Looking to upgrade my platform.

NightFallMyriad · Post by **NightFallMyriad** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 12:29 am

I'm currently in the process of reconfiguring my computer. One of the major changes that will hopefully be implemented is a change of operating system from Windows 98 SE.

Because of the design of my computer, I'm stuck looking at a windows platform. Here are what I think to be my options:

Windows ME
Windows XP

OR should I stick with 98 SE?

The question that I want answered is which operating system will allow me to run my computer games with the most efficiency and the fewest problems (or "error messages" as they like to call them down in silicon valley...).
I've already ruled out Windows 2000 because many people have told me that it is a horrible platform with which to run games on - or try to at any rate.

Seeing as how I've never really used either ME or XP, I'm not sure what the difference between the two is, if one exists at all, so I'm in no position to judge between which one would better serve my needs as a computer game player.

So what are most NWN users running on their computers, and what are people's suggestions as to what I should look into in terms of upgrading my box?

smass · Post by **smass** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 7:40 am

My 2 cents:

The choice is between 98se and XP. Windows ME offers only window dressing changes from 98se and is therefore not worth the upgrade - in fact ME can be a bit buggier that 98se - nuff said.

The choice between SE and XP is really a matter of personal preference. I run 98se and have zero problems running any games out there - including NWN - which has not crashed or had even one problem - and I have many hours of play time in. On the other hand it is a 3 year old OS and doesn't have all the bells and whistles of XP.

The case for XP is that it is the newest and greatest offering major changes/improvements. I have heard many complaints from XP owners about driver issues with older and newer hardware, and software issues with some games. This is to be expected with a new OS like XP. In time as software developers and hardware vendors cater their products to XP it will be the much more problem free.

I personally see no rush to change to XP just yet. I am happy and familiar with SE - it has no limitations for me and runs without a hitch. I will eventually upgrade to XP - but probably not this year - there is just no reason that I need it now. If you are itching to upgrade then go for XP - if you can wait a bit and are comforatable with SE than stay with it a while longer.

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 8:17 am

I will be dragged kicking and screaming from Windows 98SE. I simply have no reason to change. Even on my new computer, which runs an AMD Athlon XP CPU, supposedly "optimised" for Windows XP, I am running 98SE because I have no reason to change it (and pay the additional licensing fee to upgrade to a new OS).

What our friend smass says about Windows ME is true; it's plagued by compatibility and driver issues.

To me, the main drawback against Windows XP is that it's a resource hog. It sucks up memory and CPU power, and depending on your hardware, you may not be able to spare the horsepower it takes away from your gaming.

My advice is this: If you're happy with Windows 98SE, stick with it. If you're having some issues with system stability or compatibility issues between older drivers and new hardware, then upgrade to Windows XP.

Astafas · Post by **Astafas** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 8:49 am

I had horrible problems with W98 SE for several years. My computer could sometimes crash or freeze several times a day despite numerous reformats, clean installs and driver updates.

Then I changed to W2000 Pro six month ago and haven't experienced a single problem ever since - the computer is stability itself. However, I cannot run another program at the same time as NWN without causing the game to crash. This is only the case with NWN, though, all other games seem less sensitive to this.

From what I've heard, ME is the worst OS of them all. I recommend you stay away from it.

free_fall · Post by **free_fall** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 9:52 am

I will join those recommending you stick with 98SE, especially if your primary use of the PC is for gaming. Avoid ME at all cost.

I am envious of Astafas. I bought W2K Pro to try out. It worked great and I really liked it *except* I couldn't get a single game (of the 10 or 12 I tried) to work properly, not even in emulation mode. KISS: Psycho Circus would, on occassion, even cause W2K itself to crash!

I haven't given up completely: it's going into the next box I build.

If you *do* decide to go with XP, don't buy the upgrade version - spend the extra $ and get the full version and do a clean install. You can get an OEM full version many places on- and off-line for $169 or so, with the purchase of a major system component (HDD, proc, mobo, etc.) Some places might even let you get by with a $30 stick of RAM. You'll still be saving a bundle off the $299 full version retail price.

