Questions about the rules

[sud0n1m]

If you have any questions about the rules, please ask them here instead of emailing me. This way I dont get the same question more than once

Thanks!
Colin

For some further clarification:


You can use an external harddrive to boot
You can do any non-permanent modification to the computer (it has to be something an inexperienced user can potentially do)


I'll add more things as I think of them. Essentially, the goal of the contest is to make it reasonably simple for many Intel Mac users to install Windows. So, keep your solution within the spirit of the contest, and you are all set!

[daeken]

Hello,
I have a few quick questions.

How far does the system have to boot? Do you need to have it running stably if you get it to the desktop?

Thanks,
Cody Brocious

[das]

Hello,
I have a few quick questions.

How far does the system have to boot? Do you need to have it running stably if you get it to the desktop?

Thanks,
Cody Brocious

Um, yes, it needs to boot completely, and be stable and usable.

[sud0n1m]

How far does the system have to boot? Do you need to have it running stably if you get it to the desktop?


Yes. As far as I can see, there should be no reason it wont be stable once it boots. This is pretty much standard x86 laptop hardware made by Intel, ATI etc... If its not stable when you get in, you've probably got something wrong. However, you have given me a great idea - I'll figure out the gauntlet test for the system... my initial thoughts are:

Microsoft [Outlook, Access, Word, Excel], Adobe Photoshop, Quake 3 -anyone recommend another game to try?, Mozilla Firefox

There should be drivers out there for the video card, the network card etc...

If you think this is asking too much, lets discuss!

[dantheman82]

Yes. As far as I can see, there should be no reason it wont be stable once it boots. This is pretty much standard x86 laptop hardware made by Intel, ATI etc... If its not stable when you get in, you've probably got something wrong. However, you have given me a great idea - I'll figure out the gauntlet test for the system... my initial thoughts are:

Microsoft [Outlook, Access, Word, Excel], Adobe Photoshop, Quake 3 -anyone recommend another game to try?, Mozilla Firefox

There should be drivers out there for the video card, the network card etc...

If you think this is asking too much, lets discuss!

Let's say I don't have any games and don't own Photoshop... I'd say loading Windows XP with a decent screen resolution with perhaps a link to download the driver (if needed). Otherwise, it would be an added distinction between actually dual-booting into regular Windows XP and dual-booting AND being able to pimp out the Windows XP system fully to maximize the hardware. Since that's not in the rules, I think a more minimalistic approach is fairest...and one that of course will work!

[sud0n1m]

Let's say I don't have any games and don't own Photoshop... I'd say loading Windows XP with a decent screen resolution with perhaps a link to download the driver (if needed). Otherwise, it would be an added distinction between actually dual-booting into regular Windows XP and dual-booting AND being able to pimp out the Windows XP system fully to maximize the hardware. Since that's not in the rules, I think a more minimalistic approach is fairest...and one that of course will work!
:eek:

Dan,

That sounds good to me. The thing I dont want to happen is for someone to argue that they have won because it boots into windows then BSODs a second later. There is nothing that funky about this hardware that would prevent it from doing all those things I listed providing it boots. But, I think to be fair, you are correct. A minimalistic approach will win the contest.

[dantheman82]

Was the face because I don't in fact play games and don't have photoshop? Hehe, well I don't want to afford Photoshop and I choose not to pirate the thing and games...too addicting and no time. :) Anyway, sounds good...

[moses388]

Does it matter what version of Windows XP is used?

-Windows XP Home/Professional Editions (RTM, SP1, SP1a, SP2)
-Windows XP N Edition (without Media Player)
-Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (64-bit version)
-Windows XP Media Center Edition (2002 & 2005 versions)
-Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

[sud0n1m]

No it doesnt matter what version of Windows XP is used. Personally, I prefer Windows XP Professional, but would be willing to accept any of the versions you mentioned.

[macix]

Hi All,

For that amount of cash on offer you should be a bit more stringent on the systems requirements. The reasons a Mac user wants a windows machine are either for work which requires some proprietory software solution or for gaming where a stable fast system with fully functioning drivers is needed. I feel that there should be benchmarks like 3DMark performed on the install in order to prove the useability of the system. It is of no use having a dual boot system if Windows XP is not fully functional and reliable.

Cheers and good luck to those trying :D

[Steve1496]

Can we use a version of Windows XP Embedded, fit to work on the Core Duo?

[sud0n1m]

Forgive my ignorance about Windows XP embedded, but what are the limitations / differences from Windows XP Pro?

[Steve1496]

Forgive my ignorance about Windows XP embedded, but what are the limitations / differences from Windows XP Pro?

This article explains it pretty good:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnxpesp2/html/XPEDIFFDifferencesBetweenWindowsXPEmbeddedWindowsX PProfessional.asp

I'll C&P some of the article here.
*On Windows XP Professional, WFP (Windows File Protection) prevents system files from being overwritten unless the files that are being installed are digitally signed by Microsoft. Windows XP Embedded does not enforce system file protection, however, because embedded device users do not typically install software. There are also some benefits to excluding WFP from Windows XP Professional. For example, Device Update Agent (DUA), a management tool that was created specifically to support embedded scenarios, performs better when WFP is not included in a run-time image. Another benefit of not including WFP in Windows XP Embedded is a reduced footprint. However, because Windows XP Embedded does not include WFP, it is critical for run-time images to be built with the correct versions of system files.

*Windows XP Embedded does not include certain user interface and infrastructure elements that Windows Setup uses to install Windows XP Professional. Windows XP Embedded does not support the Control Panel user interface that is used to install additional Windows operating system components, for example, the Add/Remove Windows Components option in Control Panel.

*Windows XP Embedded does not use the Windows Update Web site (http://www.windowsupdate.com) to detect and patch software components. However, Windows Update can be used with a corporate server running Microsoft® Software Update Services (SUS).

*Windows XP Embedded does not include system files that support upgrade scenarios to Windows XP Professional from Windows 98 or Windows 2000. These files are not necessary in Windows XP Embedded because embedded run-time operating systems are not upgraded in the same way as desktop operating systems such as Windows XP Professional.

*Microsoft Java Virtual Machine is included in Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1, but is not included in Windows XP Embedded.

[na247]

Windows XP Embedded is really like Windows XP, but a bit leaner and actually tends to perform better. I say, if it's able to be setup and *installed* with a dual-boot scenario, then that is much better than absolutely nothing! Give it a think-over, cuz otherwise you'll be waiting until Vista! :eek:

-Nick

[xcrOSgS2wY]

Hi,

Is it ok if a solution requires a Windows-based PC to complete Windows XP installation?