Is it time to change?

[cerberus6]

After reading a bit about Windows 2000, Me & XP, I've been really wondering if perhaps I should migrate from Win98. From what I understand, XP may not be the best choice due to some security "holes". But then again, what OS is 100% solid anyways? I've been running 98 since it's launch, and haven't had too many complications with it. I've always been up date with security patches and other important updates, not to mention running 2 firewalls and 2 AV progs. But is it getting to the point yet where 98 will be left in the dust? Mainly, I use my box for graphics and web production,along with some occasional gaming and MP3 archiving. A good friend of mine is a graphic artist and really backs Win2000. My specs:

P3 800EB
Asus P3-BF mobo
256 PC-133
1 Maxtor 60GB
3 Western Digital 20GB
Plextor 8x4x32 CD-RW
SB Live! X-Gamer
Voodoo4 4500 AGP
3Com 10/100 (Cox @home)
MS IntelliEye mouse (USB)
Wacom Intuos tablet (USB)
Sidewinder Pro gamepad (USB)
19" Viewsonic E790
Yamaha YST-MS50 3-piece

I'm not sure if 2000 would have any conflicts with any of my stuff. Is there another Windows OS that will perform better with my hardware and graphics apps (Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, Max)? Or should the phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" apply?

[RamonGTP]

I don't think you'll have any problems with win2k on your system. Hardware detection/installation was a LOT easier with win2k than it ever was when I was running 98. If you're a little worried about the upgrade, you could always do a dual boot setup and still have your current configuration intact.

-Ramon

[cerberus6]

Dual boot sounds like a nice option. Are you using Server or Professional? If I do switch to 2k, I'll probably want 2k Pro. How does 2k handle larger amounts of RAM (beyond 256)? Win98 doesn't seem to utilize RAM efficiently. And how is overall security with 2k? I think there's SP2 available for it now. I'd also still want to use my firewall & AV combo. I'll check for pricing through my school.

[dbl_0527]

Win2000Pro is very stable (my experience), however I had some games that were a year or two old that would not run on 2000 (of course, Win2K not around then). I used it for web design and light graphic editing, and of course email and internet use. Definitely the best desktop OS Microsoft has come out with.