Epox EP-8RDA+ Operating System Poll

[Stephan28]

Ok....I'm about to build a new computer based on the 8RDA+ and I have to decide which version of Windows I am going to install. I would like to know who uses what and their relevant experiences whether good or bad. I am a bit reluctant to change from 98SE since I have had good luck with it in the past. I've heard so many horror stories about driver issues, privacy issues and what not with the newer versions. Thanks for your time and information!

 

[jaeger66]

Just get WinXP and be done with it.

 

[mechBgon]

I use Win2000 on mine, haven't tried anything else. If you use WinXP, it's best to install SP1 before installing the drivers. When you do install the drivers, be aware that you may want to say No to the SW IDE driver, which makes your drives look SCSI to Windows, and which seems to mess up CD and DVD burners (sometimes). You can always run the driver installation pack again and choose the alternate driver if you want, though.

 

[Stephan28]

What is the difference between the Home Version and Professional version of XP? Where is a good place to purchase XP? What if I could obtain a copy of it from a friend?

 

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: Stephan28
What is the difference between the Home Version and Professional version of XP? Where is a good place to purchase XP? What if I could obtain a copy of it from a friend?

Please refrain from piracy. The differences can be found on MS's website, the main reason I use Pro is that Visual Studio 6/.NET won't run on Home.

 

[mechBgon]

Here is a FAQ explaining the differences between XP Home and XP Pro. I agree, don't throw away your integrity and pirate the OS. Could get you in trouble and it just ain't right

One significant plus to using XP Pro is that Microsoft will support it through the end of 2009, two years beyond their support of XP Home: Life Cycle

 

[wyckedcool]

XP Pro here. I've used Windows 98 and ME, and XP in my opinion is much more stable.
I like it the best between these three.

 

[brigden]

Whatever you do, just don't use Windows ME.

 

[SpideyCU]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I agree, don't throw away your integrity and pirate the OS. Could get you in trouble and it just ain't right

You know, I used to say that, but now that I have to reactivate every few times I change hardware in the rig and have to call up and speak with a service rep ("You're sure that copy of Windows is only installed on one system, sir?"), I kind of regret going legit.

I tell myself it was the right thing to do, but man what a hassle.

 

[mechBgon]

You could exercise your downgrade rights and switch to Win2000 maybe But I agree, I'd be annoyed at having to go through that drill too, and particularly the finger-wagging. Just one more reason I will probably stick with Win2000. Actually, at this point, the strongest motivation I would have for getting WinXP is so I don't sound like an idiot when trying to help people troubleshoot their WinXP systems Without a WinXP system to go by, it's not so easy.

 

[althes]

go win2k

 

[drewdogg808]

Originally posted by: wyckedcool
XP Pro here. I've used Windows 98 and ME, and XP in my opinion is much more stable.
I like it the best between these three.

 

[Killrose]

I have Win98se with my 8RDA , radeon 9700 and have no issue's at all with it. I only use my comp for gamming, web browsing and light usage in other area's, and in that order. It's simply a toy not a workhorse. WinXP is more powerfull and refined, but if your useage is like mine, you will be ok.

 

[SpideyCU]

I'd go with Win2k, but there are just certain things that I *need* WinXP for. For example, sometimes I like a little nostalgia and I want to play Thief: The Dark Project. The game won't run under WinNT, meaning it won't do Win2k either. It'll run fine under WinXP, though, because XP has the compatability settings that 2k doesn't have. WinXP is by far the most game-friendly OS I've run to date, but it's a royal nightmare for hardware tweakers like myself. Sometimes I think it'd be less trouble to reinstall the OS and use the 30-day grace period over and over.

 

[Stephan28]

You know, I used to say that, but now that I have to reactivate every few times I change hardware in the rig and have to call up and speak with a service rep ("You're sure that copy of Windows is only installed on one system, sir?"), I kind of regret going legit.

You see, that is just what I don't want to deal with right now. Having to deal with Service Reps everytime I change a few things around in between my 3 computers. I suppose with XP I would have to buy a seperate licenses for each of them?!!? Assuming of course I install it on all three. Not to mention the learning curve that is involved with learning a new OS. Unless someone gives me a REALLY REALLY good reason to switch I think I'll just stay with 98SE. My primary use for this computer will be gaming, web browsing, and maybe a little tweakage. Once I get this one up and running maybe I'll try upgrading to XP on another stable machine. Are there serious pitfalls to upgrading to XP?

 

[jaeger66]

I've made lots of drastic hardware changes and never been asked to reactivate. And even if I was, so what? The one time I had to do a phone activation it took 5 minutes. It's an issue blown out of proportion by people who just need to complain about something.

 

[mechBgon]

Pure DOS games don't run on WinXP, though... is that correct? As in, the all-time classic Descent (I)?

*reminds self to buy a Win98SE OEM and a 6' power cord before MS stops selling Win98SE in June*

 

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Pure DOS games don't run on WinXP, though... is that correct? As in, the all-time classic Descent (I)?

