New computer

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I am considering buying a new Gateway 7200X computer
Windows XP Home SP2 Intel 4 540 (3.2GHz)
512 DDr SDRAM PC3200 dual chanel
Should I upgrade to mem before I get it, should I go with XP Pro any other
advice as to what I should do as soon as I get it. (like take all the junk
off) I will be using adaware, spybot, & spywareblaster. Do they all work well
with SP2
I am now using XP Home SP1 is there a big difference between the two (SP1 &
SP2 and Home and Pro) any other comments.
 
Hi,

SP2 is all about security. The firewall is much improved as far as user
functionality is concerned. More on this:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/topten.mspx

Also, unless you have need for it, there is no reason to purchase WinXP Pro.
The core operating system is the same. Differences:

- WinXP Pro will allow 10 inbound connections, Home only 5
- Pro has policy editors (useful in a corporate environment)
- Pro has IIS (useful if you build server apps)
- Pro can become part of a domain (another corporate use)
- Both use simple file sharing by default, but it can only be disabled in
Pro
- Firewall and file security between users is the same
- Encrypted file system is only available in Pro

If you need any of the benefits of a Pro system, then go with it. Otherwise,
most home users are happy with XP Home. More details:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp

More memory? Do you need it? 512MB is usually plenty for an average user.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
The more memory you can afford the better(I run 1 gig of memory)
No problem so far with sp2
If you plan to use the new computer for a small business then go with xp-pro
xp-pro gives you more options for security and overall protection
as soon as you get the new computer go to microsoft and check for updates
I down loaded the microsoft antispyware beta and it works great
make sure you have a good virus protection program I like AVG from grisoft,
not only is it free, but it also provides e-mail protection.
Why a Gateway? May want to consider dell.

My system:
p-4 2.5 overclocked to 3.0ghz
1 gig ddr-sdram
ati radeon 256 mg video
audigy 24 bit sound card
windows xp home
dual dvd double layer burners
160 gig hard drive
 
I know I have heard horror stories about both. I have a Gateway now and have
not had any problems. Just time to upgrade to something better. I am going
for the 1gig
Thanks for the input.
 
walt said:
I am considering buying a new Gateway 7200X computer
Windows XP Home SP2 Intel 4 540 (3.2GHz)
512 DDr SDRAM PC3200 dual chanel
Should I upgrade to mem before I get it, should I go with XP Pro any other
advice as to what I should do as soon as I get it.
Click to expand...

That should be adequate memory for general use; people who do a lot of
heavy graphics; video editing etc need more. Check on your own work
pattern after you have settled down; go to
www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm
and use it to see how much page file you actually use. Under 100 MB is
unlikely to show much benefit over 512 MB, and more than that gives a
guide to how much more RAM will help.
(like take all the junk
off) I will be using adaware, spybot, & spywareblaster. Do they all work well
with SP2
Click to expand...

Yes. And make sure you have a decent AV around too (eg AVG 7 free, or
say e-trust)

Wait a bit and see if you *use* the extras provided, if you don't then
is the time to uninstall them
 
Thanks for the help. It is appreciated.

Alex Nichol said:
That should be adequate memory for general use; people who do a lot of
heavy graphics; video editing etc need more. Check on your own work
pattern after you have settled down; go to
www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm
and use it to see how much page file you actually use. Under 100 MB is
unlikely to show much benefit over 512 MB, and more than that gives a
guide to how much more RAM will help.


Yes. And make sure you have a decent AV around too (eg AVG 7 free, or
say e-trust)

Wait a bit and see if you *use* the extras provided, if you don't then
is the time to uninstall them
Click to expand...
 
Gateway's purchase of eMachines landed them the top quality control person
in the business. He is in charge of both. Don't count them out!
 
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