Same Song Second Day

Okay, I've received numerous emails about things said here before, but yesterday's post prompted even phone calls. Why? The questions are: Upgrade to what? Should I wait on Windows new operating system (it's officially called Vista now)? Is it true I have to buy a copy for each computer? Do I use XP Home or Pro? Is Windows 2000 still supported? Why did that sorry bas---- Gates do this to his customers?

Let's start by saying that the COMMENTS line at the bottom of each post are there for a reason. Certainly don't mind phone calls and really encourage emails, but use that which is handy and EASY. Just click on it, type in a name if you like (have fun, make one up!), make your comment, and hit the publish button at the bottom. Painless, I must say. I do reserve the right to edit comments, but so far have not used that right. It is VERY desirable that the comment have something to do with the post. Again, this is NOT a forum. If edited it will say so and hey, we live in a world that is ate up with some silly political correctness thangys.

Upgrade to what? Most likely Windows. There are viable alternatives such as several flavors of Linux. FreeBSD for the average office may be a bit too much although they seem to be headed towards an easier GUI installation program. Apple's OSX might be considered if the rumors are true about it being made compatible with PC machines. Don't hold your breath. I certainly wouldn't buy Apple machines for an office environment. Anyway, most likely Windows. Should you wait on Vista? This is a roll of the dice since they are not due for retail sale until the fourth quarter. Also, it's rumored that Windows Vista is going to require some pretty beefed up hardware. Upgrading from many Windows 98 PCs to even Windows XP will be hardware constrained.

XP Home Edition or Pro? Spend the money. I don't care if Pro is twice the price, it's a better operating system. If you are a user that just checks email, files recipes, writes letters, etc., Home Edition may suffice, but I wish the Redmond bunch had never created it. That simple. You think the 2 choices of XP are confusing, try 7 or 8 varieties of Vista when it arrives! Seems people smart enough to write code for OS stuff would learn from their mistakes, but apparently Microsoft hasn't a clue. Yes, you do have to buy a copy for each computer. It's the law. First, make sure you have ample hardware and then look into buying a package deal that includes multiple license. Yo yo yo, good rule of thumb about hardware; if you have less than 512megs of RAM in your present PC, consider upgrading your machine.

Windows 2000? Still my favorite because it actually worked when it first sold. 2000 had stability not seen in previous versions. And hey, it followed that horrible ME disaster. NOTE: Windows 2000 and XP share the same kernel - NT5. Support life expectancy? I am working on an answer. The net is very vague. Why is Gates and company constantly upgrading? Think Detroit and you'll have your answer.

Whew! Tired now and must go work. Hope this helps.

"Consider the postage stamp, my son. It secures success through its ability to stick to one thing till it gets there."
-Billings