Windows 98(se) vs. Windows XP (What a tech told me)

[oldmantime]

Just seeing if you folks agree with this. About a month ago, I had a problem with RealNetworks NBA broadcast. Happened just out of the blus. I called and spoke with a "Real: technichian. He got my puter straightened out.
He said You'd be better off with Windows XP. It's much better than 98. I told him that I'd read where Windows XP was a resourse hog and terrible compared to 98. He said that person who said that probably tried to install XP in their current machine. He siad that would be true, but that XP allready installed was much surperior to 98.

At first that made sense to me--but I am really uncertain. What is your opinion on this.

Bye the way, I just read that microsoft is coming out with another operating system in the future called "longhorn". (Maybe best to wait for that before buying again.)

 

[TheGeneral+]

Speaking to tech support from my provider a few days back, he told me 98 was junk and I should upgrade that PC to XP. He just didn't want to take the time to assist, I have ran 98 since 1998 on one PC and like it just as well as XP for what I do.

 

I had Win 98se installed, but about two weeks ago my computer HD crashed (luckily I started to take back ups when problems started and managed to save most of the files).

Now I have Windows XP pro and it has been more stable than 98 was. Internet surfing is faster also.

 

And couple seconds after I posted, system tilted.

 

[JohnnyDeMarco]

XP uses a ton of RAM. If you have a newer system XP is the way to go. With older systems you'll have to add RAM.

 

[bolivar]

I spent most of day with Tech and got all the way up to Tech 3 which is the ultimate they told me. Tech 3 got mad at me and himself also and you know it - somehow I got disconnected. nuff for me I cancellede msn and got rid of dial up and after these people got thru everythig beautiful (so far)

 

[newbie666]

you should use
FreeBSD 4.7

www.freebsd.org

 

[Phaedrus]

Just in case you guys do not understand, Windows XP is what has empowered a generation of DDoS attackers, because it is so ridiculously insecure. Do yourself a favour and drop some of your winnings on a truly secure system.


Phaedrus

 

[jaypaw]

I'll tell you what I think - and I have reformatted lots of different machines and installed all of the windows operating systems many times.

XP is by far the most streamlined and simplified - as well as customizable IMO.

I think that the variable you may be missing is the 'capacity' of your machine.

XP is a "resource hog" when you have few resources to begin with - but when you have enough ram (256k or more) a processor of 700mghz+ and enough disk space (a drive of at LEAST 15gigs) then XP blows win98 or any of the others out of the water.

It has to do with efficiency I believe. The older versions of windows are very inefficient - and though they require less resources to run on a daily basis - given a medium to high level of resources that becomes a useless trait.

However, if you are working off a 500mhz processor with 128 mg of ram and a hard disk of 5 gigs then you will definitely find win 98 a better choice.


Best of luck

 

[WINNINGHAND]

Most smart guys think xp crushes 98.

 

[oldmantime]

Thanks--I think the jury is in.

If computer only has 128mg--stay with Win 98.

If computer has 256 or better 512 get Win XP.

Don't try to put XP operating system in an old puter--that's what the Real tech said. He meant low RAM machines.

I can't wait to see the windows longhorn.

 

[1cheater]

Oldmantime, you would not believe how cheap and easy it is to add RAM (memory) to your computer..

You literally open the pannel, slip the memory chip in a NO BRAINER slot and that's it, your computer recognises the memory and your good to go.

RAM is dirt cheap nowwa days, find out what kind you need and shop either online and wait or shop your local geek shop, GL

 

[1cheater]

By the way Oldmantime, there is another option

Linux

 

[oldmantime]

No1 Cheater--You said exactly what a guy at the Radio Shack told me about upgrading memory. (What he didn't know about me is that when I open the hood of a car to check the oil, the gadget better say--"oil here".

What I wanted to get straight in my mind was why so much controversary over 98- 2000 and XP. Clearly XP is better--but- you need the memory to handle it. That is not mentioned (of course ) in buying these operating systems.
I may take mine in to Best Buy to see if they can upgrade it on the spot. I don't want to leave the patient overnight at the hospital.

 

[1cheater]

Oldmantime, the best advice I could give YOU would be to trade in your computer and get a no brainer PC like a Dell, which are very, very cheap nowaa days << this would be your best and cheapest way to completely upgrade for atleast 5 years, you would probably look at around 699 for a great NO BRAINER computer.. I have not shpped for a Dell personally, but my mother in law has and she loves hers...


To tell you the truth, I'am in the same boat as you, I constantly struggle to keep my computer running as effiently as possible. I'm on the verge of scrapping everything myself and completly upgrading..

YET THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES....

 

[jaypaw]

theres no substitute for learning enough about this stuff to not have to get an OEM like a dell gateway or otherwise

it may seem like a hassle at first

but if you add up all the hassle that dell and co will put you through it is no comparison


as for xp though ram is important - processing speed and disk space is also as important to look at.

 

[jaypaw]

in other words dont just go out and get more ram if you have limited disk space, etc.

 

[oldmantime]

Jaypaw, I bought a HP computer--not a Dell. (Is Dell an inferior product?)

I just looked again on "my computer". It says Total 27.9GB
26.3GB Free

So I have plently of space for adding--right?

 

[oldmantime]

how do I find out what my processing is on this current machine? HP Pavilion model 8670C ?

 

[jaypaw]

plenty of space yes

If you right click the my computer icon and select properties the resulting dialoge box should show you your processing speed in the lower right hand corner