshiba my music computer. Originally came with XP Pro.& I can get replacements fo shipping cost from Toshiba. Which is better for the music end Win2K or XP Pro?

Both computers were donations to me and both had lost the discs. One in a move and one in a Florida hurricane. Really!

In general XP is an improvement* over Win2k. Especially in boot up times. Some possible downsides:

a) Driver support for older hardware - shouldn't be a problem in your case as the machines originally shipped with XP
b) XP henerally needs more RAM than 2k
c) XP generally needs more HDD space than 2k

* Actually, IMHO once m$ got their act together with service packs for XP (tok 'em several years) it became the best version of Windows ever shipped - not excluding vista.

1. Dell is maxed at 512 mb Ram
2. Dell only has an 80g drive
3. Everythings runs exceptionally well
Except for PC Tools dropping Win2 K support I'm better of with Win2K on the Dell unless you can give me more specifics on XP.

1. Toshiba is maxed at 2G ram
2. Toshiba has a 250g drive
3. Runs great with Win2K for music apps.
Why waste the Ram on the OS again unless there are specific reasons why XP is better.

I found this article. It's dated but I guess so is my discussion. My computers are also dated. I'm sure I'm not alone. I'm also dated don't need nor want the latest and greatest just because

XP Professional vs. 2000 Professional
Why upgrade? as it turns out, you might not have to.
Posted by : Joe DeRouen

Prior to Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Professional was Microsoft's most stable operating system. Many users would argue that it still is and that XP doesn't really bring enough to the table to go through the hassle of upgrading. So why should you switch?

Windows 2000 and Windows XP are, of course, essentially the same operating system. Internally at Microsoft, Windows 2000 is known as NT 5 while XP is known as NT 5.1. Both are based on the original Windows NT kernel, and both have sought to marry the NT and Windows 98 operating systems.

So which is better for you? Should you stick with what you know, or take a chance on a new upgrade? And if you do, how much of a challenge will it be? Below I present con and pro arguments pertaining to upgrading from 2000 to XP.

2000 was a good year

The Windows 2000 OS offers many advantages over previous releases of Windows, including Active Directory, self-healing applications, distributed management utilities, and an overall better performance. The platform is also very flexible and is available in professional workstation and server versions appropriate for a small or large businesses.

Windows 2000 also has an easier-to-use interface and avoids the use of Styles and other "improvements" found in Windows XP. The interface is straightforward and more like Windows NT 4 than either Windows 98 or XP. And because Windows 2000 has been out since 1999, many more bugs and security issues have been fixed (or at least addressed) via periodic Service Pack releases than with Windows XP.

Furthermore, vendors have had longer to make their products compatible with Windows 2000 than they have with Windows XP. Add that to the fact that Windows 2000 doesn't employ the controversial product activation that its newer cousin introduced and it's no wonder that many users across the country are opting to stick with the older OS.

If you're running anything less than a 400MHz system with 256MB of RAM you're probably better off with Windows 2000. The older OS requires less computing power, making things run much more smoothly on an older system.

Finally, if you have Windows 2000 Professional and install the service packs, Internet Explorer 6, Media Player 8, and DirectX 8, you'll have a system very similar to Windows XP without the assorted extra pieces of software that come with it. You'll also avoid the whole "product activation" ordeal, making life just a little bit easier.

Take the plunge

All the above said, if you have at least a 400MHz machine with 256MB of RAM, Windows XP will run faster on your system than will Windows 2000. (Independent benchmark tests indicate that Windows XP delivers 34 percent better performance when installed on a new PC than does Windows 2000. Average application access time is also 21 percent faster.) The new OS is also more configurable, giving you more control over your environment. Windows XP is also fully compatible with Windows NT 4, Windows Workstation, Windows Millennium, and Windows 98, and roughly 90 percent compatible with Windows 2000 applications, avoiding many of the compatibility issues that have plagued users of Windows.

One key difference in the overall look and feel of Windows XP is the redesigned interface. While it may take a while to get used to for die-hard 2000 users, the desktop is less cluttered and the task-orientated menu system will make accessing the programs and applications you most often need much easier. If you absolutely love the classic interface, don't fear; you can revert to it at any time.

Windows XP also offers more bells and whistles, such as built-in CD writer support, Remote Desktop Connection, Internet Connection Firewall, Fast User Switching (useful for when multiple users are sharing one PC), and Windows Movie Maker. And when you consider that the new OS boasts greater support for Windows 95/98 games and utilities, it's hard not to consider making the switch.

And because Windows XP is the latest and greatest OS, more manufacturers (not to mention Microsoft) will develop software for it than for Windows 2000. After all, Windows XP was built in part to replace its older cousin, so why should software houses support something that's obsolete? Manufacturers of existing hardware and software products are also more likely to add Windows XP compatibility now than Windows 2000 compatibility, as the industry focus has shifted to the newer OS.

