New computer

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (More info?)

Hi,

SP2 is all about security. The firewall is much improved as far as user
functionality is concerned. More on this:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/topten.mspx

Also, unless you have need for it, there is no reason to purchase WinXP Pro.
The core operating system is the same. Differences:

- WinXP Pro will allow 10 inbound connections, Home only 5
- Pro has policy editors (useful in a corporate environment)
- Pro has IIS (useful if you build server apps)
- Pro can become part of a domain (another corporate use)
- Both use simple file sharing by default, but it can only be disabled in
Pro
- Firewall and file security between users is the same
- Encrypted file system is only available in Pro

If you need any of the benefits of a Pro system, then go with it. Otherwise,
most home users are happy with XP Home. More details:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp [...] osing2.asp

More memory? Do you need it? 512MB is usually plenty for an average user.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"walt" <walt@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:81CAE0A9-EA27-4B6D-8F48-E293D76965BE@microsoft.com...
>I am considering buying a new Gateway 7200X computer
> Windows XP Home SP2 Intel 4 540 (3.2GHz)
> 512 DDr SDRAM PC3200 dual chanel
> Should I upgrade to mem before I get it, should I go with XP Pro any other
> advice as to what I should do as soon as I get it. (like take all the junk
> off) I will be using adaware, spybot, & spywareblaster. Do they all work
> well
> with SP2
> I am now using XP Home SP1 is there a big difference between the two (SP1
> &
> SP2 and Home and Pro) any other comments.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (More info?)

The more memory you can afford the better(I run 1 gig of memory)
No problem so far with sp2
If you plan to use the new computer for a small business then go with xp-pro
xp-pro gives you more options for security and overall protection
as soon as you get the new computer go to microsoft and check for updates
I down loaded the microsoft antispyware beta and it works great
make sure you have a good virus protection program I like AVG from grisoft,
not only is it free, but it also provides e-mail protection.
Why a Gateway? May want to consider dell.

My system:
p-4 2.5 overclocked to 3.0ghz
1 gig ddr-sdram
ati radeon 256 mg video
audigy 24 bit sound card
windows xp home
dual dvd double layer burners
160 gig hard drive



"walt" wrote:

> I am considering buying a new Gateway 7200X computer
> Windows XP Home SP2 Intel 4 540 (3.2GHz)
> 512 DDr SDRAM PC3200 dual chanel
> Should I upgrade to mem before I get it, should I go with XP Pro any other
> advice as to what I should do as soon as I get it. (like take all the junk
> off) I will be using adaware, spybot, & spywareblaster. Do they all work well
> with SP2
> I am now using XP Home SP1 is there a big difference between the two (SP1 &
> SP2 and Home and Pro) any other comments.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (More info?)

walt wrote:

>I am considering buying a new Gateway 7200X computer
>Windows XP Home SP2 Intel 4 540 (3.2GHz)
>512 DDr SDRAM PC3200 dual chanel
>Should I upgrade to mem before I get it, should I go with XP Pro any other
>advice as to what I should do as soon as I get it.

That should be adequate memory for general use; people who do a lot of
heavy graphics; video editing etc need more. Check on your own work
pattern after you have settled down; go to
www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm
and use it to see how much page file you actually use. Under 100 MB is
unlikely to show much benefit over 512 MB, and more than that gives a
guide to how much more RAM will help.

>(like take all the junk
>off) I will be using adaware, spybot, & spywareblaster. Do they all work well
>with SP2

Yes. And make sure you have a decent AV around too (eg AVG 7 free, or
say e-trust)

Wait a bit and see if you *use* the extras provided, if you don't then
is the time to uninstall them


--
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K. Alexn@mvps.D8E8L.org (remove the D8 bit)

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (More info?)

Gateway's purchase of eMachines landed them the top quality control person
in the business. He is in charge of both. Don't count them out!
"ibm clone" <ibm clone@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:BEABBFB7-EAE9-4601-92F4-7907BFDF5048@microsoft.com...
> The more memory you can afford the better(I run 1 gig of memory)
> No problem so far with sp2
> If you plan to use the new computer for a small business then go with
> xp-pro
> xp-pro gives you more options for security and overall protection
> as soon as you get the new computer go to microsoft and check for updates
> I down loaded the microsoft antispyware beta and it works great
> make sure you have a good virus protection program I like AVG from
> grisoft,
> not only is it free, but it also provides e-mail protection.
> Why a Gateway? May want to consider dell.
>
> My system:
> p-4 2.5 overclocked to 3.0ghz
> 1 gig ddr-sdram
> ati radeon 256 mg video
> audigy 24 bit sound card
> windows xp home
> dual dvd double layer burners
> 160 gig hard drive
>
>
>
> "walt" wrote:
>
>> I am considering buying a new Gateway 7200X computer
>> Windows XP Home SP2 Intel 4 540 (3.2GHz)
>> 512 DDr SDRAM PC3200 dual chanel
>> Should I upgrade to mem before I get it, should I go with XP Pro any
>> other
>> advice as to what I should do as soon as I get it. (like take all the
>> junk
>> off) I will be using adaware, spybot, & spywareblaster. Do they all work
>> well
>> with SP2
>> I am now using XP Home SP1 is there a big difference between the two (SP1
>> &
>> SP2 and Home and Pro) any other comments.