Chinese MS Windows OS

Go to the computer market in Wanzaisha. Anything is possible there if you have the right $$.

------------------------------------------------------
"I can't get no respect.............. no respect at all!"

It's easy enough to build your own here.
here are two web-based tutorials with all the basic info.

1: http://www.waterwheel.com/Build_A_PC/build_PC.htm
2: http://www.build-your-own-cheap-computer.com/

If building by yourself is too daunting, there are several experts you can chat with. Pay a visit to Dynamics Pizza, talk to Pete Venter, he's a good bloke and he'll certainly point you in the right direction.

There are several options for the CN OS. Again, the local expat experts could probably help you out. Options:
-Install the Chines language pack for the EN OS and then change the default system language
- use a virtual machine
- install two hard disks, or create two primary partitions on one hard disk, and then install the EN OS to one and CN OS to the other. Windows will create a dual boot option if the installations are all done at the same time; or
- wipe the EN OS off the disk and do a fresh/clean install of the CN OS. [single boot option]

You also need to consider that you will need the software drivers for all your devices and computer hardware, so if you buy something in the US, make sure you have all the drivers either on FD, CD or some separate partition on the HDD on the computer.

regards,
T. Tempest. DCA

____________________

"I'd love a thousand words in a foreign language." Tang Yuchuan

Tsc Tempest Photography at http://www.kong-xi.com/doc.html

Check this link for a discussion about the language issues.

http://anonymouse.org/cgi-bin/anon-www.cgi/http://www.creative-wisdom.com/computer/windows/different_lang.shtml
regards,
T. Tempest. DCA

____________________

"I'd love a thousand words in a foreign language." Tang Yuchuan

Tsc Tempest Photography at http://www.kong-xi.com/doc.html

Yeah, orrin, some guy in Wanzaisha said he could do it for me for 50 rmb. I wasn't sure if it was safe or not and I really prefer not to have anyone I don't really trust get their hands on my computer.

Thanks Doc, for all the links. I will check those out.

I completely understand your concern.

------------------------------------------------------
"I can't get no respect.............. no respect at all!"

I had an old laptop converted from EN to Chinese for my gf. She had been going to PC classes and her teacher recommended a place in the computer area down near Jusco.

What is that area called. Is it Wanzaisha ??

To do it they found it easier to wipe the slate clean of my stuff and start again with "genuine" Chinese systems. Perhaps because it had been corrupted by some earlier efforts by a non proffesional.

They also built a desktop system for me, fully English, excellent value and I am very happy with it. Hence they did the laptop rebuild for nothing.

thats just extremely easy. you can do it by yourself.
it only takes 10 minutes to rebuild a chinese XP.
for english system,it may takes longer...
kindly advice, u have to install antivirus software.
personal recommend Antivir classic, free and upgradable
or use linux instead for a total virus free world...lol

Yes, that is Wanzaisha. I live in one of those big pink buildings behing the computer market.

------------------------------------------------------
"I can't get no respect.............. no respect at all!"

Pink ! I guess that's better than pink with green dots. And it's close to a beer at Ryans, and decent bread at Jusco.

Thanks, now I don't have to tell the cabby "Dian Nao difang". Mind you it works, they all know where I mean (eventually).

I really like the idea of two file systems, one for my gf in Chinese and one for me in English. It will be her laptop, but it is much smaller than mine, so I might want to "borrow" it when I travel. I will probably try this route first.

I am not intimidated and will try it myself. Can I trust one of the pirated versions of the OS I can buy in any of the DVD shops? If I screw it up I can always go back to the original version I have on CD.

How do I create the two separate partitions? When I go through the OS installation process?

I once had installed dual boot on my laptop. It was very convenience at first, but after six months or so, I was having system lock-up and other software problems. When I brought it in for service, the technician told me that due to system files sharing of the dual boot structure. The OS will be confused at times and system file corruption is inevitable. I ended up have restored to EN OS and designated another computer to run CN OS.

trust me.
pirated version of XP is better than any original M$ XP
u can buy it in computer market for 5 rmb

use "partition magic" to create two primary partition.
u can create maximum 4 primary partition included extend partition and technically unlimited logical partition in one hard disk.
use boot magic to create a dual boot MBR.
If you do not understand what i am talking about. I suggest u do not try any of these software I mentioned...its will erase all your data by wrong process.

@JacksonC
Totally crap.
the OS will never ever act like a human. software never confused.
the only reason it could happened for system file corruption on dual boot computer would be u or technician forget(don't know) to hide another OS partition when your are using current OS.

install two OS without repartition your hard disk is an extremely stupid way. It should never happened.

Twice I have had "chinese" software go belly up on me. Both times it's when the software has (automatically) logged in to the "updates" at which time the updates page has said you have illegal software and at the same time (I presume) uploaded some sort of file that forever makes it impossible to run that program.

Has anyone else had this problem.

I have about a 50 : 50 success rate on local software. Personally I would be scared of trusting my OS to pirated software. But then again, most of China is running on it ....

Pirate Software? It's a pretty standard step to disable the automatic updates on software.

Ok, Windows requires various checks and balances to work first off is a valid CD-Key for installing the OS. Next, you have to Authenticate your copy of Windows, this is usually done online, can also be done over the phone or via email/snail mail. The third step is the downloading of a valid copy of a small application called "Windows Genuine Advantage" which is necessary (WGA) in order to access any of the updates, security patches or add-ons.

Pirate software works like this, obtain software; obtain a 'valid' cd-key either via a keygen application, or a list of cd-keys; and install Windows. Obtain a patch file, crack or follow some extensive steps to 'fool' the Activation process - but you MUST follow the steps exactly. Next, if you want all the current updates etc. then obtain a WGA crack and follow the steps exactly, download the updates,add-ons, fixes etc. and switch off automatic update.

The pirated stuff does work, but it doesn't protect you from the latest windows vulnerabilities. I guess you have to make a decision about how visible and vulnerable you are to viruses and hack attempts. If the answer to this is, "not very" then disabling automatic updates is not a significant risk.

Having said all that, you need to look inside your own conscience as to whether you're comfortable working 'pirate' or need to go 'genuine'. I don't know any business, large or small that can justify the risk for operational losses due to system failure or Os vulnerability to use anything other than 1. Linux; or 2. 'Genuine' licensed software.

That's just my thoughts on the matter.

regards,
T. Tempest. DCA

____________________

"I'd love a thousand words in a foreign language." Tang Yuchuan

Tsc Tempest Photography at http://www.kong-xi.com/doc.html

regards,
T. Tempest. DCA

____________________

"I'd love a thousand words in a foreign language." Tang Yuchuan

Tsc Tempest Photography at http://www.kong-xi.com/doc.html

Hi,

I am the IT guy, good and ethical at computer troubleshooting. If you need computer help just drop me email at stevesim9@gmail.com.