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General discussion

Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows XP

Mar 23, 2004 11:30AM PST

I have a Gateway 500Mhz that is presently operating with Windows 98. I have 14 GB of ram, 256 MB of memory and I think the computer was purchased in '99. Office Professional 2000 is the software that I'm using and I do have a few "print shop or photo shop" type programs on my computer as well.

There have been some issues with my computer getting really sluggish and locking up so my nephew reformatted and restored. Presently, however for whatever reason, I can't change my display colors and I HATE GRAY!!! My computer at the office requires being left on the generic setting and I just hate the thought of keeping my home computer on that setting as well.

He thought it might be better to install Windows 2000, which he says is a more stable operating system but one of the Network technicians at the office questioned that choice over Windows XP.

My nephew's concern is that XP will most likely slow down my computer because of the age, memory, etc. Can anyone help explain the pros and cons and actually WHICH you think might work best.

If I were the only user, slowing the computer down wouldn't necessarily bother me. For the moment, I can't afford to purchase a new one so I have to make do. Thanks in advance for your help!

Discussion is locked

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Re:Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows XP
Mar 23, 2004 5:45PM PST

I can't help you choosing between these three OS'es.

But the display problem should be easy. Your nephew should have installed the video card driver, in stead of doing half work for you.
Go to the Gateway site and see if you can find the correct driver to download. Then install it, and you'll have your video settings back.

No need to change OS'es just to get the color back. In fact, you might not get the colors in other OS'es without this same driver.


Kees

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Stay With W98
Mar 23, 2004 8:37PM PST

W2000 and WXP requires different drivers, and you will be creating nurmerous problems. Also, since you are using a name brand computer, it came with a restore disk and you are limited in choices.

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Your choice.
Mar 23, 2004 9:33PM PST

In short, your choice on the matter.

My old p3-600 finally was moved to Windows 2000 because the software I use would not work on Windows 98. For completeness, this software is called Eclipse and is the version from PalmSource for Palm application development.

The p3-600 has 256 megabytes of RAM, an 11 gigabyte hard disk and CDRW.

It now runs Windows 2000 and boot time is a few minutes. Its very stable compared to even the best of days with Windows 98 but is just one step down as to how fast it "feels." The menus take a split second longer.

The move was a success for me and now I can hold off replacing my personal notebook for another day.

BUT MORE ABOUT YOUR ISSUE.

1. The color issue is likely you need to install the video card drivers. Microsoft doesn't do this for you.

2. Some of what you wrote makes me think you should find Housecall, Cwshredder, Spybot and Adaware then eject all that these tools find. Use http://www.google.com

Bob

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THANKS ALL!! :o)
Mar 24, 2004 10:54AM PST

Info much appreciated.

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Oops! I have more info on exactly what I had installed!! Might change things??
Mar 24, 2004 11:06AM PST

I right clicked on my computer and scrolled through the list in device manager. What I actually had Gateway install prior to our location closing in Hickory, NC is shown under Display Adapter. It is a Nvidia GeForce2 MX 100/200. I actually have the software in the box. Would an install of this provide a fix to my display color problems? THANKS SO VERY MUCH for your help in advance. It's bad when you know just enough to keep getting yourself into trouble (LOL)!!