Computer Upgrade

[mightec]

I am thinking of changing my Computer Box and I am looking for any suggested configuration, best graphic card, minimum RAM, Windows XP or Vista, etc. I have done a search but cannot find what I am looking for, any suggestions would be welcome.

[fh1805]

Mike,

I cannot make any recommendations only give you my experience.

Don't be put off by Vista. I use it on both my desktop and laptop PCs and it gives me no trouble.

If you do go down the Vista route then don't expect to be able to install all your existing software on to it. If a software product is known to be incompatible with Vista, Vista will not allow you to install it. For example: I was using Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 on my XP laptop. Vista would not let me install this. I had to upgrade to Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.

Also, Vista requires a lot of memory. I'm happy running it in 2GB on the desktop PC. I can see that the laptop is struggling at times running it in only 1GB. As soon as I can spare the time I'll be getting both PCs upgraded to 4GB of RAM. There's no point fitting more RAM unless you are considering a 64-bit version of the operating system. A 32-bit operating system can address only 4GB of memory.

The only "problem" I experience with PTE under Vista is the known problem of "desktop flashbacks" running PTE sequences chained off other PTE sequences (e.g. off a PTE Menu sequence). There is a work-around if you are building primarily for digital projection as I am. I have published this elsewhere on the forum but cannot recall just where. PM me if you want more details. I'm picking up clues and hints that Igor is making in his replies to v5.6 beta problems that he might have "an ace up his sleeve" on this one. PTE v5.6 beta does not yet allow Run application function.

As to the graphics card, the consensus on the Forum seems to be that nVidia is still the pack leader. And you should buy the best you can afford provided your PC system unit has the necessary power capability to drive it and the necessary cooling capability to keep it happy.

regards,

Peter

[mightec]

Peter

Thanks again for a very rapid response, note your comments, I will take a good look at Vista. I may opt for running XP and Vista, I think that this is possible.

[RayC]

Hi Mike,

Long time no see, I to have Vista mine to is only32 bit with 2GB, I also had problems installing my own software all I did was to remove some of theres all ready loaded, first to go was Mcaffee virus and I loaded AVG. I also couldnt get to load Nero or Power DVD but after getting rid of there

DVD wriiter all was fine and as been ever since.

I was a little doubtful about Vista but here in NZ its all you can get now but as I said everything is fine and I have got to like it.

All the best Mike good luck with your new computer.

By the way I have the AcerAspire 5920G.

Ray

[fh1805]

Mike,

...I may opt for running XP and Vista, I think that this is possible.

Yes, you can set a PC to have "dual boot" capability. I don't know how to or what the limitations might be. And I don't know whether you could get it set up that way from a major retail outlet like PC World. You might have to go to a local independent specialist.

regards,

Peter

[mightec]

Peter

I think that I can manage this, if I have difficulty, I may just opt for XP.