*reminds self to buy a Win98SE OEM and a 6' power cord before MS stops selling Win98SE in June*

It supposedly works, though I've never tried it. You could always boot to pure DOS, depending on what hardware you have. WinXP has native SB16 DOS emulation for sound, but again I've not tried it.

 

[Stephan28]

Alright, Back to the XP "game"...Say I go for the Pro Version, what is the difference between a RETAIL version and an OEM version besides the price? I would suppose it would be support policies. Looking at NewEgg the cost difference is a staggering $140+.

 

[jaeger66]

The retail version comes with a box and support. In the last 10 years I can count the number of times I've had to contact MS support for Windows on 0 fingers.

 

[SpideyCU]

Originally posted by: jaeger66
I've made lots of drastic hardware changes and never been asked to reactivate. And even if I was, so what? The one time I had to do a phone activation it took 5 minutes. It's an issue blown out of proportion by people who just need to complain about something.

I'll thank you not to make assumptions about me, sir. If you don't have to do it regularly, I don't think you have ground to comment on how annoying it is. I am NOT looking for something to complain about, and it IS something that annoys me. Since you seemed to think I'm just here to whine about nothing, let me regale you with a short story.

I had a period where I couldn't figure out what was the source of my system instability. In order to do so, I had to keep swapping out hardware to try to pinpoint the source. After a few pieces, I was told that due to significant hardware changes, I wouldn't be allowed to log in until I reactivated. So I had to call MS and reactivate. Fine, whatever. I finally got my system to where I thougth it was stable. Good. A few days later, the crashes I'd experienced before came back. Eventually I found out was the memory. I got some new memory, and after adding that in, I had to...reactivate again.

If you'd like to know something else amusing, the very first time I got my copy of WinXP, I activated it as soon as I finished installing the OS. However, after a few days I got drivers for all my components and thus, Windows saw a bunch of different devices (i.e. "VGA Adapter" was now "Geforce4 Ti 4200" and so forth) and thought there had been significant changes. Time to reactivate, two days into using the OS!

You might've only had a "5 minute" call to the reps to reactivate, but when you're reactivating every other month or so (a trend I hope to break soon), they ask a few more questions and the call takes just a *bit* longer because they feel the need to be suspicious.

I've said my part, enough of that. Stephan, as for the cost, the best would've been when Microsoft was offering XP Pro for $48 shipped, I wonder if they'll ever have that deal up again (happened twice so far). However, if you don't want to wait, then that's not really an option. You can keep on eye on the Hot Deal forums here. I think you can safely go for the OEM version without any qualms. Just a tip that no one ever gave me: put off activation until AFTER you install all your drivers.

 

[zettler]

I have read this thread with interest, as I went with Windows XP Pro (the "$35 special") and haven't seen anyone say anything about a dual boot system, say for instance with LINUX?

I am interested in making either an old PC into a TIVO like device - or - have my new EPOX 8RDA+ be able to handle that. I bought the WinFast 2000XP card and have a total of 200G of hard drive space but could always set up a different PC to do this. UP FRONT, I have NEVER done this before but had read and downloaded (somewhere before I reformatted) a how-to for this.

Any thoughts out there for a dual-boot with LINUX, and/or for setting up the ability to record TV?

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: Stephan28

You know, I used to say that, but now that I have to reactivate every few times I change hardware in the rig and have to call up and speak with a service rep ("You're sure that copy of Windows is only installed on one system, sir?"), I kind of regret going legit.

You see, that is just what I don't want to deal with right now. Having to deal with Service Reps everytime I change a few things around in between my 3 computers. I suppose with XP I would have to buy a seperate licenses for each of them?!!? Assuming of course I install it on all three. Not to mention the learning curve that is involved with learning a new OS. Unless someone gives me a REALLY REALLY good reason to switch I think I'll just stay with 98SE. My primary use for this computer will be gaming, web browsing, and maybe a little tweakage. Once I get this one up and running maybe I'll try upgrading to XP on another stable machine. Are there serious pitfalls to upgrading to XP?

It's not EVERY time, it's one time out of 6. Five activations go fine, on the sixth expect to make a phone call. It lasts all of 3 minutes, is toll free, and is relatively smooth. I don't think there is much to complain about. If you want to use 9x go ahead, just don't say you weren't warned...

 

[Fingolfin269]

Personally I think it's annoying to be monitored by big brother Bill and co. However, I do understand to an extend what they are trying to accomplish. The problem is that I know plenty of people who still use pirated copies of XP and the annoying thing is that the pirates never have to do any phoning in to MS. For the most part the people who call in are the ones who actually own the license. Kinda ironic.

 

[Stephan28]

Well, I'm slowly being convinced (or deluding myself) that I will go with XP. I suppose I can always reformat the hard-drive and start fresh if it really doesn't pan out. It's just a pain as you all are aware. I suppose another concern of mine is the learning curve that will follow suit with the new OS. Humans are creatures of habit and change will always make us uneasy.

I am also still looking to purchase a legit unregistered/unactivated copy of XP Pro if anyone has one they'd be willing to part with. I have a post on the For Sale/Trade forum