Windows XP-Pro-Mac-Other-OS Questions
mrearlygold
Posts: 17,858 ✭✭✭
I hope since we are all on the computer this is a relevant question. We use Windows XP-Pro and have done so for years. I'm afraid to change to anything else for fear of getting an inferior operating system. But we noticed that despite the fact our computer systems are less than 3 years old, the "copyright" on Windows XP-Pro says 1995-2001 !
Is something wrong with our XP-Pro or is that how everybody's is?
What operating systems are you all using and are you happy with it?
Lastly, I mostly do email and surf the net. All the technical stuff in my company is done by either my Wife or our programmers. If you were me would you still use Windows XP-Pro or would you look to another windows product, or Mac and why? Or why not if you're not?
Is something wrong with our XP-Pro or is that how everybody's is?
What operating systems are you all using and are you happy with it?
Lastly, I mostly do email and surf the net. All the technical stuff in my company is done by either my Wife or our programmers. If you were me would you still use Windows XP-Pro or would you look to another windows product, or Mac and why? Or why not if you're not?
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Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
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The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.
Is there something that you feel you are missing out on? If so, you can rest assured that you arent, especially if all you do is email and Internet browsing.
I'm a Mac user--been so for 20 years. I like the OS-experience a bit better. I've grown to dislike the proprietary-ness of the platform though. I like being able to customize hardware and the Mac-platform isn't real friendly that way.
I guess what I'm saying, is that if it's working for you, don't change until you have to. Next time you upgrade machines, go for Windows 7. It'll be an easier transition than jumping to the Mac. And don't touch Vista....
The copyright thing , Microsoft copyrighted those names back in the day , those and plenty others.
<< <i>Id go back to XP in a heartbeat , the problem being nowdays big name laptop manufacturers have an overide in the bios that doesnt allow a user to downgrade , just upgrade.These machines come with Vista or 7 nowdays.
The copyright thing , Microsoft copyrighted those names back in the day , those and plenty others. >>
All you have to do is change the SATA (hard drive) controller from "AHCI" to "Compatible" (or whatever non-AHCI option is available) and viola! You can install Windows XP! We do it all the time on government PCs and laptops.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color"Central Valley" Roosevelts
My work laptop is Windows XP Pro SP3 which I absolutely LOVE!
The only thing which prevents me from loading Windows XP Pro on my personal laptop is that all my other software is out of date and I really wouldn't look forward to updating it and'or getting MS patches.
As for the OP, enjoy your OS while you can and just hope to hell your motherboard doesn't croak since they may not make that anymore either. At least, thats what happened to me to force the purchase of a Laptop. I shoulda converted then but did not do so to prevent screwing up the warranty.
Oh well.
The name is LEE!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
<< <i>I switched to MAC 3 years ago and will never own a PC again. >>
I switched back to Mac 1 year ago (used Mac until 1996, then PC from 1996-2010), and other than at work or for teleradiology, I will never use a PC again. There is no comparison.
If your XP works and you don't need to upgrade the rpograms you are running then just stick with it.
World Collection
British Collection
German States Collection
Vista wasn't.
Win7 is great. Moved my 60 something year old mother from XP to Win7 last year, and after less than a week of her griping, she started liking it as well.
If you buy new HW (printers, etc), most of them won't come with XP drivers. HW manufacturers don't like to support more than they have to and they usually don't go backwards unless there is a big reason for it.
Aside from a few small things (outlook express, etc), anything you could do in XP you can do in Win7 (and just as, or more, solidly). To get the email client, and a few other things, you need to download the Windows Live suite. Not a big deal but not something most people realize. Had to do that with mom.
As mentioned, the copyright is from when it was copyrighted to when it shipped. The release date for XP was 8/24/2001 I believe, so that was "current" when you machine was built.
I, personally, have been able to run everything from my XP machines with my Win7 machine with only a few needing tweaked (usually games).
I know governments, and big businesses, change slowly...and have their own IT department, but I know that, personally, if I were a small business owner, I would NOT be staying on systems more than a few years old. HW doesn't last forever, and things change in the SW field. You better have your stuff backed up because a failing drive could kill your data. Even emails can be important at time. Are they saved locally or on your server? Are they backed up?
If I were you, I would go Win7.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>I hope since we are all on the computer this is a relevant question. We use Windows XP-Pro and have done so for years. I'm afraid to change to anything else for fear of getting an inferior operating system. But we noticed that despite the fact our computer systems are less than 3 years old, the "copyright" on Windows XP-Pro says 1995-2001 !
