Dilbert1234567

do you Prefer windows XP or 2K (if you dont use either dont vote)

please include why (stability, options ...)

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cchris

I was one of those unfortunate souls that purchased a pc with windows millenium edition.
After only a few months I wanted to throw the whole box and dice out the window just to see how many pieces it would break into.
I got some advice from a friend and 18 months later after installing Windows 2000 professional,I have not looked back.
Very stable,easy to operate and suits me fine.
Have run a few websites as well with it and not one problem.

Hope that helps.

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Motry Latchman

I use both (but not on the same computer). I like a couple of the features of XP:
system restore
"filmstrip" view in a directory of photos
the new Start menu design
fewer (not zero) problems with hardware drivers

A lot of stuff I just turned off, like Windows messaging.

I have had problems with networking between XP computers which got me to go back to W2K on one machine. I have seen lots of other people on the web describe the same or similar problems with XP (basically, the ability to browse networked machines just stops one day) but I did not find a fix.

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alterEGO

I bought xp when it was released , i don't wanna go back to 2k really. Althought i find 2k more realiable than XP.

XP <> 2k

imo, you take yur pick.

rogue49

2K is not bad, very stable.
XP is better, it has more to it.

'nuff said.

m0j0

winxp, has more bells and whistles.

Ratman

I am using 2k and like it. Stable with multi languages, etc. I have started to see XP Multimedia edition. Anyone using it?

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mtsgsd

I've used 2K and now use XP Pro. The main thing to consider is what you'll be using it for. 2K absolutely sucked for me as it had a lot of difficulty recognizing some of my peripherals, and did not work well at all with a lot of my games. XP works with everything and is a lot more stable.

The_Dude

i've used both, and i think that xp is more user friendly.

2k is hardcore for networking, that's my understanding.

and i've heard of some problems w/ win2k and games.

one of my friends couldnt get the drivers to work for his video on 2k either

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hrdwareguy

2000 Pro was designed for the business market and power users, not for gamers. As such many high end drivers needed for games wouldn't work with 2000, and some games wouldn't work with it either.

Although it was designed for the business market, many power users put it on their home machines because of the increased stability over Win98. Now these power users have a stable machine but a lot of their stuff wouldn't work. Then came XP which has the stability of 2000 but the product support of 98. Now you have an os for the Power User who also games.

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rubicon

XP.

It's got all the guts of 2000 with fancy window-dressing. Besides, Windows 2000 is circa 2000 and today is 2003. Why step into something old when you can have what's new?

But seriously, XP runs just fine for a workstation.

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Sparhawk

XP is purty...

2k at work, xp at home. Doesn't really make that much of a difference.

My favorite feature is customizing the login screen...

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SiN

and, it looks better.

and i don't mean themes, i'm using 'windows classic'.
it's just smoooother.

/me likes

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Cynthetiq

I use both.... depends on the application and what I'm trying to really accomplish.

I have computers running 98, 2k, XP... depending on the performance of the computer will determine the OS to load.

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juanvaldes

2K. Less bloat.

fuelmyfire

i like 2000 better.

XP makes me feel like i don't know anything about computers.............which isn't true

heyal256

I like 2000 better because I don't care much for the "pretty" icons that waste cpu power. Then again i haven't used XP much except for installing it and then spending the time to make it look like "classic" windows.
Both OS's have their own strengths, but I think that XP still has a few too many bugs that are being worked on.
Note: I might be biased on the "pretty" XP interface since I learned to use computers in DOS here graphics were functional, and not pretty.

ajullr01

i have two computers, one with 2k professionsal, and one with XP home edition. the 2k machine has dual processors, which you can only do with an NT machine. I've always loved 2k above all else. However, compatibility is a big problem with 2k. If you like to play games, especially old school games, get XP. It's a lot more compatible. I managed to run System Shock 2 in XP, which any fan of the game can tgell you is IMPOSSIBLE in 2k.