With the release of Windows XP, Microsoft has also instituted a very thorough testing process that should ensure that third-party device drivers meet high performance criteria. Microsoft maintains a single update site containing copies of all certified driver and application program upgrades. Also, whenever new DLLs are installed, Windows XP will retain the older versions to allow for an easy restore in the event that something goes wrong. Updates can also be automatically downloaded and installed for network users. With Windows XP, users will no longer have to visit multiple vendor sites to download up-to-date drivers.

In essence, Windows XP users will get the benefit of building on existing Windows 2000 knowledge while being able to run many applications that ran under Windows 9x/Me, but failed to run properly under Windows 2000.

To switch or not to switch

If you've been using Windows 2000 Professional for a year or two and are happy with it (and don't need it do anything it isn't already capable of doing), then you probably don't need to upgrade to Windows XP Professional. Once you take away all the bells and whistles, there isn't much of a difference between the two operating systems. Save your money and buy some more RAM instead.

If, however, you'd like to add some of the compatibility that Windows 98 had and want to be on the cutting edge of Windows technology, an upgrade to XP is probably the way to go. If you have the available memory to support the new OS and need (or even just want) the new features that XP offers, then go for the upgrade. Installation is fairly easy and straightforward, especially if you've checked out your system ahead of time. Windows XP Professional does improve on its older cousin in a number of key areas, and there are worse ways that you could spend your money than to upgrade your OS.


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My security suite consists of the following
1. Avast for basic virus protection
2. PC Tools Threat Fire is a behavior based add on that works with Avast-- this is the one being sorta dropped
3. PC Tools Firewall+
4. PC Tools Spyware Doctor for adware protection
5. Anvir Task Mgr.

A bit overkill anyway seeing as I stay away from none known sites. They are going to continue the database definition updates for ThreatFire 4.1
Guess I'll stay Win2K

Hey SilverT Thanks for all of the literature on 2K v XP. I've got other upgrades I can do before I ever get to changing OSs. Namely motherboard - I'm still running the old ASUS P2B for my music with 2K. Yup I could use more RAM - will probably cruise E-bay for a PIV mobo and more RAM capability. The Bells and Whistles of XP are of no interest - KISS. I also use W2K on my on-line comp.

One day "yes" some software I really want to use will come along and I'll be dragged kicking and screaming into the future. Maybe when one of my kids upgrades to Vista, they'll give me XP. Meantime I keep my music comp off of the Internet.
Security I use that works with W2K - Avast Home, Comodo Firewall and Spybot/Teatimer.

Happy Friday

Ian,
Yep me to. My 2 computers are discards. The Toshiba makes a really nice music computer.

Xp Pro x64 for my music computer... bought a Presonus StudioLive mixer and thought I'd never get to use it for recording on a 64 bit system. They came out with a UNIVERSAL 64 bit driver that works on all Windows OS versions, 64 AND 32 bit, for ALL of their products. So, I am staying with what I have.

My Internet computer is a Toshiba Satellite with Vista Premium ... works like a charm.

Don't think I'll change anytime soon.

Cheers,
Mike

My feeling is this.

XP with the latest service packs for your Toshiba. The Toshiba most likely will not run Vista or Windows 7 because of a graphics driver issue, i.e., lack thereof. Since you have two gigs of RAM and a 250 hard drive, XP will be okay with it.

Since you can't go over 512 on the Dell, which I find really hard to believe, then sticking with Win2K would probably work. Since it's your internet computer, and you aren't doing anything intensive on it...browsing, e-mail, word processing, etc., you *could* install XP with the latest SP and probably be okay.

I'd use Avast and Zone Alarm for protection.

I just bought an HP laptop for <$500 at WalMart. It had Vista Home Premium 32 bit on it, but now has Windows 7 32 bit on it. It does run a 64 bit CPU, and I'm probably going to install the 64 bit OS, and skip the programs that are on there, since I can replace them with something else. It does not have a CardBus slot, so audio work will have to be with USB. Windows 7 64 bit works VERY well, is very reliable, stable, and not very intrusive into the system resources. By the end of the year, I will be running it on ALL of my computers (technically, I am now, but this computer is dual boot with Vista Ultimate 64 bit, which I also find stable, reliable and fast).

You *could* get something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Compaq-Presario-sr50...93%3A1|294%3A50
from ebay, and transfer your data over to it, and use the monitors that you have. Something like this would allow you to install Windows 7 RC (free for now, but, it's a Release Candidate and you will have to buy a full version later on) to get you running.

