windows XP x64 professional

alrite, im configuring my MSI MS-1039 and was wondering if i should choose the XP x64... not to mention if i should go professional at all. i read the stickied thread and looked up the windows information, but wha ti want to know is if any1 here is in college for engineering? if you are, what OS should i go with to support CAD programs and such, or wont it matter. ive heard to just keep with basic windows XP

also, for college engineers, what software should i get for my computer... works suite 2006, office basic edition 2003, or standard edition, or professional edition?
and wahts difference between works suite retail, and OEM
thanks for your help

 

*bump for answer

 

I say get 64 bit linux if you want a 64 bit OS. XP64 is pretty lame. As an example, there aren't even drivers for a an HP Laserjet 1012. 64 bit Linux, on the other hand, supports the printer just fine. I would use Open Office, it's quite good, but their spreadsheet isn't quite as good as Excel. I can't think of anything I have ever done with M$ Office that I haven't been able to do with Open Office.

Since you said you are an engineer (so am I), I also suggest you see if your Uni or department has a site license for Mathematica. It's an awesome math program that will do nearly everything an undergrad or grad could want (minus boundary value problems, but you can write a program with it that will handle simple ones). Mathematica also runs in linux and supports 64 bit as well as multiple cpu's, I believe.

On a general note, the real hardcore science apps I have wanted to use (like math and CAD) have almost always had a linux/unix port, so you should be fine by going with linux. Caveat: check w/ your department to be sure, they may want you to use some windows only app.

 

id be afraid to get linux because i hear u have to know what youre doing to be able to work it. im not to good with computers and was raised with easy windows 98

 

If you are smart enough to study engineering, you are smart enough to use Linux. Really, it's not so hard. There are lots of forums, like this one, where people are happy to help you if you happen to get stuck on something. For example, get the latest release of Kanotix- it's a live CD. You download the ISO, burn it to disc and then use the CD to boot your laptop. It will boot up and run Linux w/out touching the hard drive, so any other OS you have will still be there. If it finds all your hardware, great. You just found the linux you want to use. You then enter one command and it will install the whole thing to your hard drive and you will have a fully loaded pc in about oh, 20 minutes or so. I hear Ubuntu is REALLY friendly and easy too. There's no reason for you to not at least TRY linux before you go spend all that $$ on software. If you hate it, you can always go buy the software anyway, right?

 

very true.i like your reasoning and now am seriously debating at least trying linux like you said. thanks alot

 

If you decide on Windoze (I agree no reason for XP pro 64) also check out the Uni store for discounts on all software - some offer ridiculous discounts to students and even better for staff so maybe ask around (I bought a copy of Windows Ofice XP for $15.00 a few years ago from a friend who was teaching at a local technical collage)