Proprietory Windows OS CD's

[PeteSchiffer]

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying another OS for my machine. I've got Windows NT 4 in mind. I've seen second hand installation disks etc for sale, unused with a proprietory brand name on the packet, such as "for 'use' with a .......computer".

Would this kind of disk be any different from the standard version?

Thanks a lot,

Pete

[hiredgoonz]

Unless it's a restoration CD, it should be the same...

May I ask why NT4? You're going to have a heck of a time downloading and installing all the service packs (unless you get them on cd). You might be better off picking up 2000 at a computer show or something, the price shouldn't be too much different and the time/hassle will be far less, not to mention you'll have better luck with drivers/compatibility...

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[PeteSchiffer]

Hi Hired,

Thanks for the input. I thought as much, only a problem if it's a restoration CD.

As for why NT4:

1. Don't need a large HD, fast processor or enormous quantity of RAM. I plan to put it on an old Pentium 1.

2. Practice/Experience. I've already learned a lot, from you. The problem of the service packs. Tell me more.

3. I'm fed up with overblown OS's which do heaps, but never what I want anyway.

4. Cost. Here in Australia, a second hand 2000 is at least five times the price, probably much more.

Pete

[hiredgoonz]

Ok, those are good reasons http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

Well, there are 6 service packs and one post service pack 6a security roll-up...

I can only find SP4,5,6a available for download from M$ so you should try to find a version of NT that has SP 1-3 included on the cds, or find somebody who has them. I'm sure they're available, but finding them could be a trick.

I'm not an NT expert. I'm sure somebody else who has more experience with it could provide more info.

Good luck

------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

Google (http://www.google.com)

[PeteSchiffer]

Hi again Hired,

That was a quick reply. What exactly are the service packs?

Pete

[hiredgoonz]

Service packs are essentially big bug-fixes. There is no way to test all possible hardware/software combinations, so when an operating system is released, lots of bugs are discovered (bugs can be security problems also) SO M$ releases Service Packs for its business products...

Windows 2000 has 2 Service Packs, Windows NT has 6. There was almost a service pack 7, but instead, they released a security update that fixes problems discovered since service pack 6a. Odds are, a lot of the fixes in the service packs won't apply to you, the problem is, some of them will and some of them are security fixes.

You really should install the service packs if for no reason than the security fixes. I'm not trying to discourage you from NT, you may be able to get a version that includes most or all of the service packs and you'll be set.

------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

Google (http://www.google.com)