Tom's Hardware > Forum > Windows XP > Windows XP General Discussion > Best Operating System
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BrockOtis   01-29-2003 at 10:43:12 PM

(I also posted this in the 9x/ME forum)

I am currently building a system for my parents and younger siblings. I started to wonder what would be the best operating system to base the machine upon. The computer was going to be running basic office applications, music, email and light internet activity as well as some gaming. Thanks!

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zpyrd   01-30-2003 at 12:47:14 AM
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I would suggest Windows XP Home Edition.
It's perfect for the needs you have stated. It's also very user friendly and extremely stable. Your parents and younger siblings will not be bothering you because they got a BSOD and they want you to fix it.


<font color=red><i>Doctor Hooter</i></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.page3.com/" target="_new"><b>(·Y·)</b></A>

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Mavicator   01-30-2003 at 04:54:39 AM
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I fully agree assuming this is a new or modern computer.

-- Ah sh*t! sys64738 --

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BrockOtis   01-30-2003 at 07:04:15 AM
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Thanks for responding...now for a follow up question. Is there any way that I can make Win 2k Pro work for them? Thanks!

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zpyrd   01-30-2003 at 07:14:04 AM
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Win2k is designed for business applications where as WinXP Home is meant for 'home' users and multimedia applications.
Win2k does not have the best support for games.


<font color=red><i>Doctor Hooter</i></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.page3.com/" target="_new"><b>(·Y·)</b></A>

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blah   01-30-2003 at 07:40:53 AM
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""Is there any way that I can make Win 2k Pro work for them?""

Yes, you can, and they will be happy with it no less than with XP.

..this is very useful and helpful place for information...

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Mavicator   01-30-2003 at 07:50:25 AM
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Win2k is a great operating system. But for the computer novice, XP is more intuitive and "helpful". As they become more computer-savvy you can turn off some of the "helpful" functions in XP. For home use I find XP much nicer than 2000. It's at least as stable if not moreso, offers better plug-and-play than 2k, has more built-in features for the average user and to me seems more compatible with older software than 2000 was. If you already have 2000 and don't want to spend the money that's understandable, and I'm sure they will be happy with it. Especially if they don't know the difference! :)

-- Ah sh*t! sys64738 --

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nja469   01-30-2003 at 03:30:29 PM
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XP is windows 2000 with candy and some updated core files. Deep down, w2k pro and xp run the same way, just that XP hides the more professional stuff. Basically I'd get XP over 2k, it's newer and has less service packs to apply :)

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jlanka   01-30-2003 at 03:45:39 PM
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right you are.

NT = NT 3.1,3.5,4.0
2K = NT 5.0
XP = NT 5.1

<i>It's always the one thing you never suspected.</i>

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dhlucke   01-31-2003 at 12:30:47 AM
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Get XP, but I would go to MSFT's site and look at the difference between pro and home and decide then which is best for you.

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spud   02-02-2003 at 01:07:10 AM
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XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro XP Pro. Why you ask well cause I use it and it works the way I like it to work. SO THERE!!!

-Jeremy

:evil: <A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=5341387" target="_new">Busting Sh@t Up!!!</A> :evil:
:evil: <A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?pcm=1060900" target="_new">Busting More Sh@t Up!!!</A> :evil:

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blah   02-02-2003 at 04:57:10 AM
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I just answered guy's question, and was not going to go deep into details; as far as XP goes, I am not real fan of seeing system slowing down with the time. Win2k never does so, and it is much simpler that XP to use (less "useful wizards" with 10 screen to go through to click 2 buttons in w2k).

..this is very useful and helpful place for information...

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Mavicator   02-05-2003 at 06:15:13 AM
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I've disabled most of those functions. My XP setup looks and functions similar to my 2k setup, only it's far more stable and runs longer between reinstalls. Games seem to like it better also, and devices are more likely to be plug and play imho.

-- Ah sh*t! sys64738 --

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