Choosing new OS, what to buy

I have three PCs and one laptop in my home.
One is very old and a former employer allowed me to put their XP on it since
I did some work from home. While they had a full license to do that
something happen and it is no longer considered 'genuine.' Huge battle with
Microsoft and I no longer work there so I won't get their new license to fix
mine. I just hate to think I have something considering pirated...when I know
for a fact it wasn't. But that can't be fixed now. Company just bought all
new machines for those that really needed it and left those like mine just as
is. Not sure what problems it will cause me, but don't want to have any.
Another is old, but not as old. I bought it used and didn't get a restore
disk or a copy of XP with it...running XP. It is genuine though (I made sure
with Microsoft athentication), but I need to wipe so much out and do a fresh
install...can't without the disk. C drive run out of room. The idiot gave
most of the room to D and nothing will fit on C any longer even though I
moved everything I could find to an external drive. Some things just require
C and have no way to change....windows update. No choices there.
Third computer has all new parts except the HD which is running 2000.
Actually haven't tried it yet. I made some mistake in my installing of
hardware and can't get power.....I will fix that soon.
Laptop is just fine so I won't bother with it.
I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to buy. I hate to buy three
new copies of XP and I don't want Vista yet...not sure if the older ones will
run it anyway.
The one I put all new parts in is for my husband do game on. Don't think
Linux is a good idea. But maybe for the old ones.
Just wondering if I should just bite the bullet and buy three new XPs or if
I have any other options. Not sure if the older ones are worth the money to
bother with anything. I am just too cheap to buy new PCs.
Thanks so very much!
crisleem

"crisleem" wrote in message
...
I have three PCs and one laptop in my home.
One is very old and a former employer allowed me to put their XP on it
since
I did some work from home. While they had a full license to do that
something happen and it is no longer considered 'genuine.' Huge battle
with
Microsoft and I no longer work there so I won't get their new license to
fix
mine. I just hate to think I have something considering pirated...when I
know
for a fact it wasn't. But that can't be fixed now. Company just bought
all
new machines for those that really needed it and left those like mine just
as
is. Not sure what problems it will cause me, but don't want to have any.
Another is old, but not as old. I bought it used and didn't get a restore
disk or a copy of XP with it...running XP. It is genuine though (I made
sure
with Microsoft athentication), but I need to wipe so much out and do a
fresh
install...can't without the disk. C drive run out of room. The idiot gave
most of the room to D and nothing will fit on C any longer even though I
moved everything I could find to an external drive. Some things just
require
C and have no way to change....windows update. No choices there.
Third computer has all new parts except the HD which is running 2000.
Actually haven't tried it yet. I made some mistake in my installing of
hardware and can't get power.....I will fix that soon.
Laptop is just fine so I won't bother with it.
I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to buy. I hate to buy three
new copies of XP and I don't want Vista yet...not sure if the older ones
will
run it anyway.
The one I put all new parts in is for my husband do game on. Don't think
Linux is a good idea. But maybe for the old ones.
Just wondering if I should just bite the bullet and buy three new XPs or
if
I have any other options. Not sure if the older ones are worth the money
to
bother with anything. I am just too cheap to buy new PCs.
Thanks so very much!
crisleem

For the problem with lack of room on C partition you can use a
repartitioning program like Acronis Disk Director to shrink the D partition
(or delete it completely) and then give the freed space back to C which will
expand the partition for you. This can be done without any loss of data on
C.

As for the system running Windows 2000 why not just stick with Windows 2000?
You can network it with your other systems and Windows 2000 is a nice stable
operating system. The system identified as a "non genuine" copy of XP will
have difficulty if you plan to install updates from the Windows Update Site
including upgrading to IE 7. However if you turn off automatic updates and
closely maintain the system by doing regular AV scans, using good spyware
protection and staying off suspect websites you can likely get away without
incident by running it as is. Yes I know that is blasphemy ;-)

Linux has a learning curve. It really depends on what you want to do with it
though and there are good distros of linux that are easy to install and
quite easy to work with. I use Xandros and it was a quick install of about
15 minutes, it has good AV and Security built in, it also networks easily
with Windows systems and has built in software like OpenOffice, DVD burning
and if you install Crossover you can even install Microsoft programs like MS
Office and other windows based apps like WinRar, uTorrent, WinAmp etc. the
full version of Xandros does cost about $50 but a free lite version can be
had for nothing.

