I personally prefer Win2k Pro over WinXP Pro. Win2k is more proven and has a lot less security holes in it compared to WinXP. I wouldn't consider getting WinXP until the first Service Pack comes out.
WinXP might have a little better compatibilty with 9x only applications however you need to also make sure that all your hardware is supported by WinXP or there are new drivers from the manufacter. More hardware has drivers for Win2k since it has been around longer.
I don't really know of any comparison review. Try searching Google or something.
I've never used Win2k extensively, but it has to be better than WinXP Pro.
I've never needed 9x compatibility, I disable all the new GUI stuff, and kill half the services. Which leaves me with a Win2k essentially.
I've never had any problems with hardware support in WinXP though. I plugin a cd-burner, "AOpen 24x CD-R/RW detected" and it installs drivers. I plug in my Logitech gamepad, finds it an installs drivers. I plug in a new winmodem, it detects it and installs drivers. Etc...
The *only* thing it never found in its own driver database was nForce drivers, but a simply popping in the included cd with my mobo and I was set.
So... one thing I do like about WinXP Pro is its hardware detection - though I don't know how it compares to Win2k.
Win2k has pretty good driver detection. Yeah with WinXP Pro you gotta go through and disable services and that are turned on by default like Terminal Serivces that allows someone to access your computer over the internet.
I have XP Home Edition on my Inspiron (regreably, wish I'd sprung for XP Pro ), but I've used both Win2k and XP Pro. I would go with XP pro personally. If you want to compare the two, you can do so here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ ... some pretty useful links and information that might help you make your decision .
__________________
boxer_1
CodingForums Moderator
"How did a fool and his money get together in the first place?"
I assume you mean XP pro? In what respect specifically is it better?... I had heard issues with XP that any time you add a device on XP, you have to go through some XP driven registration process. Is this a non-issue?
Are you on about drivers that have been tested and digitaly signed by Microsoft and when you try installing a driver that isn't digitaly signed by Microsoft its start blabbing at you that the driver hasn't been digitaly signed by Microsoft do you want to continue.
Is that what you meant?
Because you don't have to get the driver tested and signed you can take the risk and continue installing.
And normaly for me when I add a new piece of hardware its just a simple matter of installing the correct driver to get it all working.
I have never really had a problem with adding new hardware and installing their drivers, maybe someone else has had a different experience.
Go for Windows XP unless you've got a specific reason for 2K. Contrary to a previously voiced opinion, XP is more secure than 2K and with the soon to be released SP2 it will be even more so. That doesn't mean it's totally secure or even modestly secure, only that it's improving. XP is the latest desktop OS from MS so unless you've got a compelling reason to use an older desktop OS you really should get the current one.
__________________
Check out the Forum Search. It's the short path to getting great results from this forum.
I used to not like xp and would say 2k, but as the many updates have come I say xp. XP used to be terrible in compatibility and had many odd quirks, but with the many updates that has come I say xp (even more so with sp2 coming out). Ive seen some weird quirks with 2k (updated), that Ive never seen on xp sp1 (updated). Xp too me seems to be much more "inteligent" with the registry and the gui these days. Xp also has much better working compatibility features then the early days of xp.
I just installed windows 2000 Pro SP4 on a P3 256mb ram laptop with a N wireless card. I never used Windows 2000 before. Just 98 and XP pro. BTW, I have a machine running on Vista U and Windows 7 RC. Look like I have most Windows OSs in my house now.
Today: 05-29-2009.
Before you post, read our: 
), but I've used both Win2k and XP Pro. I would go with XP pro personally. If you want to compare the two, you can do so here: 
.
