hp desktop pcs, choosing the best Windows desktop platform for large and medium-size business and organizations (Microsoft)

4 Microsoft Windows White Paper
When Upgrading Existing Systems
Use with Terminal
Server 4.0 as a
stepping stone to
new PC
If existing PC,
Pentium 133 class or greater
Applications and hardware supported
Upgrade to 64
MB RAM and...
Windows NT
Workstation 4.0
Windows 98
If existing PC,
486DX/66 class or greater
Applications and/or hardware not supported
in Windows NT
Upgrade to 32
MB RAM and...
If existing PC,
less than 486DX/66
Purchase new
PC or...
Windows NT
Workstation 5.0
Easiest upgrade
path
Legacy System Roadmap Today Future
Use with Terminal
Server 4.0
If Text-based Terminal
Buy Windows-
based Terminal
Easiest upgrade
path
Windows NT
Server 5.0 with
Terminal Services
Must make apps
HW compatible
before upgrade*
* Upgraded systems must be Pentium class or higher
Microsoft recommends moving existing “optimized” desktops (i.e., Pentium-class CPU, 64 MB RAM, and compatible
hardware and software) to Windows NT Workstation 4.0. This provides existing desktops with the same benefits as new
PCs. Microsoft offers several tools for qualified IT professionals that automate the deployment of Windows NT
Workstation 4.0. (Customers moving to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 from Windows 95 should be aware that machine
and user specific settings and applications must be reapplied after installing Windows NT Workstation 4.0.)
Most desktops that cannot be moved to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 can benefit from the Windows 98 operating
system. Windows 98 is easier to deploy and support than Windows 95. In addition, because upgrade processes cannot
easily replicate a user’s personal settings and applications, it’s often simpler to move capable Windows 95-based
desktops to Windows 98. For upgrading to Windows NT Workstation 5.0, Microsoft plans an automated upgrade path
from Windows 98 (and the Windows 95 operating system), but this will require additional steps when compared with
upgrading from Windows NT Workstation 4.0. For more information on Windows 98, see Section III.
For desktops that cannot be upgraded to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 or Windows 98, Microsoft recommends
purchasing new PCs with Windows NT Workstation 4.0. During the process of acquiring new PCs, Windows NT
Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition can be used as a stepping stone. Terminal Server eases the changeover by giving
legacy desktop users the power of 32-bit Windows-based applications. For more information on the benefits of Windows
NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition, see Section III.
Businesses that use text-based terminals can purchase new Windows-based Terminals. This move provides “task
users” access to 32-bit Windows-based applications in the secure, reliable environment of Windows NT Server 4.0.
Finally, except in rare instances, Windows 95 should not continue being deployed. Businesses committed to Windows
95 – and that cannot move desktops to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 – should deploy Windows 98 instead of Windows
95. Windows 98 is easier to deploy and support and does not require extensive reevaluation in order to switch from an
existing Windows 95 deployment plan. New PCs should include 64 MB RAM.