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newguyhere
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June 22nd, 2006 20:00
Windows XP vs Windows 2000 Pro
I current have a Dell Inspiron 8000 laptop with Windows 2000 Pro. The Inspiron 8000 is way out of date speed and memory wise.
I am thinking of buying a new laptop because my computer is overloaded and giving me problems. I have added a four port USB hub to accomodate a high speed modem, an optical mouse, a printer and a ScanDisk. Furthermore, I have an external burner connect by firewire. I exit the external stuff when I am not using it, but all of that installed software is running in somewhere in the background. Panda Antirus runs all of the time and is memory hog. It keeps everything slowed to a crawl.
I would like to know the differences betweeen Windows XP and Windows 2000 Pro
I did not upgrade my Inspiron 8000 to XP because I need to use DOS Lotus 123. I have spent thousands of hours creating macros which run Lotus 123 spreadsheets. Others people I've talked to were sadly dissappointed to find that XP will not run their old DOS Lotus spreadsheets and macros. The Excell programing language is just to hard to learn so we can't go beyone 2000 Pro.
My questions:
(1) What am I missing using Windows 2000 Pro vs XP? I use my laptop at home and I love to brows the Internet using Internet Explorer. My email program is Outlook Express.
(2) If I buy a new laptop, can I buy it with Windows 2000 Pro installed?
(3) If a new computer comes with XP installed, how big a job would it be to reformat and install 2000 Pro?
(4) If I reformated and installed 2000 Pro, would I still be able to use all of the software that comes with a new computer?
Thanks for your input
tgsmith
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Posted June 22nd, 2006 21:00
Newguyhere,
1. In my opinion, you're not missing anything by using Windows 2000 Pro vs XP. Install 2000 Pro SP4, and the differences are more visual than functional. For example, with Windows XP, you can right click on your LAN connector, and perform a variety of functions. With 2000, you have to use the command prompt to accomplish some of the same functions. Both have the same daddy.
2. I know of no new laptops that ship with 2000 Pro. However, most have drivers available for 2000 if you already own that OS.
3. No big deal to reformat new laptop with 2000. However, avoid Inspiron 1705. It has ExpressCard (not Cardbus) PCMCIA slot. Cardbus devices will not work in ExpressCard slot. Just went through a nightmare on that issue with cellular wireless Internet Cardbus device. Third party USB to Cardbus adapter is $210. Dell will sell you such an adapter for $19.95.
4. Nearly all software designed for XP will also run on 2000 Pro with SP4. This includes Microsoft Windows Defender (Beta2).
With all that said, I would like to suggest that you see if you can find Lotus 123 Millenium Edition. I just left a client that I set up Lotus 123 ME for the very purpose you describe. They needed Windows XP for some software, but desired to continue using their old DOS Lotus 123 spreadsheets (Originally developed with the old, old DOS 123). We configured it to use the classic Lotus interface. Only conflict we've had is an accounting program that installs microcode fonts that turns the classic interface into what resembles a checking account number. We simply remove these microcode fonts after each update to the accounting program, since the client uses preprinted checks.
Since this is the Windows XP message board, you might post your questions on the Windows 2000 message board also. Hope this info helps you decide on a course of action.
Tony