XP Upgrade Question

Don't laugh, but I'm still running Windows 98SE. I want to upgrade as 98 isn't compatible with some sites I use, but I have had several experienced computer techs advise that Vista doesn't have the bugs worked out enough yet.

My computer is a Sony PVC-R553DS w/ a 650 MHz Pentium III processor, with memory of 128 MB that can accomodate two 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 SDRAM DIMM modules to increase the memory to a max of 256 MB. The computer was purchased in 2001. Disc compression & PC cards aren't installed. System resources are 67% free.

One internet site recommended having a processor of 500+ MHz Pentium III+ and 256 MB RAM to upgrade to XP. If I upgrade my memory to the max, 256 MB, it seems that my current computer would be able to accomodate XP. The XP home edition is the version I am interested in. The site recommended doing a full install to get a clean install, which I'm OK with.

1) It is reasonable to expect the electronics, solder, etc. in the Sony PVC-R553DS to last for at least 5 more years.

2) Would it be foolish to invest several hundred dollars in a 2001 computer as I would have to upgrade the memory & use the full install?

3) If I was purchasing a new computer with XP already installed on it what would you recommend?

Thank you for your assistance.

 

with the age of that system I would say get a dell or something along those lines. Just their regular low end would cost a few hundred but for xp and ram you would spend that anyway. Your machine would be slow as molasses with xp. Just MHO

 

Can you elaborate on that? What requirement of a website is it that you don't meet? Are you using IE 6? Have you tried any other browser? Can you mention a specific site? I have a Win 98SE machine I could use to see whether I get the same result.

I'm inclined to agree with ibbonkers comments regarding upgrading. However, "slow as molasses" is a bit of an exaggeration. If you keep the tasking fairly simple (such as web browsing and word processing) at any given time and keep number of background processes running to a minimum, it probably would not be awfully slow. Back a couple years or so ago, I used my computer, running Win XP Pro, with 256MB for awhile without much pain and agony. Still, is it worth buying XP and more RAM for that older system?

As I understand it, Dell still offers buyers a choice. If you go to many brick and mortar retailers, you won't have a choice of OS; they're all Vista now.

 

I don't know. I was assuming they still offered it. So, looks like it's darn near impossible to get a new machine with Win XP now.

 

When in doubt, check it out.

Depends on what you want.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/2247/capturepg7.jpg

Obviously going with Vista gives you a full range of choices.

 

And, XP is, indeed, still an option.

 

Do you (& others) think Vista has had enough of the kinks worked out now? I am concerned about several computer tech's comments to stay away from Vista until most of the problems were ironed out.

I don't do anything involved w/ my PC. I use it for visiting informational sites, shopping, & playing a flight simulator game that needs a decent amount of memory & processing capability. I don't care about having the very latest, most high-tech programs, I just want a reliable OS that I don't have trouble with.

What do you see as the advantages of Vista over XP?
Do you (& others) consider it a mistake to go w/ XP over Vista?
As I have never upgraded over 98SE, should I just wait awhile & go w/ Vista later?
How do you (& others) feel about Microsoft v.s. Mac?

Thanks for the pictures of the Inspirion. Where is this available?

I appreciate comments as my computer knowledge is limited. Any suggestions are very welcome.

 

I haven't figured out how to use the multiquote, so my replys are underlined.

What sites would you (& others) choose to peruse for new equipment? I want quality equipment that will last, be reliable, can be easily serviced if necessary that can run my flight simulator game smoothly, but I don't want to spend more than necessary. I've been pleased w/ the Sony Vio & have never had to have it serviced.

How does one determine if a smaller computer company & an online sales site is reliable & reputable? Any links &/or tips would be appreciated.

Thanks for your (& others') comments.

 

It seems nobody has thought it smart $$$ to upgrade the Sony Vio. This is certainly helping me clarify my thoughts on this issue & I am OK w/ frank comments.

The Sony Vio came w/ 128MB, upgradable to 256MB. What range of memory do new computers come w/ these days? Just initially perusing some sites gives me the impression that memory has increased vastly.

Are you using Vista? Have you had problems? I've heard from some computer techs that it has so much security on it that it isn't compatible w/ many sites? Do you (& others) think it would be weird to upgrade to XP at this time? Should I get a computer w/ XP that has enough memory to accomodate Vista w/ the plans to upgrade to Vista when the problems are worked out?

