Of course I agree with my son. In particular, the computer in question that
started this discussion is about one year old and all the components should
be compatible with XP. However, the last computer I built from spare and
used parts for the grand children was reported as being compatible with XP
except the sound card. After installation the computer kept hanging up due
to a video card that Microsoft said was compatible and only needed an
updated driver. The video manufacturer no longer supported the card and
there was no newer driver. They did not have kind words for Microsoft. I
bought a used video card for a few dollars that is more powerful and works
with XP. The sound card did not work and I bought a used sound card.

I really liked Win98 but XP is far more stable. With 98 the computer would
have to be restarted after freezing up with certain programs several times a
day. With XP the computer has never frozen although programs have frozen and
needed to be restarted. Fortunately, XP runs each program in an assigned
block of memory and only the programs might fail but not the OS (normally).
This does mean that the more memory the better with XP. I went from 384MB to
1GB when I upgraded the OS.

Rarely have I had an older program not run with XP as long as the
compatibility set correctly. But, I took the opportunity to upgrade a number
of the programs I use the most. They run better and have better graphics and
added features.

I now have three computers running XP without any problems at all.

Tom Mayer

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Mayer" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 2:58 PM
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Windows...Re-Install or Upgrade ??


I couldn't disagree more.
I've upgraded two of my personal computers to XP.  One is an AMD Athlon XP
1700+ which I use daily (haven't turned it off in several weeks.)  I use it
for general household use, games, several telnet applications and an
automated database compiling program.  The upgrade went without a hitch.
Granted, I can't use the older version of PC Anywhere any more and there
are a couple of *old* games that don't quite work right.  But, the benefits
of stability and additional speed far outweight these minor issues.
The other machine is my 17 year old daughter's machine.  She uses it much
less frequently, and it's an older Athlon 750 that I pieced together over
time.  I ran the upgrade advisor before installing and I was warned that it
WOULD NOT work due to a conflict with the video card and the motherboard.
I bought a new video card but had the same message.  So, I did the install
anyways and I must say, it runs great!  MUCH faster than the old Win98 that
was installed.


Tony Mayer
Sysop
The Magic FunHouse BBS
http://bbs.magicom.net



>Boy!  I wouldn't upgrade to XP.  NOt only will some of your programs not
>work.............a lot of your hardware won't either.
>        Wanda Irby in Seymour in the great State of TEXAS, USA
>
>                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
>                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
>                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>

                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>

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