David,

Thanks again:)


Buuuut I looked at their models w/XP or 32 bit and none have enough ram stuff or fast enough processor speeds like the one I want that only has Vista 64 bit:(

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/load_configuration.do?destination=review&config_id=3283664

That's the one I want:( Dang it!

You might want to check on this option thoroughly. There was discussion (and last I heard) that MicroSoft EULA does not provide allowences to downgrade a system sold with Vista installed on it to a Win XP OS system. There have been instances, and I used to work with a fellow tech, that MS has contacted individuals who had done this and gave them an ultimatum. Basically you have xx days to re-install Vista (or at least un-install XP) or we will pursue all legal avenues against you... The system in reference was one that was used on the internet, and somehow was "reporting" information back to MS, where an alert came up saying that there was a 'mismatch' of information on file.

I don't know what "all legal avenues" equates to. At that point he wiped everything out and installed Ubuntu on his system. Finally he replied to MS that he had done so, included the install disks to both XP and VISTA, in pieces and told them what they could frankly do with them

Holy crap! That is freaking ridiculous! Like, really lame!

Well I don't mind Vista, but I wonder if I can find it in a 32bit form? Is that common? So far all I've seen is the 64bit setup.

I remember when choosing a pc wasn't such a pain in the arsh!

The municipal IT department does it here every day, dumps Vista off the computers purchased and installs XP with a license. You purchased the license when you bought the computer and you can "transfer" the license to a new computer when you purchase it, just like a license plate for your car.

A link
http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=543

A better one
http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/34015/140/

http://windowssecrets.com/2009/03/12/01-Downgrade-Vista-to-XP-in-seven-easy-steps

Straight from MS.com site... Yes "SOME" systems allow for downgrades BUT NOT your typical home users.

See the attached reference sheet, it includes "Vista Pro" to "XP Pro" versions.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/8/6/2860872a-35dc-4a10-8617-3927aacd189a/downgradeOEMversion-020707.pdf

We all WISH it were this simple.
In reality Microsoft ALLOWS you very little leeway in how you can use THEIR software. This is ONE of the MANY reasons why Linux OS is starting to gain a bit of a foothold, and could stand a chance of becoming the majority OS at some point, particularly with today's business market.

Good point the IT guys I dealt with were changing pro for pro.

Well, I'm pretty sure I'm set on finding a computer with Vista 32bit or XP. Def a 32bit sys. I don't want to have ANY probs w/any software I'm using.

Sooooo if any of you wonderful, handsome, intelligent, strong, masculine, sexy men have any spare time to do some searching for a potential pc for me, here's what I want a minimum:

32bit sys obviously - Vista or XP

An Intel processor - super fast, dual core at least (is there more than a dual core? LOL!)

LOTS of RAM, like 6 or more would be wonderful

1TB hard drive space would be lovely

Dedicated memory for the graphics card (thank you Chad Spillars)

Lots of MB for that cache stuff!!!

A decent sound card

A decent dvd burner drive thing. I burn lots of dvds & home video stuff.

Of course, usb ports, firewire ports, etc.

As far as the networking info, I'm not real sure. We have DSL and use an ethernet cord. Then, we have a router that is wired as well as wireless because I have a laptop that I use wired & sometimes wireless.


We DON'T need some super duper loaded graphics card

A monitor does NOT have to be included.

Software is NOT important

So....like I said, if any of you wonderful, handsome, intelligent, strong, masculine, sexy men have any spare time to do some searching for a pc w/those specs & you find one, PLEASE send me the link:)

If you need more info on what I need/want, please just ask!

I just thought....if there are any lovely ladies out there who can find a pc for me, I'd love that too! LOL!

Amelia,

Computer: It would be good to have a free install of WIndows 7, my advice is just WAIT until the first service pack comes out so you're not troubleshooting all the bugs in it.

CC Cleaner: Yes, click the registry tab and clean out your registry. When it prompts you ta make a back-up, click YES. This way if it screws anything up you can just revert.

OS: Consider whether you really want XP on your machine. Then you'll be TWO operating systems behind. Software is now being created for, and optimized for Windows 7. Windows will only support XP for so long. I would use Vista 64 until SP1 is released for 7.

64 Bit: The reason the 64 bit system has more ram is because it can USE more ram. 32 bit systems can't use much more than 3gig of ram HOWEVER a 64 bit system can use a LOT more. Here is one example of how 64 bit systems change ram usage with Adobe products:

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/404/kb404901.html

You'll notice that the ram usage increases from 1.7gigs to UNLIMITED on a 64-bit computer with a 64-bit version of the software. However even the 32 bit version of the software can utilize twice as much ram on a 64 bit system.

64 bit is the direction that technology is going, and even though there are some software compatibility issues, more and more softwares are being created for 64 bit everyday. If you plan on keeping this computer for a while, my advice is stick with the 64 bit. I have a 64 bit system and I love it! There were a few compatibility issues I had to work around, but I'm happy to help with that if you need me

Phil and David: Just to add my 2 cents, I've never had any problem moving an OS from one computer to another.

PS-If you're on a network you probably want gigabit support in your network card. And to answer your question about dual core, yes there is quad core.

Chad Spillars
http://www.DisneySubmarines.com