Gary

So here's were I'm at.
The Dell came with XP Home and there sending me a new CD.
I didn't realize I already had the XP Pro for the Toshiba I wish I had realized that when I installed the new drive.When I inserted the CD after installing the drive it said starting Win 98. Well I talked to Toshiba today and they said it installs 98 and then goes on to install XP Pro. I've got the SP3 disc coming so I will go XP Pro on the Toshiba & Dell if I find the energy to do a reinstall on 2 machines. There also networked together and running smoothly. Oh well keeps me out of trouble.

I'd love to beef up the Ram on the Dell but everything I read says 512. It's a dell Inspiron 8100.

Gary thanks.
I meant to ask ,What would I gain from putting XP Pro on the Toshiba?

I'll probably sell the Dell at some point and buy something with Win 7 /64 when available

Sivertones said:I'd love to beef up the Ram on the Dell but everything I read says 512. It's a dell Inspiron 8100.


Right you are. I have the very same machine here. It's a little slow but runs beautifully. I have it set up as a phone system for Magic Jack and is using shared files with this computer. (A very handy thing, BTW) When I go out on the road again I'll be using it as my music machine. I also have an IBM thinkpad but it's for music only and will serve as a backup incase the Dell dies.

That said, when I first got the Dell it had 128 MB of memory and (I think) a 120 gig hard drive. Had XP Pro on it but something went wrong with it and I had to install XP Home in its place. (I happend to have an extra copy on hand with SP1) That's when I found that 512 MB ram was the max it will take. Any more is ignored. Just thought I'd pass this onto you.

So Russ at the moment your running the Dell with the 512 Ram and XP Home. Dell is sending me the discs for $19.00.

Silvertones,
I just looked at the specs, a Pentium III???? Ohhhhhhhhh, we need to have a talk. LOL!

Actually, I didn't realize the computer was *that* old. You might do better to leave Windows 2000 on it.

I don't know what WalMart is getting for this, but it's probably less than $450. It's a Celeron processor, has Windows Vista Basic on it, and would be a perfect replacement for your Dell. I wouldn't want to try to do audio on the Celeron, however.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11040413

If you can afford it, this would make a nice replacement for the Toshiba, allowing you to relegate that to Internet duties.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11038078

This is either the one up, or the one down, from the one I bought. I'm very happy with mine, although I don't use it for music yet.

Finally, if you aren't taking your laptop with you to make music, you might consider a desktop. Again, WalMart, but again, a halfway decent deal.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.d...uct_id=10859114

There's no monitor included, but for less than $700, this is a bitchin' machine. You might need to upgrade the power supply, that can be done to a 500 watt for less than $100. You can also get a 19" monitor like this one:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10575203&findingMethod=rr

By the way, I have the 22" version of that, and it's great. Acer really does make a great product. You can get the same 22" I have for:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10629576&findingMethod=rr

Yes, it's a lot of money, you can easily spend $1,000 on this desktop and a new monitor, but for music making, it will stand you in good steed. The only issue with it would be that it's a 64 bit CPU running a 64 bit OS, and it doesn't like DXis and VSTis in BIAB/PTW and RB.

Gary

Toshiba is a P IV 3.0

I know the Toshiba is, that's in your signature, I was talking about the Inspiron 8100.

The Toshiba should do just fine with XP on it for music making, but what I was saying was, IF you can afford it, IF you don't need the portability, and IF you don't mind learning a new OS (which isn't that hard) then going with the desktop I suggested would make a very nice replacement for the Toshiba as your music computer, AND, you can move the Toshiba to the duties being handled by the Dell.

However, if you're using the Toshiba as a portable computer, you could also still use the desktop as a music machine, as well as the Toshiba for portable gigs, and still have a nice music computer...or two!

Gary

I'm afraid at this point any new purchases are not doable.
Will I notice any performance benefits from
1. Putting XP Home back on the Dell
2. Putting XP Pro back on the Toshiba
These were the original OS when new. When I inherited both they had bad drives. I fixed one & replaced the other. Both granters had lost the discs. I owned a retail copy of Win2K SP4 so installed on both. Both granters have found their disc so I could go back to the original OS if performance would be improved. I don't care about some of the other bells & whistles of XP.
What prompted this whole discussion is the realization that some software developers are dropping support for Win2K. If there's no performance gain I'll just wait it out and hopefully do as you said and move up to Win7 on a new machine.

As I thought.

My feeling is that no, you will not gain any performance from moving to XP from Win2K, at least for what you are doing. On the Toshiba, on the other hand, I doubt that you'll lose anything either. That one will go either way.

On the Dell, I recommend staying with Win2K.

Gary

That's what I figured. Thanks Gary!