First a little history about Microsoft Operating Systems
Around 1993 Microsoft made a decision to establish two different markets. One market would be for those using their very expensive, premium, Operating System called " Windows NT "which required a lot of very expensive RAM. Win NT started with versions NT 1.0 through NT 4.0 in August 96', to NT 5.0, now known with a name change, as Windows 2000. NT was very stable compared to other operating systems as each program ran in its own separate memory allocation, allowing the operator to shut down a defective program without losing others. Not until this October 2000 did Apple finally give in, loosing face, and copy this NT architecture with their latest Operating System. Yes, NT requires much more RAM memory. Today NT 5.0 ( windows 2000 ) is even acknowledged by most, to be as stable as Unix and Linux OS flavors. In 1994 I paid $ 1200 for two 16 Mb RAM memory sticks so I could just barely run NT.
The other market was for those using their half priced, purposely handicapped ( toy ), Operating System called " Windows "which would run on very little expensive RAM memory. Starting with Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.11, then Windows 95, 98, and 98 second edition, to the current Windows ME. To handicap them, RAM memory requirements, stability and networking ability were greatly reduced, along with the substantial price reduction. Many times you will hear " Windows 2000 is for business and Windows ME is for home." With RAM memory being so cheap now days, this is simply a ploy to save face for those without the patience to study and learn how to install Windows 2000. Fact is that Windows 2000 remains far ahead of its handicapped ME Twin in stability and many other features and is the best for any purpose. See this article <<<<here>>>>.
Price Comparison First
Windows ME ( toy ) Up Grade is $50 or $90 and fresh install is $210.
Windows 2000 Pro Up Grade is $190 and fresh install is $290.
Computer Requirements, Memory & CPU
Windows ME requires 32 Mb of RAM to install, and 64 Mb as a suggested minimum, and a Pentium 166 or better CPU and runs almost any accessories. Windows 2000 pro requires 64 Mb of RAM to install, and 128 Mb as a suggested minimum, a Pentium 200 MMX or better CPU, and runs most all accessories ( scanners, printers, etc. ). With RAM being so inexpensive ( $82 for a PC133 SDRAM stick ) A new minimum for any computer is easily 512 Mb.
Features
Windows ME runs almost all applications and games, new and old. Windows 2000 pro, now on its third version update ( Service pack 2 ) , likewise runs almost all applications and games, new and old. ( May 16, 2001) , which makes the third release of Windows 2000 a done deal. These program compatibility upgrades include no less than 277 program and game compatibility upgrades. These upgrades along with Direct X 8 for Windows 2000 makes a extremely compatible OS.
Stability;
Like; can you close down the program that froze with the three finger salute, and continue to run ( without losing work ) the other programs without re - booting ? Only Windows 2000 practically guarantees you can, as each program runs in its own individual memory sector. On comparative reliability tests conducted by ZD Labs, the average system uptime of Windows 2000 Professional was over 50 times that of Windows 98 and 17 times that of Windows NT Workstation 4.0. Note: ZD labs is not know to show any favoritism towards Microsoft!
The Cons with Win 2000 pro are its higher price, you must have twice as much or more RAM along with a Pentium 200 MMX or better CPU, and some odd ball Hardware, such as Scanners, printers, etc. may not function now and in the future. My advice to all, since August 1996, has been that people only purchase hardware accessories that function in the NT operating systems by reading the box in the store or going to the manufacture's web site with model number to see if NT drivers were available to work with the NT operating systems of the future. Here's a link for drivers by manufacturer. Now days just download a update advisor program , or check the HCL ( hardware compatibility list ) from the new operating system manufacturer.
If we could afford it, we should use Windows 2000 for all our important things.
And have the weak, handicapped Windows ME for backup. I recommend installing both OS'es with Netscape in common for surfing and mail backup (redundancy ).
See more at Installing both OS'es and
partitioning new hard drives.
09/18/2004 07:52 -0500