In short, gamers, video, audio people choose XP. Software developers, computer geeks choose 2k.

That's my 2 cents

BuDDaH

XP all the way.

If you really want to know, its WIN2k on steriods...

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Jesus Pimp

Xp Pro! Don't use XP home.

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Thraeryn

Among the things that XP has that 2K doesn't, my favorite is probably transparency. Transparency, resource eater that it is, still rocks my world. It's beautiful being able to browse a thread on TFP AND watch mimi on ART's webcam because the TFP thread is translucent.

MontanaXVI

2k was designed more for professional use since it was based on the NT platform. I used it for a while and it worked great for all basic computing needs, it was kinda stingy for games though as all the mutli-media is there for pretty muc basic stuff, ALTHO it DOES WORK!!!!

I have since switched to XP which I have been using for over a year and I have to say I love XP it reminds me of a hybrid 2k/9x which is STABLE, FAST, and did I mention STABLE, also it is very multimedia friendly and easy to use.

just my 2¢ I say XP all the way, I use the pro version since I built a dual processor rig, and XP Home does not support duallies

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crewsor

On the subject of OS, what are the major differences between xp home and pro. I'm getting ready to get a new computer and its about 60.00 to upgrade to pro and I'm wondering if its necessary and worth it for home use to get pro.
I've been using win 2000 pro and am pretty happy with that.

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juanvaldes

Home does not run on dual CPU systems. Also Pro has a VNC like application.

Drake

When you strip out all the B.S. from XP, what do you have?....2k. If XP would have come out 5 years ago when I know absolutly nothing about compuers, I might have thought about getting it. Now that I know more then the average user, XP's politically correct B.S., I don't know WTF I'm doing interface, just gets in the way. I will admit XP is better for gamers and first time computers users. If your a first time PC owner, my advice is start with XP. Once you know what your doing, UPGRADE to 2k.

crewsor

I understand the dual processors, but you lost me on the VNC. Virtual networking? Thats the only major differences? If so I see no reason for me to upgrade to pro. I'm not getting a dual system and don't even know what that other feature is.

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BigJonnyJ

I like XP for its friendliness to USB and Firewire. It generally seems more compatible. I used 2k for a long time, from the time it came out untill a few months after the XP launch. I thought that I wouldn't like XP, but I've been really happy with it.
Oh and Don't get XP Home.... mainly cause the bar under the start up is that puky gold color.

crewsor

I would think you could change the color, no?

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spillblood

my vote goes to XP i have used every windows and after you get use to XP, it is better by far everything but the new search(find file) i hate the little dog

AxelF

Win XP pro is the way to go. Everyone that prefers 2k was very sceptical to begin with and went with 2k as soon as they had the first little problem with XP they could dig up, I'm sure.

Like those who say they will never install SP1 because it messes everything up. They just want to be excentric about it.

XP can be set to look just like 2k if you don't like the new style, including search if you hate the puppy.

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AxelF

Technically, XP pro has ALL that 2k has and then some.
To clarify the differences between Home and Pro comes here a LONG description. But it shows you why going with Home is a tough choice. You may have to upgrade when your needs mature.

The following features are not present in Windows XP Home Edition.

Power user
--------------
Remote Desktop - All versions of Windows XP--including Home Edition--support Remote Assistance, which is an assisted support technology that allows a help desk or system administrator to remotely connect to a client desktop for troubleshooting purposes. But Only Pro supports the new Remote Desktop feature, which is a single-session version of Terminal Services with two obvious uses: Mobile professionals who need to remotely access their corporate desktop, and remote administration of clients on a network. You can access a Windows XP Remote Desktop from any OS that supports a Terminal Services client (such as Windows 98 and, interestingly XP Home). XP Home can act as the client in a Remote Desktop session; only Pro can be the server.

Multi-processor support - Windows XP Pro supports up to two microprocessors, while Home Edition supports only one.

