I second the comments about cheap hardware, you can get a refurb system
for really cheap, the 64bit question really isn't an issue. You may not
get all of the advantages out of it, but it doesn't cause real issues
with compatibility. See ecost.com for this deal, there's more like it.
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail~dpno~3246875.asp
Have you looked into crossover office from Codeweavers? It's an
alternative to Win4lin, and generally less overhead than a real VM
solution. Use of Win4lin or crossover office will let your dad run
things more seamlessly, but still be on Linux for those apps like
Firefox, Thunderbird, etc that are better native.
Kevin
Brian Henning wrote:
Hiya Gang,
My dad is asking me for advice on upgrading his P-III 750MHz Win98
desktop which is gradually grinding to a halt. It seems that the
marketplace is really trying to shove 64-bit desktop computing down
our throats (anyone seen an Athlon XP for sale lately? Or a quality
mobo to put it on?). I don't have any direct experience with 64-bit
chips, but it seems like I've heard a lot of horror stories about
unsupported hardware, as well as further DRM encumberances in the
Windows platform. Unfortunately in this case, Windows is a
requirement. I'm sure Dad would be interested in switching to Linux,
but he uses a handful of Windows-only apps. Which brings me to my
question of which is better:
1 - Jumping headlong into 64-bit computing and the 64-bit edition of
Windows XP;
2 - 64-bit platform running 32-bit XP (which I have heard runs like
garbage, but only from one person)
3 - 64-bit platform running 64-bit Linux with 32-bit Windows XP under
VMWare.
4 - Trying desperately to find quality 32-bit hardware for 32-bit
Windows.
(See, I mentioned Linux, so it's not completely inappropriate for the
list! :-) )
All tips and advice are, as always, greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
~Brian
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