win2k vs. win98

[Dan]

considering changing to amore stable os. is win 2k all it's cracked up to be? is it in fact more stable than win 98? I operate just a single pc, but use high end software (autocad and several graphics programs as well as several audio software progeams). What version of win2k is best for me? win2k professional or the "millenium version" (windows me) ?? any advice appreciated....

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if there is a problem, there is a solution

[357 Mag]

I switched to Win 2000 several months ago for the reason of greater stability. And it is in fact very, very stable. It is the best OS on the market. Better than Linux, better than Win 98, and although I haven't tried ME I would bet it's still better. Unless you read from Microsoft that ME gives more stability and reliability, I wouldn't buy it. Go with Win 2000.

357 Mag

[HAL9000]

Windows ME is the latest line to come out after Windows 98. Windows 2000 Professional is the next in line after Windows NT 4.0. As long as the programs that you are using are Windows 2000 compatable, as well as your hardware, it might be worthwhile to switch to Windows 2000 for better stability. My personal view on the subject, if you are having stability problems in 98, start looking for bad hardware or conflicting software.

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If it ain't broke, you're not pushing hard enough!

[Dan]

thanks for the reply.
I have no hardware conflicts, but I am experiencing problems with certain software. I have not been able to pin down where the problem originated, but I am aware that certain programs like to overwrite the mfc42.dll file to their own version...making programs dependant on the older version difficult to open. I have read scores on the subject but have been unable to find a solution that works...

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if there is a problem, there is a solution

[crcmapper]

I agree with 357Mag, Windows 2000 is great. I've been running it since late january with no problems (once all my hardware had new drivers out). As long as your system will support it, I'd say go with 2000 for much improved stability.

[Omletteboy]

I have a machine running win 2000 and it is very stable. I tried to install win 2k on my other system but there was hardware conflicts so had to stick with win98.

[Dan]

Thanks much....these are the kind of testimonials I needed to hear. I am planning on installing a second HD, will wait 'till then and install clean ....

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if there is a problem, there is a solution

[PC]

Don't forget that you need more RAM to run Win2K. 64MB should be considered a minimum.

[Halo3]

I can second all of those votes for Win2K Professional. It is very stable, and does a better job of managing system resources. However, I think it only fair to forewarn that while W2K has (essentially) the same GUI, it is vastly different than both Win9x & WinNTx.xx. As a result, some of the more advanced administrative aspects of W2K can be over-complicated and daunting to the casual computer user.

Lastly, I cannot stress enough the absolute NEED to verify that ALL of your hardware has W2K drivers out!!! Nothing sucks worse than loading an operating system, and then discovering that various pieces of your hardware no longer work!!

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Semper Fi,
L.G. Huber III, MCSE/MCP+I/A+/N+