Computer software question?

[Pogo2]

Brought my wife a MP3 player for Xmas. The pack said that we needed Windows 2000 or higher to run it. Discussed in detail with salesperson that I run Windows ME. Should be ok he says. Buy it, does not work and off the Dick Smith for refund - all sorted out, no probs with refund.

Problem now is that all MP3 players need Windows 2000 or higher. Dont really want to buy a new computer as this one is fine.

So....
Is there much difference between Windows 2000 and Windows ME?
Can you still buy/get Windows 2000 software? Dick Smith said thay only sell Vista
No point in getting XP or higher on an older computer ( 7 years old) is there?
If I did get Windows 2000 would there be any adverse result if I "upgraded" LOL

Cheers for your comments

Mark

[MSTRS:Me]

Win2000 the worst OS they ever made. Get XP...dime a dozen for the disc.
Or get this http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/S...-194463226.htm perfect for you

[James Deuce]

2000 is actually a good product and more closely related to XP than Vista is to XP. Vista is easily the worst commercial O/S ever built, closely followed by ME (Sorry).

The problem with 2000 Pro is that it isn't effectively supported by Microsoft anymore, and while they keep pushing out the final non-support date, when Windows 7 comes out you can guarantee 2000 support will be withdrawn.

If you're using ME, chances are you don't need to even run Windows anymore.

My advice to you would be to install Ubuntu as your O/S and your MP3 player will work fine.

[rainman]

My advice to you would be to install Ubuntu as your O/S and your MP3 player will work fine.

What he said.

[magicfairy]

Don't be too quick to change operating systems. Although you may fix your mp3 player problem other programs may not work. And Ubuntu is better for experienced users, it is not Microsoft, and not as well known. ( I teach this stuff)

You should upgrade to XP. Good solid operating system. Still supported thanks to the new netbook computers that are no highly specced enough for Vista (which IS crap) More and more you will find Win98 not supported.

Maybe time to look a a new computer, things have come a long way in 7 years. Or at least throw in some ram if you can.

[Headbanger]

Buy an MP3 player that supports copy/paste And your sorted, No need to upgrade anything.

I wouldn't touch any MP3 player that required an extra layer of software just to transfer files.

[phaedrus]

before upgrading any os, what sort of mp3 player is it?
is it supposed to show up as a usb disk and you put mp3s on?
if that's the case, do other usb disks work?
you may be short on usb mass storage drivers

[discotex]

Not sure why everyone is bagging Vista. It does the job quite nicely. If you have a modern pyuter with bags of ram it's great. Once you disable the constant "is it ok to do this?" messages. I guess the lack of driver support was an issue to begin with but those days are over.

If you want a no hassle computer and mp3 player get a Mac and an iPod. Does was it says on the tin.

If you want to get the most out of a 7 year old PC install linux of some sort. Ubuntu is probably easiest but be prepared to get your hands dirty when things don't work.

Linux is the 2 stroke of the computer world. Simple and easy to work on if you're that way inclined. But for most non-IT people it's just a pain in the arse.

If it were me I'd just go buy a new laptop. They're dirt cheap nowdays and should be even cheaper at the boxing day sales.

[Headbanger]

I suppose WinME requires specific drivers for every USB device and these aren't made any more?




Anyway, Vista gets bagged because a company with unlimited resources spent seven years creating something that isn't worth buying, Then used their crack marketing team to market it for hardware that couldn't run it....

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

before upgrading any os, what sort of mp3 player is it?
is it supposed to show up as a usb disk and you put mp3s on?
if that's the case, do other usb disks work?
you may be short on usb mass storage drivers

best advise on this page...

[GaZBur]

I'm with discotex. Nothing major wrong with Vista to the average user it's just an operating system after all to most of us, just don't ask network admin people what they think as networking is where most of the problems appear. A 7 year old computer is a dinosaur and will very soon be extinct. Go to the sales!

[Pogo2]

Currently I run a Creative Zen MP3 player through the USB connection. Had it for about 2-3 years and everything is fine.

The one I had brought was a Philips Go Gear 2MB player for 'er indoors. But now I might need to have a look and those that have drag and drop function.

No great rush really. Went for a ride this morning and passed the Mt Wellington shops and you would have thought that they were giving money away - it must have been as bad as new years eve trafficwise.

Thanks again

Mark

[The Stranger:Me]

I run Windows ME.

You're shitting me?
There should be some sort of award for perseverence, because damn, you deserve it.

[Max Preload]

Buy an MP3 player that supports copy/paste And your sorted, No need to upgrade anything.

I wouldn't touch any MP3 player that required an extra layer of software just to transfer files.

Indeed. That's simply asking for trouble.

Win2000 the worst OS they ever made.

I totally disagree - there's nothing inherently wrong with Win2k. It's still the CAD OS of choice for me - stable with little overhead. I sure won't be touching Vista.

The problem with 2000 Pro is that it isn't effectively supported by Microsoft anymore...

Name a Microsoft OS that has ever been...

[MaxB]

FWIW I'm one of the switchbacks from Vista to XP. I run XP home and XP Pro on my computers. Vista is fine if you are a home user but if you want to run a proper Network or rely on high perfromance applications for your job then Vista is a bit of a let down.

I have a Zen player and I really rate it. Probably the best Win player out there when used with decent headphones. But they all need Win XP to run properly these days (although they will still work with the older USB 1.1 ports.)