Vista vs Windows XP

Berserker · 14 Jun 2007 at 00:10

Right, I'm installing a new C2D system at work tomorrow (well, today now) and I have choice of operating systems. I suspect for historical reasons I'm going to have to stick with 32-bit although that's not 100% set.

So, which is best for folding, WinXP or Vista?

SiriusB · 14 Jun 2007 at 00:24

As far as I know there is very little difference foldingwise. Whether you go 32bit or 64bit is up to you. I would probably go 64bit personally.

jaric · 14 Jun 2007 at 00:33

Used XP 32 bit & now Vista x64 and not noticed any difference in folding performance. If you've got the choice of Vista x64 go for it.

Berserker · 14 Jun 2007 at 00:53

Reluctance to do that is due to using ten-year-old software written for Windows NT. Having said that, it might work.

SiriusB · 14 Jun 2007 at 01:34

XP is pretty cheap, or so I am told, so if your software doesn't work in Vista could you not dual boot your machine with XP?

Berserker · 14 Jun 2007 at 02:56

I have 10 free copies of Windows XP and Vista Ultimate. Cost is not an issue, however dual booting isn't an option either.

SiriusB · 14 Jun 2007 at 02:59

Well in that case just try it in Vista. If it doesn't work or can't be made to work, nuke the installation and go with XP.

Berserker · 14 Jun 2007 at 03:12

Doesn't sound like a bad plan. Does mean I have to learn the innards of Vista (yes, I've already installed it somewhere else and seen just how different it is).

PS - anyone tried VMWare on Vista? I know you can install Vista as a client but I haven't tried actually running VMWare on Vista.

dunc · 14 Jun 2007 at 03:42

Berserker said:
Doesn't sound like a bad plan. Does mean I have to learn the innards of Vista (yes, I've already installed it somewhere else and seen just how different it is).

PS - anyone tried VMWare on Vista? I know you can install Vista as a client but I haven't tried actually running VMWare on Vista.

Yes it works fine. I seem to remember a warning message about compatibility, but that didn't stop me

Dunc

Berserker · 14 Jun 2007 at 10:17

Coolio. A new version is out which is supposed to fix the compatibility message, so we should be all good.

Pumpkinstew · 14 Jun 2007 at 13:36

Go for Vista.

It's the only way to play Halo 2 and Geometry Wars.

shadowscotland · 14 Jun 2007 at 14:00

I was going to say 'eggs basket all' but looks as if someone has other ideas...

Windows XP compatibility
On the 16th of May 2007, it was announced that Falling leaf systems is going to release a compatibility pack for Halo 2 to run on windows XP. The pack is estimated to be ready for July 2007. Compatibility libraries will be provided (when ready) when Halo is ordered from their site. As Halo 2 is currently a Vista only game, it is unknown what Microsoft's stance on this is.