Windows xp

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Windows xp
Installing

Sultan
 Installing Windows XP:
After choosing your parts and assembling your build, you
may think you're in the clear. Choosing the right OS and
installing it can be a little confusing but we will explain
the different options out there, walk you through
installing Windows XP, and suggest some applications
that will help you get the most out of your Windows
experience.

Choosing the Right Operating System

Like many of the components in your computer, the
Operating System you choose to use depends greatly on
what you plan to do with our computer. There are three
different versions of XP available right now, and when
Vista is launched ( One week and counting) there will be
four different versions available. Each one has different
features, and its own intended use. So which one is right
for you? We will explain the capabilities and the features
of each version to help clarify which version is right for
you, or perhaps you might want to try the alternative
Windows
Windows XP is by far the most widely used OS on the planet. Its versatility,
functionality and ease of use make it appealing to users of all experience
levels. There are several different versions of Windows XP available. Each one
is targeted at a specific group of users.

Windows XP Home:
This version is the most basic, and cheapest, version of Windows. Windows
Home Edition works well for gaming, productivity applications (MS Office
Open Office), internet browsing and basic computing needs. Windows Home
Edition lacks some of the networking and advanced features found in the
Professional Edition, but it does support networking for use in a home
network. All users have the same permissions, so every person using the Home
Edition can install software and access all files on the computer. Microsoft's
Home Edition doesn't include IIS, Remote Desktop, Dual Processor Support
(it does support Dual Core and Hyper-Threading) , Active Directory and
cannot be a member of a domain. If you don't have a use for those features
then Microsoft's Home Edition will fit your needs.
Windows XP Professional:
Windows XP Professional is intended for use in clients or workstations in a
Windows 2000/2003 server network running Active Directory's' Professional
Edition supports joining a windows domain, IIS, Remote Desktop, Dual Processor
Support and file user permissions. It supports multiple users with different
permissions for use in a business network. Professional Edition offers the same
ease of use as the Home Edition, and most won't even notice the difference on the
surface. If you intend to use your computer in a business network environment or
if you have advanced uses for your computer Microsoft's Professional Edition
may fit your needs better then home.

Windows XP Media Center Edition:

HTPCs (Home Theater PCs) or Media Centers have gained popularity over the
last few years as a "Do all" replacement for gaming consoles and movie and
music player. Windows MCE is intended for computers that will either be used in
an Entertainment Center or for Multimedia duties. MCE is based on XP pro and
offers all the same features as Pro except it doesn't support Active
Directory.MCE uses the preinstalled application Media Center, which provides
a large-font for easy viewing on a TV, remotely accessible interface for TV
viewing on the computer as well as recording and playback, DVD playback,
video playback, photo viewing, and music playback. MCE will also handle all
your other computing needs as well including Gaming.

Windows XP 64 Bit Edition:

This version of Windows is actually based on Windows 2003 server, despite
bearing the XP name. This is very noticeable once x64 is installed due to it
resemblance to 2003 server. XP x64 supports up to 128 GB of RAM where the
other versions of Windows only support up to 4 GB of RAM.XP x64 does
support 32 bit applications, however not all 32 bit applications will run on XP
x64.Some applications may require that the 64 bit version of that software be
installed if one is available. Also some older games won't work on x64. x64
Edition includes both 32- and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer, in order to
allow for the possibility that some third-party browser plugging or ActiveX
controls may not yet be available in 64-bit versions. For your devices to work
on XP x64 they must have a 64 bit driver available. If you plan to use XP x64
ensure all your devices have compatible drivers
Windows Vista:
The newest version of Windows is right around the corner.Our best advice is to
let this OS mature for at least 6 months before plunging into it.This will give
Microsoft time to work out the bugs and release security updates.This will also
give hardware manufactures time to release drivers for Vista.Microsoft changed
the name scheme a little bit; this chart shows the relationship between XP and
Vista versions.

