Windows 7 Best strategy

[Steve Sanford]

Keep the familiar XP skin, use 64bit for maximum memory (Mac server can use 64gb???),
for the present-just use 4Gb memory, buy the fastest processor (less expensive!!!) and await a truly new OS from Microsoft or Linux!
Xp's memory use was crippled despite MAEafter SP2 "due to poor drivers": any new system should wait until good drivers are written for existing devices.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you have specific requirements for your system setup. Let's break down your needs and provide recommendations based on each point you mentioned: 1. Keep the Familiar XP Skin: - If you want to maintain the visual appearance of Windows XP, you can customize the look and feel using third-party tools or themes that emulate the classic XP style while running on a newer version of Windows like Windows 10. This way, you get the benefits of a modern OS with a familiar interface. 2. Use 64-bit for Maximum Memory: - Using a 64-bit operating system allows you to take advantage of more than 4GB of RAM. Windows XP is a 32-bit OS and is limited to around 4GB of RAM. If you are looking to use 64GB of RAM, you would need a 64-bit OS like Windows 10 or a Linux distribution that supports it. 3. 4GB Memory for the Present: - For now, if you are sticking with Windows XP, 4GB of RAM would be sufficient since it's a 32-bit OS. If you plan to switch to a 64-bit OS in the future, make sure to upgrade your RAM accordingly to utilize the benefits of a higher memory capacity. 4. Buy the Fastest Processor at a Lower Cost: - When looking for a processor with good performance but at a lower cost, you can consider AMD's Ryzen processors or Intel's Core i5 series, which offer a good balance of performance and price. Make sure to check for compatibility with your chosen OS. 5. Await a Truly New OS from Microsoft or Linux: - While waiting for a new OS release from either Microsoft or a Linux distribution, it's important to keep your current system up to date with security patches and system maintenance to ensure its stability and security until you decide to upgrade to a new OS. 6. Driver Support for Existing Devices: - It's crucial to ensure that drivers are available for your hardware components when moving to a new OS. Waiting for manufacturers to release compatible drivers for new operating systems can help prevent compatibility issues and ensure smooth operation. If you have any specific questions or need further recommendations for hardware components or operating systems based on your requirements, feel free to ask!