Hi Mark,
My initial thought is that VISTA will, indeed, be a resource hog...in
other words, not something you're going to want to implement on older
hardware. It'll require fast processors and tons of memory, neither of
which tends to come through the recycling stream to community technology
projects.
On the other hand, I doubt there'll be significant interoperability
issues between VISTA and XP, so if you have machines that can XP well,
you probably won't isolate the random user who comes in with a VISTA
laptop. Windows 2k would give you better performance on older hardware.
The best performance on older hardware is going to come from a Linux OS,
optimized for older hardware. That would actually let you keep your
machines up to date, free from viruses, spam, or adware, and secure. It
would also mean not being locked out of operating system advances, since
even modern releases of Linux distributions tend to work well with older
hardware (I've had good initial experiences with Ubuntu, Debian (which
Ubuntu is based on) and a couple of others so far.
Using a Linux based system would make it easier to set up a network,
share files, etc...but would also mean using open source software for
office applications instead of MS Office. Your call, since your staff
would have to make the switch. Personally, I feel Open Office is so
close to MS Office in look and feel that it's not an issue, and I've had
friends using my computer who didn't realize they weren't using the MS
product till I pointed it out. On the other hand, if you're using
proprietary software that only works on Windows, you'll either have to
invest the time to find alternatives or go with a Windows solution after
all.
Hope this helps,
Dave.
-------------------
Dave A. Chakrabarti
Projects Coordinator
CTCNet Chicago
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(708) 919 1026
-------------------
Mark Warnick wrote:
Hello Everyone,
I am normally a lurker here on the list, mainly because of my lack of
knowledge. My father always told me it is better to be thought an idiot and
remain silent than to open your mouth and remove all doubt, so I try to live
by that rule (LOL).
We are beginning to work on a project with the government that involves
making a "Mobile Command Center" for first responders using excess equipment
from first responders and the government. This is all in the experimental
and planning stage, and there is a lot to figure out. One thing that has
come up, and the reason I am writing this letter, is that Microsoft will
supposedly be releasing Vista soon. From what I am told this will make older
operating systems "obsolete", and possibly incompatible.
Considering the "Mobile Command Vehicle" will be for long term use, and
we are using computers 1-2 years old (recycled) we are curious if;
1) It is true older computers will soon become totally obsolete
2) Will there be interoperability issues
3) What is the best avenue to take to ensure that the network in the command
center will not be a headache for the staff.
The way we envision it, the Mobile Command Center will have it's own
network, as well as having the ability for someone to plug in their laptop
in the center and share files with the command staff.
Any and all help with this planning part of this phase is appreciated,
... Mark
Retired Asst. Chief
Mark S. Warnick (Founder)
Chief of Operations
Helping Our Own (TM)
Firefighter helping Firefighter
http://www.helpingourown.org
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone: 877-446-6435
(877-4-HOO-Help)
Office 517-764-0641
Helping Our Own (TM)
P.O. Box 413
Michigan Center, MI, 49254
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