[ct-user] Upgrade computer strategy

Tue Aug 5 22:11:20 EDT 2003

I think you mean Citrix.  Actually, Citrix was originally developed by an
IBMer that was involved in the OS/2 development (now there's an OS).  They
chose the Windows GUI over the OS/2 GUI because it was more well known (at
that time it was the Windows 3.1 GUI).

OS/2 was originally a joint effort between IBM and MS. So I don't know who
stole from whom but it does not change what XP Pro is and what it can do.

The use of Terminal Services is that a computer can be accessed remotely and
securely. One can work on it as if sitting at the remote site.  I use it
daily and so do several of my clients.  It also has Virtual Private
Networking built into the system so if your router can't handle VPN, the
server can.

Furthermore, an NT server (2000 or 2003) running Terminal Services can
provide a remote Desktop to multiple users.  Each with individual access and
rights.  So what's the use of this?  Well, I have a client who employs a
number of people that do not come into the office.  They need access to some
programs on the server and a desktop in the office.  They get their PC at
home and get their own office Desktop as if they had their own PC in the
office.  This is no small matter since the employer does not have to buy a
PC for each one of these people.

Undoubtedly XP Pro will evolve as NT Workstation evolved to 2000 Pro and
2000 to XP Pro, but to say that they don't have it quite right is not
exactly on the mark.  XP Pro, with updates applied, is rock solid, versatile
and reliable.  Many of the issues repeatedly discussed in this mailing list
are simply solved by XP users.

I don't know if you have yet realized that CT development is really centered
around 2000 and XP now.

As for DVP, it is no longer the only solution of it's kind.  There are
several programs that use a sound card interface to accomplish the same
thing for a much lower cost.  N1MM with a sound card interface comes to mind
as a DVP substitute.  For contests where the report does not change, you can
use either the recorder found on many modern rigs or a voice keyer like the
MFJ-434.  I certainly hope that CT will add the option to use a sound card
interface but if it doesn't it doesn't.  Both CT and N1MM are free so I use
the one best suited for the particular contest and am happy.

I guess that the point is that if you are going to upgrade, upgrading to an
obsolete OS (yes 95 & 98 are obsolete), then it's not worth the effort.

Oh well.  I'm never popular in these reflectors for never having liked DOS
and for admitting that if I can do it with a GUI, I don't want to use a
command prompt.  Popular or not, hams, specially contesters need to realize
that DOS is pretty much gone and support for it is even more gone.  Ditto
for Windows 95 & 98 (SE around the corner).

Footnote: Windows ME was a total disaster and does not even merit
discussion.

73
Carl

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Baron - KB3MM [mailto:SteveBaron at StarLinX.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 7:42 PM
To: Carl Herrera - WC4H
Subject: Re: [ct-user] Upgrade computer strategy

----- Original Message -----
From: "Carl Herrera - WC4H" <wc4h at itis.net>
To: "ctuser" <ct-user at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 22:44
Subject: RE: [ct-user] Upgrade computer strategy

> I totally disagree about your XP comments.  It is full of features that
are
> not included in W2K Pro including Terminal Services server.

Is that the one they ripped off of Citrus ?
Any use for it ?

>  It is also rock
> solid.  It can do anything W2K Pro can and then some.  XP is the next
level
> after 2000.  It is based no the proven NT platform and unlike the ME
fiasco,
> it works well and runs just about anything.

Well, Nt was based on the very well proven VMS system but even at the
XP level they still don't have it quite right <gr>

>
> Frankly, if it does not run on XP, it's probably not worth running.
>
> If you don't like the GUI, you can have it "look" like 2000.
>
> Carl
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ct-user-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:ct-user-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of John Allen
> Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 3:41 PM
> To: Ted Demopoulos; CT-User
> Cc: YCCC
> Subject: RE: [ct-user] Upgrade computer strategy
>
>
> Hi Ted - I can't give you advice regarding CT vs. CT for Windows.  (I am
not
> using them anymore due to having W2000 as sole OS on
> the machine since late 2000).
>
> I will say that support for Windows 98 by Microsoft (i.e.; security
patches
> for OS, Outlook/Outlook Express and IE) was discontinued
> recently.
>
> MS Support for Win 98 SE Will end January 11, 2004.
>
> Windows ME is still supported and like 98, can boot into DOS.
>
> If your OS is connected to the internet for mail or web, you need up to
date
> security, and it is not available for older OS's thanks
> to Microsoft.
>
> If you do go with an NT based (No DOS) system, I recommend Windows 2000
Pro
> over Windows XP.  XP is full of mis-features that are a
> pain for users.
>
> If you want dual boot, install/upgrade to 98 SE or Win ME and then insert
> the windows 2000 CDROM and it will give you the choice of
> upgrade or dual boot and do it all for you.
>
> Also, I would like to Plug YCCC member Tom, N1MM's logger, which runs on
> 2000 etc.
> http://pages.cthome.net/n1mm/
> Real support, unlike Writelog, and free.  Better human factors.
>
> Please reply if this info generates any questions.
>
> John, K1AE
>
> John Allen  - Computer HW/SW/Network debugging, installation, maintenance,
> and upgrades
> PC House Calls:  www.pcsupportsolutions.com
> <http://www.pcsupportsolutions.com>
> Also Electrical Engineer leader / manager  - analog, digital, RF, Board,
> ASIC, and Signal Integrity.  mailto:jallen at vhfcom.com  978
> 779-6189
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: ct-user-bounces at contesting.com
> > [mailto:ct-user-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Ted Demopoulos
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 2:03 PM
> > To: ct
> > Subject: [ct-user] Upgrade computer strategy
> >
> >
> > Time to start upgrading my motley crew of  486s - they are too old and
> > the hardware unreliable now.
> >
> > Replacing my "main" computer first - besides running CT during contests,
> > I'll probably run the odd windows app and (gasp) even WriteLog for the
> > tests not supported by CT. I've only run regular CT, never the Windows
> > version before.
> >
> > What should I - put Windows 98 on it so I can boot as DOS, something
> > more modern and setup dual boot (however that done), or just say the
> > hell with it and run CTWin (and any issues with networking with DOS CT
> > then?)
> >
> >
> > Comments/advice?
> > 73
> > Ted KT1V
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > CT-User mailing list
> > CT-User at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/ct-user
> >
> >
>
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