Automated System Recovery (ASR) - In a somewhat controversial move, Microsoft has removed the Backup utility from the default Windows XP Home Edition, though it is available as an optional installation if you can find it on the CD-ROM (hint: it's in the /valueadd folder). The reason for this the integration of Microsoft's new Automated System Recovery (ASR) tool into Backup. In Pro, ASR will help recover a system from a catastrophic error, such as one that renders the system unbootable. ASR-enabled backups are triggerable from XP Setup, allowing you to return your system to its previous state, even if the hard drive dies and has to be replaced. Unlike consumer-oriented features such as System Restore, ASR is not automatic: It must manually be enabled from within the Backup utility in Windows XP Pro. In any event, while there is a Backup utility available for Home Edition, you cannot use ASR, even though mentions of this feature still exist in the UI. Confusing? Yes. But it's better than no Backup at all, which was the original plan.

Dynamic Disk Support - Windows XP Professional (like its Windows 2000 equivalent) supports dynamic disks, but Home Edition does not (instead, HE supports only the standard Simple Disk type). Dynamic disks are not usable with any OS other than Windows 2000 or Windows XP Pro, and they cannot be used on portable computers. Likewise, Home Edition does not include the Logical Disk Manager.

Fax - Home Edition has no integrated fax functionality out of the box, though it is an option you can install from the XP Home CD.

Internet Information Services/Personal Web Server - Home Edition does not include the IIS Web server 5.1 software found in Pro.

Security
----------
Encrypting File System - Windows XP Professional supports the Encrypting File System (EFS), which allows you encrypt individual files or folders for local security (EFS is not enabled over a network). EFS-protected files and folders allows users to protect sensitive documents from other users.

File-level access control - Any user with Administrator privileges can limit access to certain network resources, such as servers, directories, and files, using access control lists. Only Windows XP Professional supports file-level access control, mostly because this feature is typically implemented through Group Policy Objects, which are also not available in Home Edition.

"C2" certification - Microsoft will attempt to have Windows XP Professional certified with the "C2" security designation, a largely irrelevant status, but one which will not be afforded to Home Edition.

Management
----------------
Domain membership - Home Edition cannot be used to logon to an Active Directory domain. For obvious reasons, the Domain Wizard is also missing in Home Edition.

Group Policy - Since Home Edition cannot be used to logon to an Active Directory domain, Group Policy--whereby applications, network resources, and operating systems are administered for domain users--is not supported either.

IntelliMirror - Microsoft lumps a wide range of semi-related change and configuration management technologies under the IntelliMirror umbrella, and none of these features are supported in the consumer oriented Home Edition. IntelliMirror capabilities include user data management; centrally-managed software installation, repair, updating, and removal; user settings management; and Remote Installation Services (RIS), which allows administrators to remotely install the OS on client systems.

Roaming profiles - This feature allows users to logon to any computer in an Active Directory network and automatically receive their customized settings. It is not available in Home Edition, which cannot logon to an Active Directory domain.

Corporate deployment
----------------------------
Multi-language support - Only Windows XP Professional will ship in a Multi-Language version or support multiple languages in a single install.

Sysprep support - Windows XP Pro will support the System Preparation (Sysprep) utility, while Home Edition will not.

RIS support - See the IntelliMirror heading in the previous section; Home Edition does not support RIS deployments.

Networking features
--------------------------
The following networking features are not included in Home Edition:
- The user interface for IPSecurity (IPSec)
- SNMP
- Simple TCP/IP services
- SAP Agent
- Client Service for NetWare
- Network Monitor
- Multiple Roaming feature

User interface features
-----------------------------
Windows XP Home Edition has some different default settings that affect the user interface. For example, Guest logon is on by default in Home, but off in Pro. The Address bar in Explorer windows is on in Pro by default, but off in Home. During the beta period, Microsoft had intended to use a business-oriented shell theme ("Professional") by default in Pro and the "Luna" consumer theme in Home Edition. But feedback from corporate users suggested that everyone liked the consumer-oriented Luna theme better, and development of the Professional theme was cancelled. Other user interface features that are present in Pro but not Home include:

- Client-side caching
- Administrative Tools option on the Start menu
(a subset of the Admin tools are still present in Home, however).


