MOVIN' ON UP
Jun 1, 2004 12:00 PM, By Doug Eisengrein
Is your computer brand-spanking-new and packed with the absolute newest versions of all of the software you could possibly want? The answer to that question is most likely no, regardless of how novice or pro you are. There is always something out there you would like — maybe you have seen it advertised, or your friend has it — that promises to lift your creativity to unforeseen levels.
Computers themselves are no doubt a godsend to recording. But computers are only as good as the software that resides on them, and that includes the most fundamental software of all: the operating system. If you have never upgraded or installed a new OS, consider yourself lucky. It is one heck of a time-consuming, jaw-clenching — and geeky — thing to do. So why would anybody want to do this? Well, to have all of that swanky new software (among other not-so-glamorous reasons). So when should you upgrade? The day that Brand X unveils its newest Frankenstein? Maybe, but maybe not. First, you need to make some considerations when you are planning to overhaul your computer's OS.
EXODUS
There are indeed many good justifications for upgrading. Among them may be the functionality of the OS itself. Take, for example, Windows XP. XP was hailed as the “chosen one” of the PC world upon release. It was supposed to be the sleekest and most stable PC operating system ever, and in my experience, it delivers. It is quite stable and responsive. Many PC people still use Windows 98 for music, however. Why? For one, it displays the same attributes that Windows XP has been praised for. Plus, it has been around for a long time — long enough that just about every major audio-software package has been written for it. Users have had plenty of time to learn Windows 98, including its bugs. Now, consider this: If, for example, you currently run Windows 98 but you want the elegance of Windows XP, will all of your current software run on it? In many cases, it will not.
The same scenario applies to Mac users, perhaps even more so. If you (like many) have a box full of goodies for OS 9, will your software work when you upgrade to Mac OS X? The answer to that question is clearly no. So ask yourself, if you want that new OS, can you afford to upgrade all of your other apps, as well? You might have a lot of cash invested. And, remember, although most upgrades bring excellent new functionality to software, some of your favorite older apps simply have yet to be — or never will be — upgraded.
MOVING FORWARD: BACKING UP
The idea of upgrading not just your OS, but everything naturally leads to the big question of time. If you have ever, even once, installed a new OS, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, I challenge you to predict how many hours it will take. After all, you're not only installing the OS — you may also be reinstalling all of your other software and all of your device drivers (did you factor in download time for newer versions?), and you will likely be losing many (or all) of your custom system and application settings, or preferences.
Also, are you planning just a system upgrade, or will you be installing a brand-new OS from scratch? If you are installing from scratch, the best thing is to erase and reformat your hard drive. This eliminates fragmentation, stray files and bugs, but it also entails a complete data backup. If you have a desktop with an empty drive bay, you're in luck. Hard drives in various storage capacities are rather inexpensive these days, and once you install one, you now have a dedicated storage drive apart from your OS — always a good idea for audio. If you own a laptop or are simply afraid to open up your computer, you can purchase a plug-and-play USB 2.0 or FireWire hard drive.
The flip side to the arguments against upgrading is equally important. Can you afford not to upgrade? Are your peers (or your professional competition) way ahead of you? If, for example, you consider yourself an artist on the cutting edge, will your current apps produce a sound that is dated? If you offer professional services, do your current system and applications perform the best job possible? Do your clients need you to upgrade? With both scenarios, compatibility is also an important issue. As an artist, are you compatible with your peers?
This entire process requires you to always be in the loop. You have to be aware of the upgrades that are out there and what is coming down the pipeline. You have to know who is using what and why. Are you upgrading just to keep up with the Joneses, or will you be adding anything practical to your own creative arsenal? Some systems are time-tested whereas newer ones promise brave new worlds, but the trick is seeing through the hype. You have to balance the pros and cons of the intimacy you have with the apps that you currently use and the continuum of your workflow versus the potential of that next-generation software. Time is a valuable resource, so it's important to think of the whole picture, not just the cherry on top. Some good places for keeping yourself in the loop are user groups on the Internet. There, you can find die-hard experts and novices alike, sharing all manner of questions, answers, success stories and problems on just about any OS or application out there.
Nobody can tell you when to upgrade. But if you feel that your time has come, doing it is the only way you'll learn. Preparation is the key. And if you're not too technically minded, you must be patient. The best-case scenario will find you reading through a lot of installation prompts, and, worst, you will be reading manuals and calling tech support. But an OS upgrade doesn't just provide all the newest bells and whistles; the process is also a crucial tool for teaching you the ins and outs of your computer's OS, and that always leads to a better experience in your computing future.
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
