Laptops -- Something Affordable Yet Reliable

Parent Cafe
21

<p>It appears to be possible to use XP home on SOME NT4 and Win2k server based networks that use domains. There are two ways I am familiar with to do this:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Google XP Home Domain and you’ll find any number of references to using XP Home on a domain based network. Some of the techniques involve “hacks” using TweakUi, a utility Microsoft used to distribute but has since withdrawn from its website. The utility is available at some tech sites that will come up in the google search above. According to some of the sites, some domain based resources can be accessed. Our campus specifically requires XP Professional, though. Your mileage may really vary in terms of this solution.</p></li>
<li><p>More probably, those who have had success using a domain with XP Home have been able to log into it because the sysadmins have specifically allowed for that possibility, usually allowing access to the Internet - email, browsing, etc. but not allowing access to domain resources such as server based drives, etc. This has worked for me with wireless laptops using both XP Home and Mac OS 9. The first access directs you to a webpage that validates your access. Similar techniques are used in many apartment complexes with wireless access, some community and business hotspots, etc.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>For Mac users: Mac OSX allows domain log ins. OS 9 will allow domain logins with an add on product called Dave from Thursby Software. Check with the college, though, as OS9 may not be supported on some Mac campuses.</p>

<p>Bottom line - before getting an XP Home machine that you don’t plan to upgrade to XP Pro, check with the computer center or chief information officer on the campus one is interested in.</p>

<p>Sincerely,</p>

<p>Bill</p>

22

<p>Your DH is closer to the mark than you think.</p>

<p>I used to work on data entry machines, which for the most part were operated by women attending college. If the room humidity was not right, certain women would lose their data more often. It was discovered that the type of material of their panties created more static than cotton, and that the generated static was transmitted to the keys of the machine. Further, the frequency of data loss was also a function on how much they squirmed in their chairs!</p>

23

<p>re: a Dell laptop–I have one that is furnished by the school district where I am a speech pathologist- it is sturdy and takes abuse…I know this well because i accidently backed my Chevy TailBlazer over it…The laptop started right up and I was able to have a computer savy friend help me recover all of my data in less than 10 minutes. I was hesitant to take the laptop back to the district but I provided the tech department with hours of laughter.</p>

<p>BOTTOM LINE-The screen broke and had to be replaced (it covered under warranty) and I had it back working in less than a week.</p>

<p>(my D however has an Apple ibook and my personal laptop is a Compaq)</p>