Windows XP Home Windows Vista Home Basic

Windows XP Media Center Edition Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows XP Pro Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Ultimate -

Windows Vista Ultimate has the features of all the windows versions combined
into one package.It would be like combining Windows XP Pro and Windows XP
MCE.For more information about the different Vista editions, and a complete
list of features visit the Vista Website.See HardwareLogic Peeks at Windows
Vista Ultimate Edition for a complete review on Windows Vista
Linux :

Also known as the Rebel OS Linux has gained a lot of popularity

over the years. It's become a lot easier to use and has quite a large
following. Linux is distributed by many companies and
organizations, in what is called Distress. Many Distress are free and
are available on the internet. Linux is Open Source so it is available
to everyone and you are allowed to change the code to suite your
needs. Just about every type of application is available on Linux,
and most of them are also Open Source so they are also available
for free. If your Computer will be used primarily for Gaming then
Linux probably isn't for you. Most Games do not have a Linux
version so Gamers should stick with Windows. Linux still has a
pretty high learning curve and take a lot of getting used to. Linux
isn't for everyone and most people will find that they will still need
to use Windows for some things. If you're on a budget and only
have basic computer needs, and your willing to learn something
new Linux might be an option. Check out our
Clucking With Penguins: A Beginners Guide to Linux, for more
information about Linux.
Installing Windows : -
We will walk you through partitioning your Hard Drive, and installing Windows
XP. We will be using Windows XP Pro as an example. The installation process
of XP is very similar in all version of XP, because they are all based on the
same installer.
Hopefully your Windows XP has SP2 integrated into it, but if it doesn't
you can follow this great guide (http://www.maximump c.com/2005/ 01/howto_
slipstre. Html) to slipstream SP2 into Windows XP.
Fire up your machine and insert the Windows XP disc into the optical drive. The
first thing you need to do is go into the BIOS. You can do this by tapping either
F2 or Delete depending on your BIOS manufacturer. If you're unsure check the
motherboard manual. Once you're in the BIOS take a few minutes to figure out
where everything is. There are several different screens in the BIOS. For now
you can leave most of the settings at default, look for the screen that allows you
to choose the Drive boot order.
It will probably be labeled Boot, or something similar. There may also be
several sub-menus. Down Arrow to the menu for Boot Device Priority. Ensure
that your Optical Drive and Hard Drive both show up in this menu. If they don't
your system isn't recognizing all of your drives, so you will need to power down
and ensure all drives are connected properly. If all your drives show up, ensure
that your Optical Drive is one priority higher then you're Hard Drive. For
example your Optical Drive is second priority and your Hard Drive is third
priority.
Once complete exit saving changes. If you get lost in the bios your
motherboard manual will help you figure out how to navigate through
your specific bios. The computer will now reboot.If your hard drive is
already formatted or already has partitions on it the windows installer
will tell you to press any key to start Windows Setup.
When Windows Setup first fires up you will see an option to Press F6 to install third
party Hard Drive Controller Drivers. If your Hard Drive Controller requires drivers press
F6 and you will be given the option to install them from a Floppy Disk. If you're not
sure check your manual.If you still can't find the right information, let the installer
continue, and once it gets to the Partition Drives screen, if you're Hard Drive isn't
showing up you know you needed to press F-6 and install the right drivers. If your
Motherboard didn't come with drivers on a floppy disk you will need to download them
from the manufactures website.Most SATA controllers on current Motherboards have
native SATA controllers so installing drivers isn't necessary. There are still some
controllers out there that will require drivers to be installed.
All you have to do is press Enter to Continue.

Press F8, because if you don't agree you don't get to install Windows.
This is one of the most important steps.If you want to allocate the
whole drive to Windows just press enter. We suggest if you have a
Larger HD (100GB or Larger) to partition your Hard Drive into at least
two partitions. One Partition for your Windows installation and
programs, and the other Partition to store data like your pictures,
movies, and music. This way if you're Windows Install crashes
unexpectedly you don't loose all your data. Press C to Create Partitions.
You will now create your partitions.The size is in
Megabytes, enter the size you want for the first partition
and press enter. For your Windows partition we suggest
between 60 and 100 Gigabytes. If you install a lot of
large games or programs you may require more space to
be allocated to your Windows partition
Once your Partitions are created select the partition you
want to install Windows on. Typically this will be the C:
Drive.Press Enter to format your Drive.
We suggest that you use the NTFS quick option.If you are
reinstalling after a virus attack or a serious error you will want
to use the NTFS Full Format option.FAT32 is the older File
System. There isn't really a need to use this file system
Setup will now copy files and install the Graphical Installer. This should
go very smoothly. If it doesn't this is your first sign there is a
problem.Usually if Windows has a hard time copying files it's because of
a scratched or dirty disc, or a faulty Optical Drive.Bad Memory may also
cause problems in this stage.
At this point you can either hit enter or just let the timer go, and the
system will reboot automatically.
If you haven't already done so right now is a great time to
get something to drink. It will take several minutes for the
installer to get through this stage.
Click Next to Setup your Regional Settings.
Just type in your name and Organization name (This is Optional) then click
next.