Is something wrong with our XP-Pro or is that how everybody's is?
What operating systems are you all using and are you happy with it?
Lastly, I mostly do email and surf the net. All the technical stuff in my company is done by either my Wife or our programmers. If you were me would you still use Windows XP-Pro or would you look to another windows product, or Mac and why? Or why not if you're not? >>
I'm running Windows XP Pro. When I go to the lock screen, it shows a copyright symbol and the dates 1995-2001. I assume that's what you're talking about?
XP is a solid OS, but make sure you've got the current service pack installed (SP3). link
I also use Windows 7 and it's pretty solid. Vista was a dozen different kinds of pita.
For your last question, I recommend sticking with your current PC until it no longer meets your needs or until your wife or one of your programmers says to upgrade.
Macs are way less expensive (all thing considered) and way better, IMO.
<< <i>XP was good and pretty solid.
Vista wasn't.
Win7 is great. Moved my 60 something year old mother from XP to Win7 last year, and after less than a week of her griping, she started liking it as well.
If you buy new HW (printers, etc), most of them won't come with XP drivers. HW manufacturers don't like to support more than they have to and they usually don't go backwards unless there is a big reason for it.
Aside from a few small things (outlook express, etc), anything you could do in XP you can do in Win7 (and just as, or more, solidly). To get the email client, and a few other things, you need to download the Windows Live suite. Not a big deal but not something most people realize. Had to do that with mom.
As mentioned, the copyright is from when it was copyrighted to when it shipped. The release date for XP was 8/24/2001 I believe, so that was "current" when you machine was built.
I, personally, have been able to run everything from my XP machines with my Win7 machine with only a few needing tweaked (usually games).
I know governments, and big businesses, change slowly...and have their own IT department, but I know that, personally, if I were a small business owner, I would NOT be staying on systems more than a few years old. HW doesn't last forever, and things change in the SW field. You better have your stuff backed up because a failing drive could kill your data. Even emails can be important at time. Are they saved locally or on your server? Are they backed up?
If I were you, I would go Win7. >>
Thanks Ron. My only hesitation is that Vista sucked so badly and it was a forced change! Either that or build a new system from scratch and I just wasn't in the mood to figure out them danged motherboard connections again!
The name is LEE!
If your wife is your tech expert, I would use whatever operating system she feels comfortable with. Eventually, you will need to move to a more current operating system. Do not fear this. It will be a good thing.
Firstly.....email and surfing....stay with your XP-Pro, use firefox maybe as your browser. be sure you are updated to SP3
95% of the stuff I do I can do on other software that does work on that platform and my MacBookPro laptop dual boots to XP which has that program on it so I still have that capability.
Bottom line is this. Don't upgrade because it's cool. Upgrade if you need to and consider backwards compatibility for all the things you do. You may think you just check email and use the internet but I bet there are other things you do or will want to do.
I recently dug out an old Canon BJC-85 portable printer. Thing fit in a laptop bag and also had an optional scanner cartridge. I hooked it up to my Windows 7 machine and there are no Canon drivers but oddly enough Windows has one on their Windows Update Site.
I also found that I could get the scanner program working by running it in Windows compatibility mode. Bottom line here is I could do everything I want much easier having never upgraded.
John
Never view my other linked pages. They aren't coin related.
<< <i>"Lastly, I mostly do email and surf the net. All the technical stuff in my company is done by either my Wife or our programmers. If you were me would you still use Windows XP-Pro or would you look to another windows product, or Mac and why? Or why not if you're not?"
Firstly.....email and surfing....stay with your XP-Pro, use firefox maybe as your browser. be sure you are updated to SP3 >>
Yes I also have firefox when there are problems ( which seem to pop up at exactly the time you really don't need problems).
I thought of buying a mac so I could see if there were changes to the websites . Maybe I try out a mac and leave my Wifes computers the way they are.
I have an extra XP-Pro just in case
As well as external HD's etc which we back up often.
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
<< <i>
<< <i>Id go back to XP in a heartbeat , the problem being nowdays big name laptop manufacturers have an overide in the bios that doesnt allow a user to downgrade , just upgrade.These machines come with Vista or 7 nowdays.