Thanks for the reply.

 

For me, its more tweakable. Its also easier on the eyes, which is important for those of us who stare at a monitor for a long time. It is more secure, and, for me, more intuitive. Less importantly, its MORE FUN.

Unless you use incredibly outdated software, I think its good to go Vista. Going with XP is to support an antiquated OS that loses mainstream support in 6 months. Not to mention extra cost you incur when buying two OSes (Vista later).

That is up to you. Its a major change in interface for you.

This sums up my feelings on it.
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=116173&highlight=apple

 

I use Vista. The techs you talked to are full of hogwash.

These days, computers come with an average of 1-2gb of ram, and up to 3-4gb.

 

http://adrynalyne.blogspot.com/2008/01/vista-revisited.html

My opinion after using it for a while.

 

If you are a keyboard shortcut fanatic, check this out.

http://adrynalyne.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!AB9DE24BE9AF1B9F!214.entry

 

I have used both xp and vista and while both have their good side and bad I use vista(not a single bsod to date ) I game and surf the web, listen to music etc. The new machines support vista fairly well. Drivers are everywhere now and the windows games are a little better IMHO

 

What is "bsod"?
If you were upgrading now, would you choose Vista or XP? Why?
What are some of the advantages/disadvantages of both systems?

Thanks for your reply.

 

Thanks for the other link. Everything I've seen indicates Mac isn't good for games such as my flight simulator.

Your response makes me recondider Vista.

Does anyone on the forum think it would be preferable to upgrade to or get a new computer w/ XP over Vista? Why?

When new OSs come out, such as Vista just has, is it prudent to wait until a 2nd generation of it has come out w/ the problems ironed out, or is it just as good to go ahead & get it & download the recommended Microsoft bulletins as the various issues are uncovered? How long is it expected before a second generation of Vista is released?

I appreciate your & the others sharing your expertise. Thanks for the reply.

 

There is a fine line between cutting edge and stability. Generally speaking, early adopters want those cutting edge features, while more conservative folks wait for stability from patches.

That said, Vista has seen an enormous amount of patches so far, and Service Pack 1 is on the horizon, and it does indeed fix a good deal of things, plus give some extra performance. People may think that Vista is new and jumping to it is too soon, but let me remind you (and others).

Vista has been out since November 2006. It is not a new OS anymore.

One last thought:

When XP came out, the same arguments applied to Vista were made towards XP. So, nothing new, in my opinion.

 

a BSOD is a Blue Screen Of Death. usually caused by an error after which the screen turns blue and shows an error code. But all that aside if I were upgrading now I would go with Vista. Simply because there is no reason to buy xp and then buy vista in 6 months when vista works fine. Most issues that people had problems with were on older hardware with poor drivers whereas the newer hardware is made with vista in mind.

 

Also, since your computer is from 2001 then your peripherals will most likely not have drivers for Vista.

 

You will not be laughed at, here for using any early operating system- If it has/does its purpose for you, that is what matters.But, once it cannot do what you need it to, then it is prudent to consider updating.XP will run on 256mb of ram, if you keep it lean- not too msny programs running in the background - you can find references her http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm to help trim XP to its necessities, if you don't want to spend much money, yet.(You can get XP for around £45 , now.)
As Adrenalyne says, Vista is the best 'jump' - in the future. XP will be forced out , eventually, and I remember when I went from 98se to XP, - the difference was quite an experience. My view is to go for Vista home premium - not the basic version.
98SE was my favoured operting system , until I got to grips with XP, and then, I no longer wanted to go back to 98se. I preferred 98SE to ME- 2000 is/was good- XP made the difference. Opinions vary, but I found that XP needed at least 512mb ram, unless run in a lean form, but runs nicely for photo's, with 1gb, or more.
But Vista, as has been said, is very stable, even on the 64bit version.I find driver detection, and driver updates are better than XP.
I took a long time thinking about updating to Vista, but I found it worth it - I do dual boot,(in fact multi-boot with XP, and Vista) though, because I 'mess' with my computer, testing/trying software.
If you decide to update to a new computer, Vista will run on 1gb memory, but 2gb or more gives you the real benifit of the graphics.
If you want to check out your present printer/usb devices, and software for use with Vista , I find these links useful
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_RTM_Hardware_Compatibility_List#Sound_Cards
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List