Which OS Should I Run?

Sachiel03 · July 26th, 2006, 01:30 PM

Well...Im in sort of a bind here....And I need your guys help.

I have this ancient computer...Here is what i know about it.

Gateway

AMD Athlon processor

9.5 GB HD

128 Mb RAM

After running 98 on it for quite a while,I switched to XP because i was tired of not being able to get the latest software.

XP runs ok,but when i multitask it locks up and lags like you wouldnt believe.

I mainly use my computer for Flash/graphic creation & editing/music/etc.

I need an OS that will run decent on my PC...Ive seriously considered Linux,but id have no internet access,my Ark Linux thread explains that.

Would Windows 2000 be a good choice?

I do apologize for the help threads,I dont want it to seem like i only come here asking for help,I just havent had a lot of free time lately,and its hard to enjoy my time on the internet with such a poor PC.

Any suggestions?

Leader Desslock · July 26th, 2006, 01:43 PM

The first question to ask is: What Do You Need The Computer To Do? The choice of OS comes from the answer to that question.

You make Flash graphics and do music editing. Okay. So the obvious questions would be:

1) What software do you use to make these graphics and edit your music
2) What are the minimum OS specs for those pieces of software.

Unless you intend to go back to older software or purchase new software for the new OS, your choice of OS will be determined from what your software needs to run. Whatever will run them all is what you should choose.

128MB of RAM isn't a lot for modern OS's and applications, so let me ask the next most obvious question: Can the machine take any more RAM? Check your specs and upgrade the RAM if you need to. It'll make XP happier, I think. It'll also make Win2K happier if you go that route.

Personal preference: Win2K Pro. I use it, it runs great for me. I don't like XP, but I'll confess that the main reason I don't like XP has more to do with the number of XP systems I've had to fix because someone didn't know how to set it up and use XP correctly. There's less I have to disable when setting up a Win2K Pro box, compared to what I have to disable on an XP box.

In terms of what you want to do, there's probably not that big a difference between XP and Win2K.

Sachiel03 · July 26th, 2006, 01:51 PM

When I said music,I just meant listening to it not editing

sorry for the mix-up.

Well what i mainly use is:

Flash

Fireworks

Limewire

and AIM

I run all of these at the same time,and whenever i do my computer tends to lag and frequently freeze.

I was looking at the BSD site,and their OS sounds pretty nice,but im not sure if they support USB,like Linux.

And im not expecting to buy any PC upgrades anytime soon,im kinda on a budget

but if its cheap please reccomend it.

Samurai Drifter · July 26th, 2006, 02:12 PM

Your computer is quite old, so don't expect to be able to run a lot of more recent programs on it. You can try to upgrade the RAM, but be sure you know your way around the inside of your machine quite well, as Gateway (Dell too) makes their computers really hard to work inside.

I'm guessing the reason that you're sticking with such an old computer is that you don't have the money for a new one. If that's the case then yes, I think Win2k will be a lot easier on your computer. XP is too advanced for it to run well.

I wouldn't recommend this to most people on AN, but if graphics creation/flash and music editing are the two main things you use your computer for, I would recommend switching over to Mac at some point when you have the money. Mac isn't a good choice for people who are really into gaming, but it's well known to have far more advanced graphics editing capabilities than PCs. Animation studios/art schools use Macs for this reason. If that's your main objective, that would be my recommendation.

But if you're just looking for an OS that will go easier on the machine you have and still have some good options, Windows 2000 would be a good choice.

Sachiel03 · July 26th, 2006, 02:20 PM

Thanks for that.I dont do any PC gaming what-so-ever,besides the every now and then game on Flashplayer

Ive also been looking into XUbuntu Linux and BSD.

XUbuntu looks really good for my PC..Any opinions?

I really do appreciate all the help guys.

Leader Desslock · July 26th, 2006, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sachiel03

And im not expecting to buy any PC upgrades anytime soon,im kinda on a budget

but if its cheap please reccomend it.

That's why I *did* recommend it. An extra 128 MB of RAM is gonna be around $20-$30. That should bring you up to a level where XP is going to be happy.

Comparing that to the price of Win2k... it's your cheapest option.

Neo0tak0n · July 26th, 2006, 02:59 PM

You want linux, try something easy like Fedora, then work your way up to other distros if that one doesn't fit your style.

master terrence · July 26th, 2006, 03:17 PM

for you and your needs, windows 2000 shoul be fitting. I"d stay away from linux and such because it may just lead to more hardware confusion for you. I don't know much about Fedora and it's capabilities, so that may not be a bad idea.

I have 512 mb and my XP runs smooth

.

Sachiel03 · July 26th, 2006, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leader Desslock

That's why I *did* recommend it. An extra 128 MB of RAM is gonna be around $20-$30. That should bring you up to a level where XP is going to be happy.

Comparing that to the price of Win2k... it's your cheapest option.

Oh im sorry,I had no idea RAM upgrades were cheap

Where can i buy them?

