Win2kPro vs WinXP

VoodooDali · #1 (**permalink**) 09-24-2003, 08:45 PM

I really need to buy a FULL version of Win2k or WinXP, but I can't decide which. Currently, I have Win2kPro on one computer and I love it - it's so minimal, so stable, and gives you so much control over the PC. The other PC has stinky old WinME, the worst piece of garbage MS ever put out.

Normally, I would just go ahead and buy a full version of Win2k, but it is an older OS, and I'm considered about it becoming obsolete soon. I hate all the bells and whistles and overall format of WinXP, plus I've found it to be a huge system hog and run pretty slow on one of my employee's computers. But - it is what everyone is making software for these days.

Which would you buy?

Mr Flibble · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2003, 09:40 PM

In part it depends on your hardware. I've found XP really only gets going properly with AT LEAST 256MB, preferably 512MB or higher. Personally I perfer XP, as it has a lot of minor enhancements that I find quite useful. And it was a new toy, so why not.

If you prefer 2K then there's no reason not to buy it. According to Microsoft, Windows 2000 will continue to receive full product support until March 2005, and extended support until March 2007. Also, as 2K and XP are based on the same kernel, any application that runs on XP should be perfectly stable and useable on 2K.

Another option is to check with your local Microsoft reseller about licencing and Software Assurance. You may find it is possible to buy XP and downgrade to 2K if you don't like it. In taht case all you would need to do is buy the media pack, which should be about US$20.

Tamerlane · #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2003, 09:45 PM

All the computers I use have Win2K on them, generally the server versions but thats simply for web or work related business. I can't guarrantee how games will work on that platform but I'd go for Xp regardless. Its best to get yourself a copy and dedicate a whole day simply to putting on patches and covering up those annoying security holes.

When Xp is up to date, it runs perfectly just beware that its rather buggy in its "vanilla" form. I've tinkered with Xp in the past, generally on the campus computers and there's an option to make it appear like the old 98 version but its very dependent on memory, so its not exactly the best thing to throw on an old PC. Unless your planning to run an intensive network don't bother with 2000, grab Xp and spend a day at the Windows Update page.