Win2k vs. WinXP

Hi,

I'm working as a systems-administrator in the library of a small University in Germany.
I'm looking for comparisons between or information on Windows 2000 and Windows XP, in order to decide which Windows version to choose for our administrative "office "-PCs. At the moment we're using Windows 95 / ME.
I'm looking for hands-on-experience as well as links to publications.

Thank you for your help!

KaWo

 

For normal office users (and if your hardware will run it) I think XP-Pro might be a better option than 2000 Pro for them.

Several reasons. Plug/Pray works better. Also, the support for older software is excellent with the option (from the shortcut) to run an app in compatibility mode and chose the OS version you want the software to see. We have several older apps running on XP that we never could get working on 2000.

In addition, you as the admin have lots of options for locking users out of areas of the system where they could mess things up. More with XP than with 2K I think.

Avoid XP-Home. Too limited.

 

You could read these comparisons and comments between systems:
http://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0,4161,2809413,00.html

http://www2.idg.com.au/infoage1.nsf/all/735EB5E6A0D63032CA256B11001D517A?OpenDocument

Humbug

 

Mixed Messages

XP is great if you have new hardware.

I would make a full inventory of all systems & peripherals that will be involved in this upgrade.

Xp yanked O/S support for most PPA (parallel port adaptor) type devices, and also cut back on SCSI support.

What does this mean - Well most likely if you want to use a scanner it will have to be USB. Also external drives... Check with the Device Mfg to see if they say it is XP compatable, also check the HCL (microsoft hardware compatabilty list).

The best solution may be a mixed package, some W2Kpro & some XP pro.

I will say this, you will save those $DM if you chose W2k, it runs about $100 U.S. less per seat on retail editions.