Which version of Windows should be preferred

[kwfine]

Windows XP SP2 is more secure than SP1, I think!
But I have heard some news that SP2 will block WinMX, and users can't share files through WinMX any more!

I am going to upgrade my OS to XP, but not sure if SP2 or SP1 suits me more!

Please help if you could!

[Me Here]

I can only offer my own experiences here..

I have not and probably will not use SP2, not really because it blocks WinMx, it does not.  There are some considerations you may have regarding the firewall, tcp connection limits however, those are XP .. not SP2 specific.  In other words many folks use SP2 with WinMx with no problems what so ever, once everything is configured correctly.

I like the SP1, and didnt want the changes associated with SP2 was my reason for staying with it.  
Its also worth noting that I also do NOT ever update my Microsoft Software, and have remained safe, running great for years this way..  


Hopefully some other staff and users will share their thoughts on the two for you also, its really a matter of your own choice.

[Bearded Blunder]

Sorry to offer a conflicting opinion, but I generally apply all updates and service packs to any OS I run, usually a service pack will include MANY bug-fixes & security patches & I've seen problems I had go away by applying them.

Some extra information regarding SP2 can be found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/preinstall.mspx
by all means take a thorough look.

It must be added sometimes they introduce bugs & issues of their own, but fixes usually soon follow, but as a general rule I'd personally say on balence it's better to stay as current as possible.

[KM]

why bother switching to XP in the first place if whichever OS you are using now works? if it aint broke, don't erm, install XP and mess it up

[kwfine]

I can only offer my own experiences here..

I have not and probably will not use SP2, not really because it blocks WinMx, it does not.  There are some considerations you may have regarding the firewall, tcp connection limits however, those are XP .. not SP2 specific.  In other words many folks use SP2 with WinMx with no problems what so ever, once everything is configured correctly.

I like the SP1, and didnt want the changes associated with SP2 was my reason for staying with it.  
Its also worth noting that I also do NOT ever update my Microsoft Software, and have remained safe, running great for years this way..  


Hopefully some other staff and users will share their thoughts on the two for you also, its really a matter of your own choice.

Did you run Anti-virus program? If yes, which software did you use?
Could you recommend me a free AV program to run on XP.

[Me Here]

Here is my set up and what I run..

http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html
Avast Free AntiVirus - On Pc Antivirus w/ Worm protection

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
Adaware - Adaware Removal tool

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Spybot Search & Destroy - Removal Tools

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Firewall/Sygate-Personal-Firewall-Free.shtml
Sygate Personal Firewall - Free Firewall, loves WinMx.
Sygate is now owned by Norton, but firewalls dont require updates very often so its still a good choice for use.

[futurebrain]

I worked with windows95 between 1998-2003. (Yes. and NO formating or reinstall the disk in all this time) If works, don't touch it (Specially Windows).
An old OS, with a good Antivir and Firewall, can be safe.

[kwfine]

Can you tell me if there is conflict between AVG and Sygate for WinMX?

Also, I would like to know how to set up WinMX in WinXP, can you tell me the webpage?

[Bearded Blunder]

AVG & Sygate are both fine with winmx, you can get the patched installer for winmx at www.winmxgroup.com & if you look in the tutorials section on the main site, you'll find Sygate listed with clear instructions how to set it in the firewalls tutorial https://www.winmxworld.com/tutorials/firewalls-sygate.html you'll also find a link there to download it.

[Josh]

I personally suggest xp

[..Ñøßߥ..]

I'm with BB here, i keep XP up to date, i have recently due to my hate for Norton, ditched Sygate and have begun using the FW built into my Panda AV, so far so good, the Panda titanium 2006 is also the most effective peice of software i have ever seen for detecting and removing spyware.

Oh and btw i know Norton havent done anything to make sygate a bad product, its still a good FW, i just dont like the association, kinda like finding out AOL just bought out your ISP, ppl begin scrambling for an alternative.

[Faithless_Sniper]

I would also like to know what is the safest operating system out there windows based of course, i should know the answer myself because i am a computer technician but i have tried so many and my favourite upto yet as got to be windows 2000 professional becuse its stable quick fast at logging onto a domain server, the only fault i can find is the internet connection wizard aint there like it is in windows xp lol.

Like KM said if it aint broke dont install xp and mess everything up lol.

[Bearded Blunder]

"Out of the box" I'd say XP was probably "safest" as it's the only one with an inbuilt firewall & the ability to nag you to install anti-virus software.. both needed things given how the internet is... Personally I use 2000 (most of the time) & like it very well, as it stresses my underpowered hardware less than XP would (particularly with the fancy graphics enabled in the GUI)... But, XP is what's most readily available new, & being aimed at mass market, is also more reasonably priced (in shops) than 2000 which was primarily intended for buisiness use & is certainly less freindly to games.

You pays your money... & takes your choice.. but the more recent an OS you choose, the longer it will be supported.... so the longer bugfixes & security updates will be available to you, the last also being a consideration on which is the "safest" long term choice.

[Faithless_Sniper]

i agree wirth you there and there would be no point in having a debate on what operating system is the best they are all good for what they are good at. Saying that i prefer windows 2000 if only they had made it possible to conenct to broadband via a wizard like the create new connection in xp.

[kwfine]

I have noticed that apart from XP SP1 and Sp2, there are other types of XP version, such as XP Pro X64.
Does XP Pro x64 love WinMX?

[Stevi]

XP Pro x64 is for computers with 64 bit processors

It should act the same as all other versions of XP with all programs including WinMx.

[Faithless_Sniper]

I would say yes Windows XP Pro x64 would love WinMx. Windows XP Pro x64 is just the 64bit version of the 32bit Windows. Ill have to get a copy from work and try it lol something to do on a rainy day