Marv\'s Blog

Windows Migration pt1

I’m switching to XP Pro.

I’m switching, not because I want to, but because I have to. Windows 98SE just doesn’t cut it anymore. The kickass music player foobar2000 looks to be requiring Win2K or WinXP for the unicode support (and other things I presume). 3D Studio Max, which I need for my BSc course, requires them as well.

Also it turns out Second Life requires XP or 2K. Since M$ is dropping support for the 2000 OS soon, I thought it’d be a better idea to go straight for XP Pro instead of Win2k or XP Home, since I needed that extra flexibility with regards to screwing up the around with the system. Plus the Uni would be happier if I had XP.

Preparation.

My copy of the Academic Upgrade license still hasn’t arrived from Genstar yet, so it’s all prep work at the mo’. My laptop hasn’t arrived either, but thats besides the point as it’ll be blank and useless without XP Pro anyway.

Before I’m reading to migrate I’ll need to get all my Firefox and Thunderbird files in order. All the latest software updates need to be on hand as well. I’ve got an ethernet card on order with my laptop so that I can transfer files between the computer I’m on at the moment and my laptop. The entire contents of my music collection, my video collection, my image library and the software library probably won’t be going with me, as it takes up most of a 40GB hard disc already (the laptop is 60GB, but with XP’s bloat there’ll not be much room left.

The plan is to use the laptop as the main computer (possibly getting a keyboard+monitor switch, and the current computer as a storage and development server till next term.

Next term is when the fun starts.

I know I’m getting a little ahead of myself, but I thought I’d let you know what I’m planning:

• Purchase of a barebones system from Novatech, and the remaining parts needed to make a RAID 0+1 based storage & network server that is compatible with XP Pro and Linux (in case I decided to make the switch).
• Purchase of networking gear (router/switch + cables) to create home wired Gigabit network (wireless may be easier, but wired is faster & more secure).
• Installation of SmoothWall Linux on current computer to create a hardware firewall for the home network.
• Purchase of better computer chair. If the DSA claim won’t provide me with a chair suitable enough, I’ll be going shopping.

Term One Student Loan distribution.

This term my money is going on:

• Board (to mother).
• Bus passes (to Arriva).
• Laptop (to Novatech).
• Gigabit card (to Novatech).
• Crossover cable (to Novatech, but if their suppliers don’t get their arses into gear I’ll be getting it from elsewhere).
• XP Pro (to GenStar).
• 512 MB RAM (to Crucial).
• Second Life (to Linden Research, Inc.).

Most of the stuff for term one is to help with my Uni work, or is required for it. The only exception is the subscription to Second Life. The reason I’m putting it on the list at all is that it’s the perfect place to showcase 3D modelling, and it has it’s own scripting language. The idea is the more computer languages I learn, the easier my mind will be able to handle coding projects in one specific language. Kind of how driving different types of vehicles improves your handling of others.

The reason I’m subscribing as opposed to having just a basic account is for project I’ve had in mind for a while- I’ll not say exactly what it is, but it’s the kind of thing a geek/nerd might find really cool, but my girlfriend thinks is just ridiculous. I’m not sure if it even exists already in Second Life, but that’ll be one of the things I’ll be finding out when I play.

My Second Life Project.

It involves scripting, 3D modelling, photography and texturing- project management as well of course- all of these are part of the core modules for my course. So while I’m spending my recreation time in Second Life I’ll be learning and improving my ability to complete the course (and hopefully get a distinction at the end of it). Who knows, if it doesn’t exist already, I might make some money of it if other people want it. But I’m not in it for the money, I think the finished product would be really cool to have on my own house/back yard (I’m not sure how big I’ll be making it).