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photoinfos.com

Computers, Notebooks, Laptops and Software

© Thomas Gade

Photoinfos.com does not have a primary focus on computer technology. However, digital image editing, scanning of photos and digital photography in general require computers. In this context, some hints and configuration tips regarding operating systems are useful.

Windows XP still makes sense, for example, when using older scanners with SCSI connection for which drivers for newer operating systems are missing. An Adaptec SlimSCSI 1480a/b card for PCMCIA slots in laptops is recognized perfectly under Windows XP (32-bit version), but not by other Windows operating systems with 64-bit. But which still usable notebook today even has a PCMCIA slot? The same applies to the FireWire port, which is needed for scanners such as the Nikon Coolscan 4000 and 8000.

Windows Operating Systems

Windows 98 – Slimming down with 98lite

Introduced in 1998. Operating system for computers with 32-bit architecture starting from the Intel 80486. Microsoft ended support for Windows 98, 98SE and ME in 2006. 98 SE was an excellent operating system for computers of that time. With the tool 98lite you can uninstall unnecessary components. Windows 98 to ME could use a maximum of 512 MB RAM. That was a lot at the beginning and could later be expanded to 1 GB.

Windows XP – Configuration and Tips

Windows XP was introduced in 2001. The last security update for it was released on May 15, 2019. Windows XP was mainly used as a 32-bit version. There was also a 64-bit version, which was less attractive because many drivers were missing for it. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP 64-bit as early as January 2005, while the 32-bit version was officially maintained until 2014. But even after that, there were still some security updates. When people talk about Windows XP, they almost always mean the 32-bit version. There are still anti-virus programs and browsers for Windows XP.

Windows 2000 and XP slimmed down with 2000Lite / XPLite

The Australian Shane Brooks, who had already developed 98lite, released the tool XPLite for Windows 2000 and XP, with which a lot of ballast and unnecessary services can be removed.

NTLite for Windows 7, 8 and 10

NTLite is a software with which custom ISO files can be created. An ISO file is needed to install an operating system. If you remove unnecessary components beforehand, they are not installed at all.

Windows 7

Windows 7 is a very good operating system. It is said that it has not been supplied with updates by Microsoft since 2020. But even in 2024 the Defender was still supported with new virus signatures and various updates were made.

Windows 8

Windows 8 appeared in 2012. Neither users nor Microsoft were really happy with the operating system. In 2015 Windows 10 followed as a free upgrade for computers with Windows 7 and 8. Today Windows 8 no longer plays a role.

Windows 10

Support for Windows 7 ended in January 2020. Many had already switched to Windows 10 beforehand. This was very easy with Microsoft’s Upgrade Assistant and was free. This generosity probably came from Microsoft’s desire to take over its users’ data into its OneDrive cloud system and to participate more strongly in online business. From a data protection point of view, Windows 10 is questionable. With the tool W10Privacy and some changes in the registry you can mitigate it.

Install a new operating system?

With new operating systems it is often not clear what advantages the upgrades offer to the users. But they are always advertised with the same arguments: more security and supposedly more performance. It is annoying when compatible drivers are then missing. Old printers, scanners or other components can then no longer be used without hassle.

The newer operating systems are, the more they push users into the internet and distract from the actual tasks with news messages or urge updates and would like everyone to store their data in the cloud. Even if people are always warned against using old operating systems with the same arguments, some are still good. One must not forget that older computers are so cheap that no either/or decisions have to be made here, but different operating systems can run on several computers. There is nothing against getting an older computer especially for a supposedly outdated operating system.

Dell Latitude D830 connected to docking station D with PCI slot, in which a SCSI card is installed. A Nikon LS-2000 film scanner is connected to it.

You do not have to make an exclusive choice between old and new operating systems! Computers are so cheap today, especially second-hand, that you can have several with different operating systems. Laptops that are compatible with the same docking stations and can be swapped quickly are practical for this, so that you can always access the same peripheral devices and networks.

Reviews

Dell Precision M4700

Dell Latitude D630

Dell Latitude D830

The Dell Latitude D630 and D830 notebooks from 2007/2008 are among the last ones compatible with the D-Dock. It contains a PCI slot and allows the installation of a SCSI card with PCI connection. This was no longer possible with any later docking station and was also an unusual feature at the time. The D830 has slots for an Express Card and a PC(MCIA)Card. This allows USB 3 ports and a SCSI slot to be retrofitted. These two robust laptops are popular for diagnostic programs in the automotive sector and are still in demand for this purpose today (2024).

Internet, Websites, SEO and Hosting

SEO Tools

Hello Engines! and ASEOPS

Anyone who takes photos also wants to show them. Social media such as Facebook or Instagram are often used for this. However, running your own website for this is much cooler. It offers the possibility to restrict the user group or to design the appearance yourself. There are enough possibilities for this, for example WordPress with the WPPA+ plugin or the tried and tested Coppermine Photo Gallery. The effort for your own gallery on the internet is not small. It is easiest with WordPress. In addition to the photo archive, you can also attach an editorial section with texts and even integrate commercial tools.

However, I prefer robust HTML pages without database, CMS and plugins because they are more sustainable and technical updates do not necessarily have to be made.

Of course you want the effort to be worthwhile and should therefore observe some basic principles so that the website is found well.

Computers, Notebooks, Laptops and Software

Windows Operating Systems

Hardware

Files

Programs

Internet, Websites, SEO and Hosting