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]

On 4/12/2007 1:16 PM On a whim, crisleem pounded out on the keyboard

I have three PCs and one laptop in my home.
One is very old and a former employer allowed me to put their XP on it since
I did some work from home. While they had a full license to do that
something happen and it is no longer considered 'genuine.' Huge battle with
Microsoft and I no longer work there so I won't get their new license to fix
mine. I just hate to think I have something considering pirated...when I know
for a fact it wasn't. But that can't be fixed now. Company just bought all
new machines for those that really needed it and left those like mine just as
is. Not sure what problems it will cause me, but don't want to have any.
Another is old, but not as old. I bought it used and didn't get a restore
disk or a copy of XP with it...running XP. It is genuine though (I made sure
with Microsoft athentication), but I need to wipe so much out and do a fresh
install...can't without the disk. C drive run out of room. The idiot gave
most of the room to D and nothing will fit on C any longer even though I
moved everything I could find to an external drive. Some things just require
C and have no way to change....windows update. No choices there.
Third computer has all new parts except the HD which is running 2000.
Actually haven't tried it yet. I made some mistake in my installing of
hardware and can't get power.....I will fix that soon.
Laptop is just fine so I won't bother with it.
I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to buy. I hate to buy three
new copies of XP and I don't want Vista yet...not sure if the older ones will
run it anyway.
The one I put all new parts in is for my husband do game on. Don't think
Linux is a good idea. But maybe for the old ones.
Just wondering if I should just bite the bullet and buy three new XPs or if
I have any other options. Not sure if the older ones are worth the money to
bother with anything. I am just too cheap to buy new PCs.
Thanks so very much!
crisleem

Hi Crisleem,

You're right, Vista doesn't sound like it's for you right now. I would
buy 3 XP licenses if you have a CD (or 2 and 1 with a CD). Cheaper than
buying 3 separate licenses with CD's.

Also, try BootIT NG. Has a 30 day trial and you should be able to
reduce the D drive and expand the C drive on the one laptop. MAKE
BACKUPS FIRST unless the data isn't critical.

Don't think w2k is a good gaming OS. It was designed for business (poor
plug & play, etc).

--
Terry

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Hi ... It's kind of hard to give advise when you didn't mention your
computers specs and what Windows disks you already have , Who knows maybe
your computers are not worth it to upgrade ? Also you should mention to
what your needs are for these computers, Maybe and I'm just guessing the
free OS might be a better choice but wouldn't know until you provide more
details about your computers and needs



"crisleem" wrote in message
...
I have three PCs and one laptop in my home.
One is very old and a former employer allowed me to put their XP on it
since
I did some work from home. While they had a full license to do that
something happen and it is no longer considered 'genuine.' Huge battle
with
Microsoft and I no longer work there so I won't get their new license to
fix
mine. I just hate to think I have something considering pirated...when I
know
for a fact it wasn't. But that can't be fixed now. Company just bought
all
new machines for those that really needed it and left those like mine just
as
is. Not sure what problems it will cause me, but don't want to have any.
Another is old, but not as old. I bought it used and didn't get a restore
disk or a copy of XP with it...running XP. It is genuine though (I made
sure
with Microsoft athentication), but I need to wipe so much out and do a
fresh
install...can't without the disk. C drive run out of room. The idiot gave
most of the room to D and nothing will fit on C any longer even though I
moved everything I could find to an external drive. Some things just
require
C and have no way to change....windows update. No choices there.
Third computer has all new parts except the HD which is running 2000.
Actually haven't tried it yet. I made some mistake in my installing of
hardware and can't get power.....I will fix that soon.
Laptop is just fine so I won't bother with it.
I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to buy. I hate to buy three
new copies of XP and I don't want Vista yet...not sure if the older ones
will
run it anyway.
The one I put all new parts in is for my husband do game on. Don't think
Linux is a good idea. But maybe for the old ones.
Just wondering if I should just bite the bullet and buy three new XPs or
if
I have any other options. Not sure if the older ones are worth the money
to
bother with anything. I am just too cheap to buy new PCs.
Thanks so very much!
crisleem

crisleem wrote:

Don't think Linux is a good idea.

Why ever not?

I hear it is not good for gamers.
Husband loves his games....huge ones!!

"Gordon" wrote:

crisleem wrote:

Don't think Linux is a good idea.

