[PAT W]

I have to replace my CRT monitor as the tube is failing. On checking prices etc on TFT screens I find that I can replace the whole system for just 4 times the amount. I am running windows 98, celeron processor bought 7 years ago which has been adequate for what I want it for. The new system comes with Windows XP Media Centre Athlon 64 processor. Would I still be able to use Windows Office 2000 and Front Page 2000 with the Media Centre? As I don't tend to use the PC for playing films etc would this really be overkill ? I would appreciate any comments/thoughts on the subject. Thanks very much

Pat W

 

[Nemo2000]

I have just replaced a 6-year old PIII 500MHz machine running 98SE with a Intel Dual-core (E5400?) running XP Media Edition. I have loaded Office and Front Page 2000 and using both - so far with no problems, fingers crossed!

OK, so for someone like me who mainly does word-processing, some HTML work and uses the Internet and e-mail, it /may/ seem overkill. BUT.....some products like ZoneAlaram no longer provide updates for 98, the improvement in speed of working is noticeable /AND/ the PC is now - hopefulyl! - "future proofed" for a little bit longer.

If you can afford it, then I would say - yes, it is worth doing.

 

[Old Rich]

Microsoft no longer supports Win98, so it's probably time to upgrade . . either to XP or a new system. At todays prices, the new system probably makes a lot of sense.

You might want to look at the Dells . . they have some pretty good prices and the machines are rock solid. .

You can still use Office 2000 and FrontPage with XP. .

 

[bedderz]

Pat,

Even though you don't play games or films you will be OK with this machine, Media Centre will run Office 2000 and FrontPage 2000 no problem whatsoever. It probably is a little too powerful just for that but you are not going to get anything slower for cheaper.

Dont get me wrong you could probably get some spare parts together and build a slower machine, but if your happy to spend the money then go for it, nothing wrong with a little 'future proofing'

Hope this helps

Mike Bedford
MCP | MCDST

 

[PAT W]

Thanks very much for those replies - these are very helpful to me and give me the confidence to go ahead with a new system. I will also be checking out the cost of the Dell systems as suggested by Simpswr. The ones I had seen were Compaq and HP. Any comments on these at all ?
Pat W

 

[Rich-M]

These days HP are the best value but I would buy from www.hpshopping.com for best deals and they mostly have free freight. HP has the best restore of any of them too.

 

[Old Rich]

I will also be checking out the cost of the Dell systems as suggested by Simpswr. The ones I had seen were Compaq and HP. Any comments on these at all ?
Pat W

They are all good these days . . and they all will do what you want out of a pc . . I'd go with price as long as the specs are about the same. My experience with HP support is better than the others, but that seems to change day to day.

 

[PAT W]

As I will now be going for a new system and I've never changed systems before, how do I go about transferring everything to a new pc ? Is it best to load the applications separately or is there a quicker way?
Thanks
Pat W

 

[Old Rich]

The applications will have to be installed individually . . you can use the XP Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) wizard to create an image of them and save to cd or other removable media. These are good guides to using the FAST wizard. Just be sure you have an up-to-date antivirus before you re-instate them!

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_fstw.asp
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

 

[dungeonguard]

If I were you, I'd upgrade to a new system. I only keep my systems a maximum of 5 years with the operating system that's installed when I get it. You might like to consider HP products as they are of very good quality.

-Simon

 

[PAT W]

Thanks very much for those web sites - I've already had a look and the first one especially looks very easy to follow. Just need the new system now!
Thanks again
Pat W

 

[Old Rich]

Have fun . .

 

[drjay519]

I'd upgrade to a newer low end computer that will probably be the half the price of the one you looked at and will still out perform your old system...and Windows xp has been much more stable than 98