Windows XP reinstall - suggestions please

[DarrenD]

In view of my problems with DVDWS I am thinking about dual-booting my Windows XP and have a "video editing" Windows and a "rest of the stuff" Windows. Can people give me a steer as to what to include in the "video editing" Windows.

I have XP Home, DVDWS Full 2.232 and MSP 7.01 DVD Edition. I have a mini-DV camcorder with 1394 DV-in/out.

Should I install XP SP1 or XP SP2?
Should I install DirectX 9.0c?
Should I install ZoneAlarm and kill internet access (still keeping local network access)?
With this setup I would not need an anti-virus program, or would I?
Should I disable the network card and so not even need ZoneAlarm?
What other useful software should I add?

Thanks
Darren

[sjj1805]

In view of my problems with DVDWS I am thinking about dual-booting my Windows XP and have a "video editing" Windows and a "rest of the stuff" Windows. Can people give me a steer as to what to include in the "video editing" Windows.

I have XP Home, DVDWS Full 2.232 and MSP 7.01 DVD Edition. I have a mini-DV camcorder with 1394 DV-in/out.

Should I install XP SP1 or XP SP2?
Should I install DirectX 9.0c?
Should I install ZoneAlarm and kill internet access (still keeping local network access)?
With this setup I would not need an anti-virus program, or would I?
Should I disable the network card and so not even need ZoneAlarm?
What other useful software should I add?

Thanks
Darren

If you are dual booting this means you still have both operating systems "inside" your computer at the same time. If one system is connected to the internet, any viruses that get picked up can be transfered to the other system even if on seperate physical hard drives.

If you want a system that is totally seperate from your exisiting one then consider purchasing a hard drive caddy. These fit into your computer much like a DVD drive fits. The caddy slides out of the computer - your hard drive with it. You can then just turn off your computer, slide out the hard drive and then slide a different hard drive in - In a way its like having a second computer.

I use Windows XP Pro with Service Pack 2 and have no problems with any of my Ulead programs. I also have DirectX 9.0c.
My antivirus programs are Norton Antivirus 2005, Adaware Pro, Adwatch 3, Spybot search and destroy. I have a broadband connection and my computer is permanently switched on.

I have configured my system to run automatic defragmentation of my hard drives so that each internal drive gets done twice per week and the external drive once - all on different nights of course, and start at 3am.

Other useful software for video editing purposes includes a photograph editor such as adobe photoshop, ulead photoimpact.
A sound editor such as Audacity (There is a similar one built into MSP 8 )
PGCEdit, MenuEdit. Atmosphere Deluxe (To create background sound effects) Messer (To record sounds from various sources) It is also worth upgrading to MSP8. If you do then you should also consider purchasing some of the extra smartsound software for creating your "Movie music" - the 11 cd movie pack was worth every penny.