The copyright thing , Microsoft copyrighted those names back in the day , those and plenty others. >>
All you have to do is change the SATA (hard drive) controller from "AHCI" to "Compatible" (or whatever non-AHCI option is available) and viola! You can install Windows XP! We do it all the time on government PCs and laptops. >>
Thanks , i'll try that
I remember the times of windows 3.0 at elementary school, later Windows 95. 16 colors, oh wasn't that fun?
Dennis
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<< <i>Windows 7 on my netbook which is basically my work computer. Windows Vista on my laptop which I use for games (not that many, but once in awhile) and downloading music (pssstt, I didn't say that. They are all bootlegs anyway, I buy every new album of my favorite artists on both vinyl as well as CD). The latter is much slower and I'm glad they got rid of it already.
I remember the times of windows 3.0 at elementary school, later Windows 95. 16 colors, oh wasn't that fun?
Dennis >>
Nice. I still have a working Mac Plus from '87. I start it up every now and then. MS Word 5.1 was a truly great, simple word processor. And Loderunner rules. If it weren't such a pain to get files off, I'd use it more often.
Got tired of all the Windows problems.Switched 5 years ago and never looked back.
From ID theft to OS/Computer questions - perhaps it's time to resign your CU forum and look elsewhere for entertainment, because this is a US COIN FORUM!
Mac OS X 10.6.6 at home using VMWare Fusion running XP Pro when I have to use a Windows product on my home machine.
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
<< <i>I hope since we are all on the computer this is a relevant question. We use Windows XP-Pro and have done so for years. I'm afraid to change to anything else for fear of getting an inferior operating system. But we noticed that despite the fact our computer systems are less than 3 years old, the "copyright" on Windows XP-Pro says 1995-2001 !
Is something wrong with our XP-Pro or is that how everybody's is?
What operating systems are you all using and are you happy with it?
Lastly, I mostly do email and surf the net. All the technical stuff in my company is done by either my Wife or our programmers. If you were me would you still use Windows XP-Pro or would you look to another windows product, or Mac and why? Or why not if you're not? >>
My computer is running VISTA Home Premium, and my wife's computer is Windows 7.
Five years ago I moved to a Mac and will never go back. Macs are so much more reliable. I've tired of fixing PC's. It was fun in the old days but now I just want the damn thing to work...every time.
The downside is you have to do things Apple's way. But it's a small shortcoming and the trade-off is well worth it.
Lance.
Mac is a very good alternative. A bit more expensive, but more stable yet.
As an engineer, I've used PC's throughout my undergrad, grad, and working life (DOS, MS Windows, XP, etc). However, I've OWNED nothing but Macintoshes. They cost more, but the Mac OS is flat out superior to any PC OS I've used. Never crashes and always free of viruses.
<< <i>I used Microsoft-OS machines since before the IBM-PC. >>
Really? I thought MS's first OS product was MS-DOS, which made its debut on the IBM PC.
<< <i>IBM were the first OEM company for MS DOS 1 , but earlier versions called 86-DOS were sold prior. >>
86-DOS was not an MS product, I don't think. It was the basis for PC-DOS and MS-DOS. I do not believe (and please correct me if I'm wrong), that MS sold any copies as 86-DOS after buying it from Seattle Computer Products (who developed it, IIRC). When MS licensed it to IBM, they rebranded it PC-DOS (and later MS-DOS).
<< <i>
<< <i>IBM were the first OEM company for MS DOS 1 , but earlier versions called 86-DOS were sold prior. >>
86-DOS was not an MS product, I don't think. It was the basis for PC-DOS and MS-DOS. I do not believe (and please correct me if I'm wrong), that MS sold any copies as 86-DOS after buying it from Seattle Computer Products (who developed it, IIRC). When MS sold it to IBM, they rebranded it PC-DOS (and later MS-DOS). >>
Yeah , they did Mike , in December of 80 Microsoft bought the non exclusive rights to 86DOS to market it to an undisclosed customer.They didn't buy full rights until July of 81 and that's when the name changed.
[edited to add] If you know, and can share, who was the "undisclosed customer"?
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Ahhhhaaaaa
<< <i>This might help , it's an infamous problem.
Ahhhhaaaaa >>
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was driving me crazy. Now The Man won't can me.
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Using my Linux machine now, most viruses are written for XP n Vista.
Still have a machine running 2000 Pro, and believe it or not, a machine with 98 second edition.
Guess it's up to the user.
Check out his coin:
As for the copyright dates, that's just because they are incorporating bits and pieces of stuff that they created as far back as 1995. No biggie.