Let us know how you make out.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 10:36 am

It depents how you upgrade.
Buying XP pro costs about €500.

If you buy a new PC, it usually comes with XP (home).
Otherwhise, why spend so much money on an new windows while the old one works fine? Unless you can get it cheaper, like second hand or... something.

XP works if you deside to upgrade. Otherwise, stay with 98 SE.

Arakasi · Post by **Arakasi** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 3:58 pm

98 SE all the wqay

while i have had the occasional problem with 98s, the majority of software runs perfectly, i also have tried win ME, Win XP, win 2000 etc, and every time i have gone back to good ol 98se, as others have said Me is too buggy, and xp sucks up too much resources for my likeing, especialy the 20% bandwidth it automaticly hogs for windows updates (but can be disabled in a patch), and Win 2000 just refused to run a lot of my software full stop

so............98 se all the way dude!

De_Priester · Post by **De_Priester** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 4:59 pm

Xp sucks win 98 is compatible with most games

stick with 98

but if yer looking for the best os I'd say win2k hence I voted wrong just read the gaming part but for gaming definetly 98se

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 7:54 pm

If you decide to upgrade to Windows XP, I've heard that XP Home has some compatibility and driver issues that do not plague XP Pro. You might go over to the Technical Support forum and check out some of the threads there discussing the different operating systems available.

Ned Flanders · Post by **Ned Flanders** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 9:40 pm

win98SE is THE Operating systems to use when gaming. It allows your machine to dedicate its' resources to gaming instead of the OS itself and the services associated with it. Now, you're able to disable each and every background service you choose win XP and you're able to set things like Roger Wilco or Team Sound to a 'high' priority to assist with VOIP gaming. However, win98SE will offer the most bang for the buck of a gaming OS as long as you don't mind hitting the reset button too often.

If you're worried about stability and the possibility of losing data, game saves etc, partition your HDD and keep games, data, et al off of the C drive. That way, if you ever need to reformat your HDD because you've been screwed by win98, your data and game saves will be safe. Now, if the HDD dies, that's a different story. I hope I haven't insulted your intelligence by posting this detail, I didn't intend to.

agrees with HLD above, if you do upgrade to XP, spend the money and go XP pro, avoid the noid of xp home edition.

Phantom Lord · Post by **Phantom Lord** » Thu Aug 22, 2002 10:06 am

My vote goes to Win 2000, to put it simple because it has stability siimilar to NT, gaming possibilities similar to 98 and lacks the compability problems of XP.

NightFallMyriad · Post by **NightFallMyriad** » Thu Aug 22, 2002 11:59 am

Drives are partitioned into C for windows, D for programs and E for data files (ex. user profiles).

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'm going to be sticking with 98SE until my family decides to purchase a new computer system at which point maybe we'll upgrade to Win XP Pro.

Everyone has been truly helpful and I appreciate your comments regarding this small (and seemingly unrelated to NWN in any way) matter.

NightFall Myriad,

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Fri Aug 23, 2002 1:58 pm

I'd have to say upgrade to XP ONLY if your system has the spare power to run it. By that I mean using at least a 1000MHz processor and 256MB of memory. Otherwise stick with 98SE, for reasons mentioned by HLD and Ned. Also, never EVER use ME. It has to be the worst, mostly evil unholy creation to emerge from the gaping hellhole in Redmond to date. I have never seen an operating system that was so unstable and plagued with as amny security holes and compatability issues as ME. Win311 would make a better platform. It still works after a few minutes.

The only real reason I'm using XP is, well, it's a new toy to play with. @HLD, that has to earn a couple more geekpoints doesn't it?

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Fri Aug 23, 2002 2:09 pm

Originally posted by Mr Flibble
@HLD, that has to earn a couple more geekpoints doesn't it?

Do you really need any more?

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Fri Aug 23, 2002 2:11 pm

Originally posted by HighLordDave

Do you really need any more?

Need vs want. More is always good.

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Looking to upgrade my platform.