How to make Windows XP last for the next seven years

[Zebo]

I did'nt upgrade to XP until 2007, and only because there was a game or two I could not play. I did'nt have any problem with 2kpro like viruses, malware etc before that just a gaming problem. I did switch but other than gaming issue would have been perfectly fine staying with w2k. In similar vain, some of you may like XP just fine and want to keep it for awhile this so article is for those people.

Very long and detailed article....Link

July 18, 2007 (Computerworld) Windows Vista may be shiny and brand new, but as plenty of PC users will tell you, sometimes newer isn't better. Many PCs simply don't have the horsepower to run the new operating system, and even those that have the juice may get bogged down by processor-and RAM-hungry Vista.

If you've got Windows XP, worry not -- you can keep it running on your hardware for years to come. As with an old car, though, if you plan to keep XP around for a while, you're going to have to spend some time maintaining it. Think of us as your virtual mechanics. We'll give you tips, tweaks and tricks so that you'll be able to keep XP running smoothly, at top performance, for smooth operation and long life.
Don't miss our related story,
Windows XP: Going, going ... gone?

But what if you suffer from Vista envy, and you're interested in more than just maintaining XP as it is? No problem -- we'll also show you how to get many of Vista's goodies, such as greatly improved security, transparent windows, Windows Flip 3D and the Network Map, all without having to spend the money to upgrade or get new hardware.

So, if you've got better things to do with your time and money than upgrade to Vista, read on. There's still plenty of life in your old operating system.

 

[Maximilian]

Nice, only problem is that you still have to pay for some stuff the article mentions and windows 7 looks set to negate vistas higher hardware requirements.

Kensington Computer Products Group's PC Key ($70)
SafeBrowse.com's Safe Eyes, which costs $50
Top Desk is shareware from Otaku Software $18.
AbsoluteWay's TweakWindow It's shareware; registration costs $21.
WindowBlinds is shareware, and costs $20 to register.

I some of that stuff might be optional and maybe theres free alternatives i dunno, thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[Crusty]

So, if you've got better things to do with your time and money than upgrade to Vista, read on.

Fair enough, sometimes upgrading is just not an option.

Be aware that installing the Vista Transformation Pack is not for the weak of heart. Follow the installation instructions extremely carefully -- they'll take some time. And just to be safe, we suggest creating a Restore Point before you begin, because you'll be mucking about with system files.

Wait a second... I thought the whole point was to not waste time? Not only is that article contradicting itself, but I certainly wouldn't recommend an install that's described as above to someone who doesn't want to upgrade to Vista. What's the point of changing the way something looks with a chance that you can't use your computer anymore?

There's nothing wrong with running Windows XP for the next seven years

 

[nordloewelabs]

Originally posted by: Crusty
There's nothing wrong with running Windows XP for the next seven years

i've been running Win2K on one of my machines for the last 7-8 years and, as long as security patches are released, i'll keep using it. the same applies to my WinXP machine.

 

[rudder]

I think within a few years a lot of new software will be 64 bit only. Adobe has released CS4 which is 64 bit, but it also installs the 32 bit version for all the plugins that will not work on 64 bit. But eventually as RAM has become so cheap we will see an eventual migration to purely 64 bit. Maybe within 2 iterations adobe will stop offering the 32 bit option.

So it will take 5-7 years. But if the software you want to run is 64 bit only and you want XP your only option is XP64... unless you keep your current hardware for 7-8 years, good luck finding drivers.

I got a copy of vista64 free from a microsoft launch event... otherwise I would still be running XP64.

 

[PingSpike]

Yeah, I think you're going to want XP64 if you want it to last for the next 7 years IMO. We're kind of at a crossroads right now with the RAM limit for 32-bit OSes, but we've already butted up against it. In 3-4 years (or less) that limit is going to start to feel pretty painful.

 

[AdamK47]

Oh god, you're one of those people. Yeah, Windows XP is just a prettier version of Win2K. Win2K is just a mild upgrade from NT4. NT4 is just a rewritten server version of Windows For Workgroups 3.11. Windows 3.11 is just a pretty UI for DOS. Stick with DOS. I hear 6.22 is the bee's knees, but then again 5.0 is pretty much the same.

I'm sure there are plenty of well written articles scattered across the bile drenched tubes of the internet that can make a convincing read to stick with any particuar OS out there.

 

[Scotteq]

I'm curious why such an old article gets trotted out again...

Scratch that. Nevermind < shrug >


If you want to use XP, then use XP. Security and maintenance updates aren't stopping any time in the near (or not so near) future. And it's not like anyone actually gets support from MSFT anyhow. If you're a Pro, then you have a service contract with a 3rd party provider. If you're an end user, you're on your own just the same as always.

Much ado about nothing, IMHO.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: AdamK47
Oh god, you're one of those people. Yeah, Windows XP is just a prettier version of Win2K. Win2K is just a mild upgrade from NT4. NT4 is just a rewritten server version of Windows For Workgroups 3.11. Windows 3.11 is just a pretty UI for DOS. Stick with DOS. I hear 6.22 is the bee's knees, but then again 5.0 is pretty much the same.

I'm sure there are plenty of well written articles scattered across the bile drenched tubes of the internet that can make a convincing read to stick with any particuar OS out there.

:^D

DOS is for noobs who can't properly use an abacus :^P My abacus is much easier on energy than your bloated computer. You should see my server room... Cool as a cucumber, and no noise :^D

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: AdamK47
Oh god, you're one of those people. Yeah, Windows XP is just a prettier version of Win2K. Win2K is just a mild upgrade from NT4. NT4 is just a rewritten server version of Windows For Workgroups 3.11. Windows 3.11 is just a pretty UI for DOS. Stick with DOS. I hear 6.22 is the bee's knees, but then again 5.0 is pretty much the same.

I'm sure there are plenty of well written articles scattered across the bile drenched tubes of the internet that can make a convincing read to stick with any particuar OS out there.

:^D

DOS is for noobs who can't properly use an abacus :^P My abacus is much easier on energy than your bloated computer. You should see my server room... Cool as a cucumber, and no noise :^D

Shenanigans! Those little beads make all kinds of noise... much more annoying than a fan spinning!

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: TheStu


Shenanigans! Those little beads make all kinds of noise... much more annoying than a fan spinning!

LIES!!

I installed rubber bumpers for sound proofing. That, and the talc I put on the rods gives them a gentle swoosh sound when operated. The illegal aliens operating my servers though... Oye Vey! :shakes head:

:^D

 

[n7]

I almost would think that article is a joke that way it's written out...but sadly, i don't think it is.

 

[Lepard]

I have nothing concrete to add to the discussion as it has been covered, but from AdamK47's post to the end it is hilarious.

Carry on.