We are heading into the home stretch at work, and that means a little more time for work, and alot more code.  So I decided to try to squeeze some more performance out of my T30. 

The first step was to move to a gig of ram.  The stick should be here today, and I really can't wait.  This should make quite a difference.  An OS reinstall was on my plate too, as this install had gone through a few major projects, and was showing signs of needing help.  Instead of cleaning out XP, I decided it was time to take the plunge to 2003.  I was a bit worried since my searching on running 2003 on a T30 actually turned up no success stories, other then some random ads of people selling a T30 with 2k3 installed.

The backup process is like pulling teeth, but once I'm relatively sure I got it all (damnit I missed onenote), I take the plunge.  The 2k3 install goes off without a flaw, and it's time to start trying to play Driver Yahtzee.  Look in device manager, and everything looks pretty good.  Video card, modem, and an unknown device need drivers.  Off to IBM's site.

I get the 2K video driver, try to install it, and the installer bails.  Hmm.  Grab the XP driver, install finishes.  Hmm.  Reboot.  Blue screen.  Hmm.  Start over.

This time I just get the 2K driver, and upgrade via Device Manager.  w00t.  So then I run with the 2k versions of everything from the IBM site.  All set, except the unknown device.  We will see if this unknown device rears its ugly head this week.

Once all the drivers are in, its time to get to the meat of the reinstall.  After hours of installing, copying, moving swap files, defragging, clicking checkboxes, etc etc I think I'm ready, and pack it up.  Back at work, and so far everything is looking good.  There is def a difference in speed.  It could be that all the trash is gone, but I think in general 2K3 is just a snappier OS when set as a workstation.  So far I'm really happy.  More on this after I get used to 2k3.

I have 2 very minor complaints so far.  The icons on the desktop have a black background to the text.  Been looking for that setting, but I might not be able to make it transparent.  Also, when I extend my desktop to a second monitor, I don't get to see my wallpaper.  Both minor, but annoyances nonetheless.