Hi Wily, Re: Software purchase
From your description, it looks like it's the OEM version of the software. Perfectly legal for you to own, just don't go to Microsoft for support, because you won't get any. It lies strictly with the manufacturer of the computer (OEM). That, and the lack of the 'real' manual is the only drawback. The price is always cheaper.
Although there are some people who do counterfeit (A distributor in my area was in the news recently as they were raided by the RCMP (Canadian F.B.I. <g>) for selling counterfeit OEM software. In your case though, I wouldn't worry.
In regards to Windows NT, it's by far the superior OS. The only reason you should use Windows 95/98, is for entertainment stuff like 3D games, and DVD or if you have hardware/software that is not compatible for NT. The setup though is not as easy. Make sure you install Service Pack 3 or 4 then check your video card again.
The NT/95/98 Resource Kit's (published by Microsoft) are ok for really technical users, but otherwise, don't bother. I do like Marc Minasi's stuff though. The Windows NT4 Answers! book (published by Stream) is pretty good for quick answers as well. Then again, I have a few hundred different books on all sorts of stuff, and I love the technical end of it as well as the basic Q&A.
If you're interested in the real technical stuff, look into Microsoft's Technet. Best resource for anything Microsoft, and invaluable to anyone doing support work.
Regards,
Richard |
