Windows--98, 2000, ME, XP???

glennmac · Dec 11, 2001

GlueGuy, Macs have only about 5% of the market, so they do things in their operating system, and encourage third party application developers, to enable coexistence with Windows networks and Windows applications. The reverse incentive is not there. Having 95% of the operating system market, M$ has no incentive, and probably an anti-incentive, to enable co-existence with Macs. Connectix, the company that makes Virtual PC for Macs, has a similar program for PC's, I think called Virtual Windows. It allows multiple Windows sessions (but not Mac sessions, as far as I know) run on one PC.

BobT, yes, it's great to have Thomas back.

Rus, don't worry about being illiterate here. We have various forms of hybrid illiteracy. We have the tractor literate and computer illiterate (look for a guy named Bird); we have the computer literate and tractor illiterate (have you heard of Harv, yet); and then we have the computer and tractor illiterate (that's my specialty). Nonetheless, we all give sage counsel. My guess is that the same issues should apply whether or not you are talking about a laptop or desktop.

MossRoad · Dec 11, 2001

It has been my expeirience that desktops are musch (that's much) easier to upgrade than laptops, just due to the cost of components.

As for WinME, RUN AWAY! (Sorry about that. It's time for my medication.) That's just my opinion.

 MossRoad

Edited by MossRoad on 12/11/01 12:55 PM (server time).

MikePA · Dec 11, 2001

I agree with MossRoad. If WindowsMe was the only OS available, I might have to seriously consider Linux. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Windows2000 or WindowsXP are much better, i.e., stable, operating systems.

Bird · Dec 11, 2001

Now you guys confuse me, even more. This computer came with ME and I think I'd read to stay away from XP. This one also came with a certificate for $20 off if I wanted to upgrade to XP. So which one is best? I'm sure not impressed with ME, but if I upgrade would I just be jumping from the frying pan into the fire?/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

glennmac · Dec 11, 2001

Mac is a Kubota. Smooth and problem free. ME is an Oliver. Dead meat. Dead iron. XP may be a Deere, but it is alive and is the strategic direction of M$. Go XP home edition. Of course, this is the blind leading the presbyopic.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 11, 2001

Obviously there are no sales commissions on this board........thanks for the honest upfront opinions!! I guess the only other question is does XP come with a slip clutch or shear pin??

Gotta run, just got the new versioin of PONG /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Russ

Bird · Dec 11, 2001

I glanced at that certificate a few months ago and put it aside. It's not for $20 off, it for the XP upgrade for $20 plus tax.

And how'd you know I was presbyopic?/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

GlueGuy · Dec 11, 2001

Bird,

For $20, I think I would get that XP upgrade. I have had experience with many versions of Windows, and in my humble opinion, XP is worlds better than ME. The only real issue with XP (for you) is whether they are going to put you through the Product registration hassle or not, and whether they are going to foist their new license scheme on you.

Based on what I've read: You may or may not have to do the product registration goo-raw. Kind of depends on how the Mfr. installed the original OS. There are ways to turn it off that are available to OEM's. You probably will not have to do the new licensing goo-raw. Based on what I've read, they are only sticking that to certain corporate accounts (I think).

The GlueGuy

Alan L. · Dec 11, 2001

From what I read, XP should be more reliable than ME. We have one ME machine at our office and my blood pressure goes up everytime I have to mess with it. I'm pretty sure most of my dislikes would be eliminated if the USER would stop downloading every plug-in known to man, and running all kinds of crap they she doesn't need. I could probably configure it to please me, but haven't taken the time.

For instance, I hate those stupid "web page" views that waste half the space. I hate file listings that hide files or don't show the extensions. All of this can be changed, but ME is especially adamant that everything be defaulted to every setting I HATE.

I also don't like the system restore function, although I think it can be disabled. We have learned that viruses come back in ME if you don't follow the ME-only instructions for getting rid of them.

Alan L., TX
South of Bugtussle
North of Mustang
On the banks of Buck Creek

Harv · Dec 12, 2001

computer literate and tractor illiterate (have you heard of Harv)

Was trying to think of a snappy comeback for that, Glenn, but you nailed me pretty well. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif