Which Software to use?

**berniejr** · 03-08-2004, 03:36 PM

Now that I have fianlly got my hardware end of my project together, the next step is choosing software. Currently I am testing everything using Win. XP Pro and Media Engine as my front end. I like Win XP or W2k because of stability, but I'm wondering would 98SE be a better fit. Everything runs fine, as is, but there are a few issues pushing be towards 98. First off I am using a ripped apart Toshiba Portge 7010 laptop as my main unit. I have ripped off the screen and repositioned it so that it looks like a table PC. The specs are: PII-300mhz processor, 192MB RAM, 20GIG HD. It sits on a doxking station, which has a DVD-ROM decoder and drive, along with 1 serial, and 2 usb, and a built in TV-out conenctions . I have a PCMCIA TV card that is about 8 years old but still works fine, albeit only under Windows 95/98 . I know that I could simply but a USB TV tuner, but if I don't have to, I won't. If I switch to Windows 98Lite, does anybody think I will ahve more or less performance issues? One potential issue that I already can see, is that in windows98, I will loose Hibernation support. In regards to a Front End, it seems that Medai Engine is the standrd around here, is that a true statement? When I first started browsing this board, Cobra was the thing everyone was using, is that still around? I've also looked at MyHTPC as a front end, but it realy has limitations for in-car use. Any other sugestions?

**shakes** · 03-08-2004, 05:03 PM

if you like winxp ... and aer happy with it ... why TRY and find work arounds so you can use 98? makes no sense to me.

stick with xp and run media car...

**berniejr** · 03-08-2004, 05:13 PM

Shakes, thanks for your input. I definitely agree that it's backwards ofr me to try to revert back to 98, but if it will give me better system performance, then I'm all for it. Most people here seem to be using beefier hardware than what I am using, and that's my main concern. My second isue was the use of my PCMCIA TV card, which I cannot fond W2k or XP drivers for. In regards to that, I have resigned to the fact that I will need to use 98 if I want to use that one, or purchase something that I can use with XP. In the end I guess my real question, is, do I loose anything my downgrading to 98? Especially since I will be using front-end software to drive everything.

**Confused** · 03-08-2004, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by berniejr

In the end I guess my real question, is, do I loose anything my downgrading to 98? Especially since I will be using front-end software to drive everything.

Yes. Stability. Do you really want it blue-screening while you're doing 60 down the road? Memory management. If you want the quickest startup times, you want Standby or Hibernate. 2000/XP can survive weeks, even months, without needing a full restart. All of my installs of Windows 9x have struggled to go for more than about a week.

The P2's are no slouches, and are still excellent processors even to this day, and with 192mb of RAM, Windows 2000 or XP with the majority of the un-needed services turned off, and no fancy visual things, it will be quick. I was using a K6-2 380 (about equivelent to your P2-300) with 160MB of RAM, and that was perfectly fine

That was on a clean Windows install as well!

Garry

**shakes** · 03-08-2004, 05:25 PM

as confused said Win2k/XP are a lot better at memory management than 98. So even if you have slower hardware you still may be better off with them as they can manage their resources a lot better.

the tvcard would suck to loose, but you can always find another.

**berniejr** · 03-08-2004, 05:31 PM

Well that's exactly what I was looking for. I'm gonna stick with XP, and check iout EBAY to try a find a really inexpensive TV card(any ideas?), or simply try to find a way to hack a driver for the old one.

Thanks Guys.

**gospeed.racer** · 03-08-2004, 05:36 PM

I still dont understand why people never try the comaptibility wizard, it has never let me down yet! Might wanna try it before you toss the tuner card.

**berniejr** · 03-08-2004, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by gospeed.racer

I still dont understand why people never try the comaptibility wizard, it has never let me down yet! Might wanna try it before you toss the tuner card.

Is that a feature of 2000 or XP only (I haven't played with XP much). I wasn't even aware of this feature. I wil definitely try it to see what happens.

Thanks.

**gospeed.racer** · 03-08-2004, 06:59 PM

Ahh good point, not sure on 2k, but on xp go to start menu, programs, accessories, compatibility wizard. You can tell it to run the disk in the drive as it would on 95, 98 ect.

**shakes** · 03-09-2004, 12:34 AM

i *think* there is a compatibility mode in 2k as well ... but i thought it was more for programs, and less for drivers?

worth a shot tho... i've never really needed/used it. Search google and see what you can come up with.