Why ever not?

You're right, sorry about that:
The oldest is an old emachines cpu 633 mhz. I think I have got it topped out
at 384 mb ram...won't fit more. 15g hd: 'not genuine' XP Pro (disk won't
work now). I kept this one for the kids to get on line only.....has Mcafee
spyware removal, AV, and other controls.
The one I use is in bad shape. cpu 1 ghz, 512 mb ram, XP pro (no disk), 20
g HD with only 4 on C. 160g external. Not sure what socket motherboard on
either of the old computers. I use office products a lot, Illustrator (you
can imagine how slow it is now), and photo editors. And of course online
very often. NO GAMES ON MINE! All our computers have the same McAfee
products because we have comcast. I can not install anything anymore....no
room left for anything. I don't even have room to burn a DVD....apparently
you need over 250 mb on C to burn.
One I'm rebuilding for husband to game: socket 775, cpu 3.3 g, only 512 mb
ram till I can buy more, windows 2000 on a 40g hard drive with a 160
external, no disk for windows....got it from a family member, but can't find
disk. Obviously I'm not a PC pro by any means of the imagination. This is
my first attempt to build (rebuild) one. And now it won't power up. I'm sure
I will figure it out though.
I really appreciate everyones help. Sorry for the lack of info.




"TOAO" wrote:

Hi ... It's kind of hard to give advise when you didn't mention your
computers specs and what Windows disks you already have , Who knows maybe
your computers are not worth it to upgrade ? Also you should mention to
what your needs are for these computers, Maybe and I'm just guessing the
free OS might be a better choice but wouldn't know until you provide more
details about your computers and needs



"crisleem" wrote in message
...
I have three PCs and one laptop in my home.
One is very old and a former employer allowed me to put their XP on it
since
I did some work from home. While they had a full license to do that
something happen and it is no longer considered 'genuine.' Huge battle
with
Microsoft and I no longer work there so I won't get their new license to
fix
mine. I just hate to think I have something considering pirated...when I
know
for a fact it wasn't. But that can't be fixed now. Company just bought
all
new machines for those that really needed it and left those like mine just
as
is. Not sure what problems it will cause me, but don't want to have any.
Another is old, but not as old. I bought it used and didn't get a restore
disk or a copy of XP with it...running XP. It is genuine though (I made
sure
with Microsoft athentication), but I need to wipe so much out and do a
fresh
install...can't without the disk. C drive run out of room. The idiot gave
most of the room to D and nothing will fit on C any longer even though I
moved everything I could find to an external drive. Some things just
require
C and have no way to change....windows update. No choices there.
Third computer has all new parts except the HD which is running 2000.
Actually haven't tried it yet. I made some mistake in my installing of
hardware and can't get power.....I will fix that soon.
Laptop is just fine so I won't bother with it.
I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to buy. I hate to buy three
new copies of XP and I don't want Vista yet...not sure if the older ones
will
run it anyway.
The one I put all new parts in is for my husband do game on. Don't think
Linux is a good idea. But maybe for the old ones.
Just wondering if I should just bite the bullet and buy three new XPs or
if
I have any other options. Not sure if the older ones are worth the money
to
bother with anything. I am just too cheap to buy new PCs.
Thanks so very much!
crisleem

Hi . What I would do if I had those computers ? I would with the Emachine
try to find a copy of 98 second edition OS and I wouldn't put any money into
, why ? I believe 98se would work best with those specs and that comp could
be on its last leg ,So if happen to die on you ? No major loss , Its hard to
say , 2000 is also a good OS ( Operating System ).. The one you use ? I
would go with either 2000 or XP , Again if you had any previous windows disk
versions ? You could use an Windows upgrade ( 2000 or XP ) version , which
would keep the cost cheaper , With those 2 computers ? You don't really want
to add to much money .. Your husband computer I would again either use 2000
or XP , I would go more towards XP and It REALLY would help if you had any
previous Windows disk , Now this is just my opinion and others here might
agree or disagree , Hopefully they will also add there 2 cents





