Can I get advice?

[mrthejacob]

I'm a newbie... I have just reformatted my computer and am seeking advice on how best to set it up.

1.) Should I stay with WinXP SP2 home, or are there better alternatives?

2.) Is there anything one should do before installing the operating system?

3.) What are the most important things to do after install?

4.) What other questions am I forgetting to ask?

Here's what I'm working with...

Microprocessor 1.8 GHz AMD Turion™ 64 Mobile Processor ML-32 with PowerNow!™ Technology

Microprocessor Cache 512KB L2 Cache

Memory 1024MB 333MHz DDR System Memory (2 Dimm)

Memory Max 2048MB

Video Graphics ATI RADEON® XPRESS 200M IGP

Video Memory 128MB DDR (shared)

Hard Drive 80GB (4200RPM) Hard Drive

Multimedia Drive DVD±R/RW and CD-RW Combo Drive with Double Layer Support

Display 15.4” WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) Display

Fax/Modem High speed 56k modem

Network Card Integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN(h) (RJ-45 connector)

Wireless Connectivity 54g™ 802.11b/g WLAN with 125HSM / SpeedBooster support

Sound Altec Lansing

Keyboard 101-key compatible

2 Quick Launch Buttons (HP Quick Play Music and DVD)

Pointing Device Touch Pad with dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down pad

PC Card Slots

* 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)

External Ports

* 2 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

* 1 headphone-out

* 1 microphone-in

* 1 VGA (15-pin)

* 1 TV-Out (S-video)

* 1 RJ-11 (modem)

* 1 RJ -45 (LAN)

* 1 notebook expansion port 2

* 1 Consumer IR

Dimensions 10.4"(L) x 14.1"(W) x 1.38"(min H) /1.77"(max H)

Weight 6.6 lbs

Security

* Kensington® MicroSaver lock slot

* Power-on password

* Accepts 3rd party security lock devices

Power

* 65W AC adapter

* 6-Cell Lithium-Ion

What's In The Box HP Mobile Remote Control

Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair)

Software

Operating System:

Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition+Service Pack 2

Security and Support:

Symantec™ Norton Internet Security 2005™ (including 60 days complimentary live update)

HP Total Care Help & Support Center

Adobe™ Acrobat Reader

Recovery DVD

Multimedia:

Sonic Digital Media Plus

InterVideo WinDVD

Microsoft Zones.com

Apple iTunes and Apple iTunes Music Store

InterVideo Home Theater

HP Quick Play

Muvee AutoProducer DVD Edition with Burning

Microsoft® Windows® Movie Maker

Microsoft® Windows Media Player

HP Image Zone Plus photo and imaging software

Productivity and Finance:

Microsoft® Works

Microsoft® Money

Microsoft® MSN Encarta Plus

Microsoft® Office 2003 Student and Teacher Edition: 60 day trial version

Internet Solutions:

Microsoft® Internet Explorer

AOL® Dial-Up

Edited October 24, 2007 by mrthejacob

[Arie]

Your question can't be answered that easily. The most important question is, what do you use your system for? Also, do you use software which is Microsoft Windows specific, or would you consider switching to a different, free operating system such as Linux?

By simply looking at the specifications of your system which you supplied, I would simply suggest Microsoft Windows XP Home with Service Pack 2. Simply boot from the disc and create two partitions; one of 30GB and one of 50GB. You can use the first for your operating system and the second one for your personal data and files. Format the 30GB partition and install the operating system on it. After the installation update your system and configure it properly. Make sure to install a proper anti-virus and anti-spyware solution. This should get you started.

[Tripredacus]

If you are on a network that has more than 5 computers, you should get Windows XP Pro.

[srikat]

Windows to desktop Linux in three easy steps

You like the idea of a free, lightweight OS. But isn’t installing and using Linux on a desktop painful? Not if you use this guide

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;1796074138