What operating system do I want?

bigbird

Member
Sep 18, 2006
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
My laptop took a crap and I need a new one. I am kind of a tard when it comes to computers. I assume I can't get xp any longer as my operating system, so what os do I want? Thanks
 

paint94979

Beer Nazi
Sep 18, 2006
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You can for sure still get XP but it does cost more stay away from Vista.... Windows 7 has been problematic for me... bottom line is any OS will be fine LOL
 

SgtKilroy

'Merica!
Sep 30, 2009
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SoCal
I'd stick with XP. Vista was garbage and 7 still has a lot of bugs to be worked out. The problem is going to be getting a copy with all the updates that came out for it. Or you could always just download them all again from Microsoft.
 

sparepartsracing

spareparts offroad&fab
Mar 17, 2010
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lol go down to walmart and pickup there emachines comes withe verything you need for about $400 out the door
 

Cougar281

Well-known member
Sep 11, 2006
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St Louis, MO
There's nothing wrong with Vista or Windows 7. I've been running 7 since it was an RC (was also running Vista from RC) and it's been fine.
 

DAVe3283

Heavy & Slow
Sep 3, 2009
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Boise, ID, USA
Windows 7 is really the only way to go now. XP has some serious security problems, IMO (firsthand experience), and Vista seems to run slower than 7 (it also takes more memory). I have been using Vista & 7 from the RC, and I liked them both, but 7 is nicer.
 

LBZ

Super Moderator
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Jul 2, 2007
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Kelly, my suggestion would be to buy a mini laptop with XP OS strictly for tuning. I bought a Dell mini and it's awesome for a tuning computer. I don't use it for the internet and turned off all the updates and stuff, so it doesn't run slow/try to keep updating everytime it does connect, no games, no music etc...

Just EFI, notepad and excel-that's all you need. Simon bought a mini notebook with XP as well and says the same thing about how handy it is.:thumb:
 

JoshH

Daggum farm truck
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Feb 14, 2007
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I've had my laptop for 2 years running Vista with no problems.
 

tanarra

To smoke or not to smoke!
Jul 21, 2010
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Little Rock
I'm in the business and have had Windows 7 for quite some time. Works good and does not crash apps like XP. XP was a GREAT OS, but it's time has passed. Buy a low-end laptop from HP for all the software "bells and whistles", or from Dell to have a less "loaded down" laptop. :thumb:
 

calabria69

Beerstud1
Oct 8, 2008
375
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Santaquin, Utah
Kelly, my suggestion would be to buy a mini laptop with XP OS strictly for tuning. I bought a Dell mini and it's awesome for a tuning computer. I don't use it for the internet and turned off all the updates and stuff, so it doesn't run slow/try to keep updating everytime it does connect, no games, no music etc...

Just EFI, notepad and excel-that's all you need. Simon bought a mini notebook with XP as well and says the same thing about how handy it is.:thumb:
X2
 

MMLMM

Tunergeek
Mar 2, 2008
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www.dyncal.com
All of the OS's are fine, here is my thoughts though..

XP-I like this OS. You will have trouble finding it on a machine you just walk in and buy. You can order from Dell business and get it or it will most likely be a option on other machines. For personal use there is really no security risk. Its a great, quick OS.

Vista-Not bad, has a lot of stuff to help out someone that doesnt know much about computers, and focus' a lot more on security...again in a personal PC, it doesnt matter too much. This OS is good for someone that doesnt know much and like to change settings and such (built in UAC hlps you not F anything up, however the UAC is annoying to anyone that can use a computer lol and you will find it turned off on almost every PC).

7-Pretty good as well, I only played with this OS when it first came out and also some beta stuff. I havent really used it much day to day, but it feels more directed toward media and such. Cant really go wrong.

As far as mini laptops, there cool, but for tuning I found them hard to see the screen, and not able to see a full table when tuning. If you are just flashing files into the truck they work great, but if you actually have to do any real work on them they are tough to use IMO.


PCs at the store are going to be pushing windows 7, so if you want another OS you will prolly have to order the PC. I think Frys here has 1 PC with XP on it and its a POS, and 3 or 4 with vista on them. In your case, look for a PC in your price and has awesome specs, the OS wont really matter to you in your case...



... or from Dell to have a less "loaded down" laptop. :thumb:
Kidding right? A non loaded down laptop from Dell...Dell is notorious for loading a PC up with crap from other companies.
AOL comes to mind, does anyone even use AOL, lol?
If you buy from Dell, do not purchase from the home/personal side, go with small business...
 
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