Read more at: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...p_home_pro.asp

VirFighter

I use win2k but have thought about upgrading to XP since I can get it for free from school.

I've joked with my friends that XP is "2K for dummies"

The only differences that appeal to me in XP are:

the better text (cleartype or truetype or whatever its called)
the new start menu design (I hate desktop icons)
better customizability

Today at work I got my first exposure to XP home... yuck is all I can say. I felt so crippled by it, way too sugar coated.

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celeb

2k for Business/office use

XP for Home/Home office use


2k is a great operating system with a lot of great functionality but a lot of hardware is still not supported. XP on the other hand supports great amounts of hardware/software and also has the compatibility feature which allows you to run older programs.


Celeb

TwoToTango

I use XP Pro at work, 2000 Pro at home.
My home system gets pushed way harder
than the one at work (that is, the apps I
run are more demanding). I'd call the two
equivalently stable in that I can't really
recall the last crash on either one.

I haven't had any problems with hardware
recognition on 2K Pro, and that box has all
of my odd bits -- jog/shuttle control, video
capture card, graphics tablet, film scanner,
etcetera.

So, to twist rubicon's words around, I'd say:

"2000 Pro.

It's got all the guts of XP without the
useless window-dressing."

And it doesn't think it ought to phone up
Microsoft to discuss my computer

poof

I am not much on "'nuff said" statements, but....

<i>2K is not bad, very stable.
XP is better, it has more to it.</i>

....seems to be dead on.

I took classes on w2k thinking it was going to replace nt, and, well, we know what happened there.

XP is smarter for pnp, (large .cab files), networks at the touch of a button, no more stacks, and "heals when wounded" nicely.

2000 was an excellent transition, for home users like me, from the semi-dos OS to the "I know nothing, just work dammit" computer.

XP just works without massive tutelage.

cartmen34

XP Pro.
.
.
Get it.
.
.
Love it.
.
.
Care for it.
.
.
Nurture it.
.
.
It will love you back.

Or don't
.
.
abuse it
.
.
do your worst
.
.
try and hurt it.
.
.
it will still love you back.

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losfp

I like to install Win XP Pro, then strip out all the eye candy. So it runs just about as quick as Win2k, but with more up-to-date driver support XP Pro's Remote connection is great too - I can control my XP box from my Mac PowerBook in the next room without a hitch at all!

There's not much between 2k and XP anyway IMHO. At work I'm still using NT4 - and even that's better than most of the company - they are still on Win95!!!

funk-e

xp is just as stable as 2k it just has more features

and most people would like it once they get used to it!

at first i thought it i couldn't find anything cuz it was all moved around but a year later and i cant even look at 2k

AxelF

You are so right funk-e, it happens at every new release of any software. Some hate it because it's too user friendly, some because it's too pretty, some say it's bloated, some paranoids says it's spying on us.

First: whatever works for you - fine - use it!

I have been using personal computers with various OP's since before the first release of DOS. It happens at EVERY release. I'm quite tired of these complainers. We have seen them come around and upgrade eventually everytime.

MS states that XP pro is a superset of all previous versions of Windows. Win 2k only have less of the stuff. Not only less user friendly interface, but quite alot less of technical hardcore stuff too. You can stick with 2k if you like it, if it works for you - great! But please don't keep ranting in public that it is better than XP pro. You embarrass yourself.

Happy computing!

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manalone

If it's a new pc, XP pro. It's just better.

If the pc is lil older, or doesn't have lots of ram, I would think 2K.

XP Home is not worth it. Stay away. Learn the lesson that was 2K's success: the business windows is better supported, more patched and more stable.

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