I completed my PC hardware setup. Last weekend, I concentrated a good chunk of time to get the software up and running. My Operating System of choice now is Windows Vista Ultimate. I’m planning to upgrade my PC to 8Gb of RAM, so I’ll need the 64-bit support to take advantage of it. Initially, I had trouble opening the darn packaging. Eventually, I manage to get it going. As expected, the Vista installation was straight forward, but it was slow, since Vista now takes up about 15Gb of hard drive space! Well, I guess that’s why it’s the “ultimate” version – lots of little programs that I haven’t fully discovered yet.
With 4G of RAM, Vista is actually performing quite well. I proceeded to install the essential drivers for the motherboard (including ethernet and sound), and the ATI video driver (including the Catalyst Control Center). After getting the basics installed, I then install my essential applications, such as FireFox 3, Adobe Flash Player 9, ULead Burn Now, VLC Media Player, IrFanView, MWSnap, WinSCP, Putty, Twhirl, and Yahoo IM. So far so good, system still performs well.
There is still more work to do.
The fun stuff is missing: video game. I want to try out Crysis, Call of Duty 4, and Team Fortress 2, so I’ll need to pickup a copy of each. These latest games should take advantage (or humiliate) my new video card. I’m also preparing for the inevitable Starcraft 2. The original game provided many hours of fun with friends and co-workers. There are also my old favorite games that I’ll eventually re-install, such as Half Life 2 and Lord of the Rings: Battle of Middle Earth.
Finally, I’ll need to use video editing software. Haven’t decided what to get yet, but suggestions are appreciated.
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Well, you are good enough know how to upgrade to Vista. I already screwed my room computer when try to install Vista on it. Vista eat too much resources..
Good job so far. I think Vista is great, I dont know why alot of people think it sucks. I really like all the features of it. Good choice of games their Rudy. My friend has Crysis, but he doesnt play it anymore. He told me that the game is buggy and the developers still havent released a patch for it, but the game does look amazing. Half Life 2 is a must and they released new expansions for it. I already played The Orange Box on my 360 which included Half Life 2, Episode 1, Episode 2, Portal and Team Fortress 2. Im really loving the story of the Half Life games and im very eager to play Episode 3 hopefully on my 360 since I dont have a killer PC machine like the one your building lol.
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Hey Farzan,
I actually had a hard time installing the CD-ROM version of Half Life 2 that I bought years ago. There’s a bunch of updates I had to follow for the Steam engine to get it working on Vista 64-bit. Anyway, got it to work and am playing with highest resolution at 98 FPS!
Now I have to see how this rig does with Crysis. Can hardly wait.
Congratulations for finally completing building your PC. That is a well done job. How does it feel having a Vista? I just got a Windows Vista and I don’t like it that much compared with XP. I prefer using XP, though.
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Hey Hye,
Most people do not like Vista because of it’s big resource hog, especially RAM. For a new install that has all the bells and whistles, I would highly recommend Vista. Otherwise, yeah, stick with XP.
hi Rudy,
If my math is correct, you’ve been on your new computer for about two weeks… how do you like it? Is is a lot faster than your old computer, or can you even remember your old computer? When I changed from dial-up to cable (long ago) it seemed SO FAST, but I quickly got used to it and forgot how slow dial up is. Also, are you still happy with VISTA? I’m really on the fence whether to build a new computer with XP or Vista. I trust XP. Not sure about Vista…
~ Steve from Pinnacle Trade Show Displays
Hey Steve,
I haven’t used it as much as I want to, but so far the system is rock solid, and Vista has been surprisingly cooperative. I try my best to avoid installing any old software/shareware/freeware, so it’s still clean as a whistle.
It’s definitely a lot faster than my previous computer. It’s going to be even faster once I’ve installed more upgrades to it, in a few months.