Danju · July 26th, 2006, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sachiel03

Oh im sorry,I had no idea RAM upgrades were cheap

Where can i buy them?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ubCategory=147

Soluzar · July 26th, 2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sachiel03

Oh im sorry,I had no idea RAM upgrades were cheap

Where can i buy them?

Primarily online, unless you want no-name RAM that will cost up to twice as much. That's what you'll invariably get shopping in any retail store.

Sachiel03 · July 26th, 2006, 05:27 PM

Ok sounds good.

But im not expecting extra cash from my parents for a while...And im too young for a credit card.

Dont wal-mart or anyone sell them?

Danju · July 26th, 2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sachiel03

Ok sounds good.

But im not expecting extra cash from my parents for a while...And im too young for a credit card.

Dont wal-mart or anyone sell them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soluzar

Primarily online, unless you want no-name RAM that will cost up to twice as much. That's what you'll invariably get shopping in any retail store.

There you have it.

Chicito · July 26th, 2006, 05:31 PM

Not just RAM, you need a bigger Harddrive, 10 gigs isn't gonna get you anywhere nowadays.

master terrence · July 26th, 2006, 05:36 PM

I"m thinking you should replace the hard drive all together, but it may be a bit expensive. I can't believe you can function on 10 gigs. Though I don't know how much hard drive space you NEED(ya, there is a (requirement close to 1 gig I'm guessing) to run one of the newer OS's, but you do need some kind of buffer (don't fill it up obviously). maybe you can get an external hard drive.

July 26th, 2006, 01:43 PM	#2
Leader Desslock It. Is. On. Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 13,702	The first question to ask is: What Do You Need The Computer To Do? The choice of OS comes from the answer to that question. You make Flash graphics and do music editing. Okay. So the obvious questions would be: 1) What software do you use to make these graphics and edit your music 2) What are the minimum OS specs for those pieces of software. Unless you intend to go back to older software or purchase new software for the new OS, your choice of OS will be determined from what your software needs to run. Whatever will run them all is what you should choose. 128MB of RAM isn't a lot for modern OS's and applications, so let me ask the next most obvious question: Can the machine take any more RAM? Check your specs and upgrade the RAM if you need to. It'll make XP happier, I think. It'll also make Win2K happier if you go that route. Personal preference: Win2K Pro. I use it, it runs great for me. I don't like XP, but I'll confess that the main reason I don't like XP has more to do with the number of XP systems I've had to fix because someone didn't know how to set it up and use XP correctly. There's less I have to disable when setting up a Win2K Pro box, compared to what I have to disable on an XP box. In terms of what you want to do, there's probably not that big a difference between XP and Win2K. __________________ Desslock's opinion doesn't even factor in because he's played Devil's advocate for both sides of the argument... ~Chuchuchrain

July 26th, 2006, 02:12 PM	#4
Samurai Drifter Deadbeat translator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Botanic Garden Posts: 2,757 Blog Entries: 2	Your computer is quite old, so don't expect to be able to run a lot of more recent programs on it. You can try to upgrade the RAM, but be sure you know your way around the inside of your machine quite well, as Gateway (Dell too) makes their computers really hard to work inside. I'm guessing the reason that you're sticking with such an old computer is that you don't have the money for a new one. If that's the case then yes, I think Win2k will be a lot easier on your computer. XP is too advanced for it to run well. I wouldn't recommend this to most people on AN, but if graphics creation/flash and music editing are the two main things you use your computer for, I would recommend switching over to Mac at some point when you have the money. Mac isn't a good choice for people who are really into gaming, but it's well known to have far more advanced graphics editing capabilities than PCs. Animation studios/art schools use Macs for this reason. If that's your main objective, that would be my recommendation. But if you're just looking for an OS that will go easier on the machine you have and still have some good options, Windows 2000 would be a good choice. __________________ "Form is emptiness... emptiness is form." -The Buddha

July 26th, 2006, 03:17 PM	#8
master terrence eternal assassin Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: UCF Posts: 2,450 Blog Entries: 5	for you and your needs, windows 2000 shoul be fitting. I"d stay away from linux and such because it may just lead to more hardware confusion for you. I don't know much about Fedora and it's capabilities, so that may not be a bad idea. I have 512 mb and my XP runs smooth . __________________ le

July 26th, 2006, 05:36 PM	#15
master terrence eternal assassin Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: UCF Posts: 2,450 Blog Entries: 5	I"m thinking you should replace the hard drive all together, but it may be a bit expensive. I can't believe you can function on 10 gigs. Though I don't know how much hard drive space you NEED(ya, there is a (requirement close to 1 gig I'm guessing) to run one of the newer OS's, but you do need some kind of buffer (don't fill it up obviously). maybe you can get an external hard drive. __________________ le

July 26th, 2006, 02:59 PM	#7
Neo0tak0n Banned Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Eriador Posts: 465	You want linux, try something easy like Fedora, then work your way up to other distros if that one doesn't fit your style.

July 26th, 2006, 05:31 PM	#14
Chicito Scripted Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: East coast United States Posts: 288	Not just RAM, you need a bigger Harddrive, 10 gigs isn't gonna get you anywhere nowadays.