Win XP or Win2K??

[jetdriven]

I have had it with Win98!! Its just too unstable! I would like comments whether I should install WinXP Home, WinXPPro, or Win2K. I use the computer to burn CD's and surf the internet. It has an LG CDRW with Easy-CD creator and also an HP officejet V40. I just read a thread in which people customized theri desktop and added a calendar, clock, and CPU temp, uptime etc. with XP and that was pretty cool, Can 2K do this too? Also, what with the HIDEOUS look of XP? Can I change that? Wil my components work with XP? I can get OEM for 99$ but where do I get the users manual? here is my system...help me decide!!

Athlon XP1800+
Shuttle AK31A mobo
Seagate Barracuda IV 80GB 7200 RPM HD
32 MB, $39.00 video card
no-name RAM 256MB PC2100 DDR
LG CDRW roxio ez-cd creator
56K dial-up, local ISP
ViewSonic 15" VG-150 LCD monitor
HP officejet V40
HP DeskJet 712C

[gibsinep]

Xp is a nice stable os. It should never lock up on you, never has for me. You can change the way XP looks to classic by changing the theme. Also there are a lot of cool themes out there for XP

To find out if all your hardware works visit www.microsoft.com and check it out.

i would go with XP if I were you. :)

[BipolarBill]

With that hardware? XP all the way. If you had less than a 1Ghz CPU, I would say Win2K.

[Johnny Fist]

If all you use your computer for is burning CDs and playing around on the internet, then I really see no need for upgrading anything. Both are pretty mundane tasks that require little CPU power. On the other hand, if you want to play around with customizing your desktop, the uptime, calender, and resource meter you saw posted in that other thread will in fact work on win2000. Heres some links....

UpTime (http://opus80.com/discnode/uptime.htm)

Calender and CPU Monitor (http://www.iki.fi/rainy)

To the best of my knowledge all three apps will work under 98 but won't let you use any transparency. Meaning you'll have to use more of a console or skinnable interface as opposed to having the info embedded directly on your desktop.

I almost forgot, if you want to use XP themes besides the boring and tired ones supplied by Micro$oft, take a look over here...

TGTSoft (http://www.tgtsoft.com/)

ThemeXP (http://www.themexp.org/)

[fishybawb]

XP's the way forward :D
Incidentally, I used to hate the look of XP, but it did grow on me. I quite like it now.

[jetdriven]

i can get winxp home OEM for 99$ at fry's. It doesnt come with a manual, but do I really need the manual?

[BipolarBill]

We are your manual! ;)

The only disadvantage to OEM is that you are on your own, support-wise. MS gives you 3 free support calls on retail CDs and then starts charging you. Bah.

OEM doesn't require that you own another Windows version - it installs faster.

I like OEM disks!

[gibsinep]

You don't need the maneul, it is garbage you woun't learn anything or need anything from it.

[jetdriven]

well it sounds like XP is the right choice. Next question...How do I become truly proficient in windows and XP?? I have friends all the time call me and they have a Kernel32.dll fault or they want to modify something and I dont always have the answer. Is there a book that can tech me to TRULY proficient?? I want to be able to solve my problems, and help others. Where do I learn this?? I have been using 98 for 3 years and I consider myself above average knowledge, but I want to learn more.....

[BipolarBill]

www.google.com

[PuterTutor]

Originally posted by jetdriven
I have friends all the time call me and they have a Kernel32.dll fault or they want to modify something and I dont always have the answer. Is there a book that can tech me to TRULY proficient?? I want to be able to solve my problems, and help others. Where do I learn this??

You post your question here, usually have an answer within a couple hours at the longest. Then you can call your buddy back and tell him you just remembered. And read around here some, there are some really brilliant people on this board.:D