CompuServe Messages

To Greg, Alec and others; I spent some time reviewing the web pages at http://www.microsoft.com/NTserver/NTs2map? (I think that is where I was) They have flow charts, bullets and a series of web pages with features list explaining how to choose between 95, workstation, and server. It has the system requirements and what each will do for you in the charts. It is really quite helpful. Based on these charts I have now concluded that I should do the following with my network: Use my EISA platform for NT workstation which will still be the primary 3DS, PAR, Elastic Reality location. The version of NT Workstation should be the next one that uses the win95 shell and install it with dual boot. Due to the incompatibility issues currently admitted by microsoft for NT workstation it would not be advisable for ME to upgrade to MAX/NT on this machine until this version of NT is out. Instead, continue to run R4 with DOS and, maybe, win NT 3.51 workstation for learning curve. My other 3 machines should be upgraded to win95 as these machines are all hardware compatible and mostly software compatible. It is my understanding that I can run win95 network to replace the Lantastic AI operating system. I may need a DOS system dual boot to configure for 3DSr4 network rendering should win95 prove too taxing for 3DS network rendering. Currently, my needs are such that each of my rendering slaves is used 80% for other than 3DS renderings and therefore the dos boot for slave operation would be the exception rather than the rule. The above will allow me to make the upgrade to NT on all machines after the newer version of NT workstation is released ( I understand later '96) This will give me time to pay for some CPU/ram upgrades as well. In addition, there is still much unknown regarding the total picture of 3DS MAX. It is so radically different from my familiar 3DS r1 thru r4 that I question it's value to my current business needs. ie. If I need to model a client's logo for a TV commercial with a prorated value of, say $1000 in the commercial, how much is MAX going to improve my ability to do this over 3DSr4 and Elastic Reality? If I were you or Alan I. I could more easily answer this question. I would be jumping on it as quickly as possible. For me, 3DS supports my video editing suite; for you the video editing supports the animation. There is a difference in priorities here. I also have to consider spending the equal of 3DSMAX and new plugins vs. real time 3D DVE effects hardware such as the Alladin from Pinnacle. In video, clients don't understand or accept the concept of rendering video effects. If it can be done real time they want it that way. Based on those answers I got from the web site, I need the robustness of win95 now more than I'll need NT workstation even at the end of the year. So this makes the first step in my upgrade path to be three machines to be win95 with a dual dos boot for 3DS slaves. Now I can concentrate on the 4th machine for NT/MAX or whatever will come down the pike in '96. I think this has become the proper course for my set of special conditions for the balance of this year.