"crisleem" wrote in message
...
You're right, sorry about that:
The oldest is an old emachines cpu 633 mhz. I think I have got it topped
out
at 384 mb ram...won't fit more. 15g hd: 'not genuine' XP Pro (disk won't
work now). I kept this one for the kids to get on line only.....has
Mcafee
spyware removal, AV, and other controls.
The one I use is in bad shape. cpu 1 ghz, 512 mb ram, XP pro (no disk),
20
g HD with only 4 on C. 160g external. Not sure what socket motherboard on
either of the old computers. I use office products a lot, Illustrator
(you
can imagine how slow it is now), and photo editors. And of course online
very often. NO GAMES ON MINE! All our computers have the same McAfee
products because we have comcast. I can not install anything
anymore....no
room left for anything. I don't even have room to burn a
DVD....apparently
you need over 250 mb on C to burn.
One I'm rebuilding for husband to game: socket 775, cpu 3.3 g, only 512 mb
ram till I can buy more, windows 2000 on a 40g hard drive with a 160
external, no disk for windows....got it from a family member, but can't
find
disk. Obviously I'm not a PC pro by any means of the imagination. This
is
my first attempt to build (rebuild) one. And now it won't power up. I'm
sure
I will figure it out though.
I really appreciate everyones help. Sorry for the lack of info.




"TOAO" wrote:

Hi ... It's kind of hard to give advise when you didn't mention your
computers specs and what Windows disks you already have , Who knows maybe
your computers are not worth it to upgrade ? Also you should mention to
what your needs are for these computers, Maybe and I'm just guessing the
free OS might be a better choice but wouldn't know until you provide more
details about your computers and needs



"crisleem" wrote in message
...
I have three PCs and one laptop in my home.
One is very old and a former employer allowed me to put their XP on it
since
I did some work from home. While they had a full license to do that
something happen and it is no longer considered 'genuine.' Huge battle
with
Microsoft and I no longer work there so I won't get their new license
to
fix
mine. I just hate to think I have something considering pirated...when
I
know
for a fact it wasn't. But that can't be fixed now. Company just
bought
all
new machines for those that really needed it and left those like mine
just
as
is. Not sure what problems it will cause me, but don't want to have
any.
Another is old, but not as old. I bought it used and didn't get a
restore
disk or a copy of XP with it...running XP. It is genuine though (I
made
sure
with Microsoft athentication), but I need to wipe so much out and do a
fresh
install...can't without the disk. C drive run out of room. The idiot
gave
most of the room to D and nothing will fit on C any longer even though
I
moved everything I could find to an external drive. Some things just
require
C and have no way to change....windows update. No choices there.
Third computer has all new parts except the HD which is running 2000.
Actually haven't tried it yet. I made some mistake in my installing of
hardware and can't get power.....I will fix that soon.
Laptop is just fine so I won't bother with it.
I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to buy. I hate to buy
three
new copies of XP and I don't want Vista yet...not sure if the older
ones
will
run it anyway.
The one I put all new parts in is for my husband do game on. Don't
think
Linux is a good idea. But maybe for the old ones.
Just wondering if I should just bite the bullet and buy three new XPs
or
if
I have any other options. Not sure if the older ones are worth the
money
to
bother with anything. I am just too cheap to buy new PCs.
Thanks so very much!
crisleem

On Thu, 12 Apr 2007 13:16:00 -0700, crisleem
wrote:

Another is old, but not as old. I bought it used and didn't get a restore
disk or a copy of XP with it...running XP. It is genuine though (I made sure
with Microsoft athentication), but I need to wipe so much out and do a fresh
install...can't without the disk. C drive run out of room. The idiot gave
most of the room to D and nothing will fit on C any longer even though I
moved everything I could find to an external drive. Some things just require
C and have no way to change....

Alright. buy Partition Magic (you can probably find an older version
on Ebay which will work fine.) That'll let you resize your
partitions, and avoide the re-install.
--
Top 10 Conservative Idiots:
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/top10

I had the same problom with my OS when I called microsoft they ased me how
many PC I had it on I have the same OS and Key on 5 PC but I told them I only
had it on 1. I formated all my PC in a one week period and told them nope
just one and they validated my windows every time. What they said is trhat
you can only Validate one on line aqnd after that you haft to call in to
lavidate. If your CD is not working because it is scratched up then get one
of thouse CD scratch repair things from Walmart to fix it. As for your OS if
all else fails there is hacker cracks out there that work pritty good.

Good luck
Dana
--
If all else fails F(disk) it


"crisleem" wrote:

I hear it is not good for gamers.
Husband loves his games....huge ones!!

"Gordon" wrote:

crisleem wrote:

Don't think Linux is a good idea.

Why ever not?