Should I upgrade to XP Pro? 1

[Puck1987]

I've read a lot about the wonders of XP Pro and I'm wondering if I should be jumping on the bandwagon. My computer is currently running Win2K and I don't have any complaints. I'm running mostly Office applications and the occasional strategy game. Should I upgrade to XP Pro or leave well enough alone and be happy with Win2k? So far, none of the reviews I've read have told me what the pros/cons are of staying with Win2K vs. XP Pro.

Thanks

Cheri
barrister87@yahoo.com

 

[Ger2111]

My thoughts on this.
Windows NT was a 4.0 release, They (microsoft) brought it up to service pack 6a before making a brand new release with significant changes and called it Windows 2000 (NT 5.0). Hot on the heals of 2000 came XP (5.1 release) which has only cosmetic differences from a development prospective. So I'm happy to keep my users on W2K and not to look at XP. XP has been around for nearly 2 years now so I'd wait. Yesteday Microsoft releases Windows Server2003 which has significant changes to Windows Server 2000 , so I would hazzard a guess that Windows 2003 Pro or whatever name they choose is on the way soon.

Hope this helps.


MCP

 

[Marcs41]

If it works fine for you, leave it as it is.
Consider the upgrade when you run in some trouble.

Marc
_{If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!}

 

[wolluf]

Would totally agree with Marc.

 

[Puck1987]

Thanks!! You have probably saved the the cost of the new software and a lot of headaches. I've read plenty of "I just upgraded my OS and now ___ doesn't work" threads and I would like to avoid joining them.

Cheri
Barrister87@yahoo.com

 

[Marcs41]

You're welcome.

(now you can start saving for Win2003 ;-) )

Marc
_{If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!}

 

[CharlieJax]

I hate to go against the flow... wait, no I don't.

I'd upgrade to XP Pro, if you already have the software.

I've been using it for over a year and it is a lot more fun than Windows 2000, of course besides it looking better than 2000 there isn't really that many advances in it.

Well... there are a few other advantages... but you can get those in W2K for a little extra cash.

If you don't have a copy of XP you can always make your W2K machine look like a XP desktop by downloading the right skins.

I have XP running on 3 machines and it runs fine, but I was just as happy with W2K (until I discovered some of the new looks for XP that are out there).

Other than look there is no reason to go to XP.

CJ

Don't drink and post, save that for driving home!

 

[wolluf]

Charlie - there are many who totally denigrate the XP 'teletubby' look - obviously a matter of personal preference - but in terms of use XP is 'dumbing down' compared to 2k (this may be reasonable when(if) operating systems actually can do most things with no user intervention - but that certainly is not now).

I've got XP and 2k on my machine - one is not more fun than the other (you can get sick of the teletubby interface very quickly - then you still have to do the same things. XP's 'task oriented' approach - mainly in control panel, breaks down very quickly - but is confusing to anybody with previous Windows experience).

Any reasonable operating system supplier would always have a 'build on current sytesm approach' - so users are still familiar with existing (old?) facilities. XP (like previous M$ O/s makes experienced users looks for existing features.

Bit of a soapbox - but consider. Operating system is basis for all else. Should last for a while (10 years seems reasonable to me) - upgrades should be cheap once you've bought it. So, buy windows 95 in 95 - should be good for all windows till at leat 2005 - at small upgrade per. On basis it lasts a while (and its got a mass market - heaven forbid democracy - but what if M$ asked their user base before inflicting teletubbies (active desktop, MSN Messenger etc) on us.

 

[ADoozer]

lol haha... ive been running XP on one of my machines and i never realised the resemblance to teletubby house thing till today (ok my god son is only 1, i have to watch it sometimes)...

personnaly i like XP now ive dumbed it down (ie got rid of the pointless pictures in the user profile and the stupidly oversized menus, as games go ive had nothing but trouble trying to install high spec graphix cards ("microsoft doesnt like this product buy something else" or words to that effect) in fact installing anything non microsoft is a nightmare...

however from a developer point of view win2k pro all the way, its much more stable (well compared to 98,98SE and XP- [personal opinion]) ive had no problems to date, (well besides an update that wont damn install!!!)

well my 2 pence anyways!!

good luck!

If somethings hard to do, its not worth doing - Homer Simpson
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A General Guide To Excel in VB FAQ222-3383

 

[jmtjet]

There are lots of people who are busy dumping unwanted program off of XP to make it run as well as Win 2K-go figure. I'll stay with Win 2K pro. till M$ comes out with something better.

 

[Puck1987]

My husband just got an IBM thinkpad with Windows XP Pro and after reading the comments about the teletubby icons, I took a good look at them. I think I'll keep Windows 2000. Thanks so much for all of the comments. This has been more useful than reading some of the reviews in the computer mags.