computer

[coach]

Hey all, What is the latest , best operating system for the bot.
(PRS Alpha) I am running xp pro with no problems but as the computer is 7-8 yrs old I would like to get something newer and keep the other for a back up. I don't care for lap tops.
Any suggestions? Trying to go cheap if I can.
Thanks in advance.
David

[Gary Campbell]

David...
Still running XPPro here. I heard SB3 runs OK on Win7, but why have more overhead on a dedicated CNC control computer?

We design on Win7 machines and love them.

[applik]

I can run the SB software in preview mode on my design computer. It is a Win 7 64 bit multiple core with 8 gig ram. The only problem is it won't run anything over one million lines of code. I have a vista business laptop with 32 bit and it runs huge files on that one. So maybe as long as it's 32 bit? it'll be ok.
Shari

[matney_models]

I'm running Vista in 32 bit
HP A6500f 4ga of mem.

[michael_schwartz]

You really don't want to use your bot PC for anything other than running the control software so you don't need anything fancy.

Look for a reconditioned/off lease computer as many of these are still packaged with XP Pro. I bought a dell for about $150.00, added a usb 2.0 card for another $20.00 and a 20" flat screen for about $110.00. The computer is a older P3 but has been stable, and runs my shopbot just fine. Total cost was under $300.00

I use a core2 quad desktop that I built running Win7, and a Macbook with parallels/xp home for design.