Windows will give you a default computer name based on the name
you entered in the previous screen. You can name your computer
anything you want.If you're using XP home you will not see an option
for Administrator Password. If you're using Pro or MCE you will be
able to enter an Administrator Password.Don' t forget the password
you used. When your done click next.
Configure your Date, Time and Time Zone then click next.
After your regional settings are configured Windows will install some more
files and then go into Network settings. At this point just use typical settings,
then click next.

You can use any name you want for your workgroup as long as it is not the
same as your computer name. If you have more then one computer on a home
network its best to use the same workgroup name on all the computers in your
network for simplicity. When your done click next.
Windows will now finish installing and then reboot. Once it reboots
Windows will be completely installed.
 When Windows boots up for the first time you will see a Configuration
Wizard, just click through, then when you get to this screen enter a user
name. You can use any name you want. However it can not be exactly the
same name as your computer or your workgroup.

Windows XP is now installed and ready for you to start installing your drivers.
We advise that you do not connect to the internet yet.In fact you shouldn't
even have your network cable even plugged in at this point. Once you install
all your drivers you can connect your network cable.
 Throw in your Drivers CD that came with your Motherboard. If a disc didn't
come with your Motherboard you can go to the manufactures website and
download all the current drivers. When using your Drivers CD every
manufacture is different. You may have to install your drivers one at a time or
you might be able to install them as one package. Install your Chipset drivers
first, followed by the rest of your drivers.

Note: Always install in this order: Chipset Drivers, DirectX Driver,

Graphics Card Driver, then carry on with the rest.....sound, LAN, etc.
Once you're done installing your drivers, go to the device manager
and make sure you didn't miss any devices that may still need
drivers. Devices that still need drivers installed are marked with a
Yellow Explanation Point Icon. Install the drivers from the
manufactures disc or download them from the internet. Once all your
drivers are installed it is now safe to plug in your network cable.
 Now you need to update Windows. Select Custom Install Updates, and select all the
updates you would like to install. We advise to install all security updates at a minimum.
You may choose to install Hardware and Software updates as well. Keep in mind though
just because Microsoft offers driver and software updates, doesn't mean they will run
flawlessly on your system. Many people have reported problems with Internet Explorer 7
and Windows Media Player 11.
Installing Any Antivirus
Software:
Check our Software list for a full list of useful
software.We recommend that at a Minimum you install
the following type of software:

Ant i Viru s (N ort on, M acA fe e, A VG ,

Av ast)
Comp res sion Utility (Winz ip or W inR ar)
Fire wa ll (Wind ow s Fi re wa ll or Z one
Al arm )
Bro wse r (M ozill a F iref ox, Opera , Fl ock )

Once you have installed all the Windows updates you need to install an
Antivirus and download the current virus definitions for it.It doesn't really matter
which antivirus you use, just as long as you do use one. AVG is a very good and
highly recommended free Antivirus.
At this point we highly recommend making a disk image using Norton Ghost or
another back up utility, and storing it on a DVD, External HD or on your Data
Partition. That way if windows crashes or a software or driver install goes wrong you
will be able to restore your system back to this point.

Installing the rest of your software's

Your system is now ready to install the rest of your software and games. Once you
get your system the way you want it, take some time and test it out. Either with
some benchmarking programs or that new hardcore game you have been dying to
try out.
Thanking
You
Best Regards,

Sultan