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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    15

    Best O/S for cnc

    Im setting up my system my cpu is a 3.6ghz with 4 gb ram running Xp but Im thinking of installing a dual boot system with Windows 7. Can xp utilize 4 gb of ram? Which O/S is best to run my cnc with the above o/s that I have on hand? Thanks Rob

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    78
    Rob,

    My wife bought me a SONY VAIO laptop for Christmas and it came with Windows 7 OS installed. I seldom go to the shop so most of my PC usage is the laptop. I have had to slap my hand more than once to stop the urge to scrub Windows 7 and install Windows XP. I program in Mastercam v9 and that level will not run in Windows 7. I have spent all that I'm going to spend with CNC Software Inc. so I had to find a work around for Mastercam and Windows 7. First I tried Microsoft's virtual machine but it was a piece of crap in my opinion. Next I install the free VMWARE virtual machine with Windows XP and that is working great. I installed an OS called Tiny XP to minimize the amount of disk consumption. I can't tell you exactly how small it is but, it really small with all of the bloat removed. I can go from Windows 7 directly to Windows XP. The only bad is that the two windows share nothing. Copy something to Win 7 system clipboard and then switch to Win XP and the system clipboard is empty. I'm MAX'd out on my router so I cannot use the network as a link between the Win 7 and Win XP file system. I'm using my g-mail account to pass files back and forth. All in all it is better than a dual boot system so you might want to consider the virtual machine route. It has been years since I played with Mach 3 so I do not know how it reacts to Win 7.

    RFB

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    15
    Thanks for the reply reading into your comment I should leave xp as the cnc main O/S. I asked the question because I need a internet connection in the shop and Ive heard its best not to have the cnc internet rdy. I dont like antivirus software because it pops up for scans and trys to take over the computer. I thought I could boot up win7 for internet and use xp for cnc control. I also thought saving files on a usb or slaved hd if I ever needed to share files.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    562
    Why not use Win7 32 bit, according to the Mach website it plays well with Mach3. I assume thats what you are using. I have mine hooked to the internet with antivirus protection and have had no problems.

    Mike

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    15
    I like xp because Its rock solid but win7 is a current O/S I just bought my Mach 3 license will it allow me to install on each O/S with my 1 key until I decide which O/S to use?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    78
    Rob,

    It actually makes no difference which OS is the host, although I have no experience with virtual machine in XP. As time passes and new OS versions are released the software companies seize the opportunity to obsolete your/their software. If your computer has to be a dual purpose machine then I would run 7 as the primary OS. If you have the availability then networking the two OS would go along ways towards improving the dual OS arrangement. It really sucks having to use e-mail as a file system interface.

    RFB

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    78
    Rob,

    I failed to address your question regarding the Mach 3 license use on two OS. The license is simply a file that Mach 3 reads at start up. Therefore you can place the file in the appropriate folder in the file system of each OS.

    RFB

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    15
    Im off to a terrible start my machine is a zenbot 48x48 Shaun emailed me my mach 3 license and config file. The license is a dat. file I cant open and the config file is huge. I was hoping the config file could be imported to mach 3 and all settings updated automatically is this correct? Im hoping to solve the issues without calling again bothering him with such noob questions.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    78
    Rob,

    Unfortunately the learning curve is a vertical line. There are several support groups that will help you through the mud. I would be willing to help but I'm far from being an expert with Mach 3.

    Good Luck,
    RFB

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    15
    Thanks RFB I got all sorted turns out you just drop and drag the files into mach 3 first hurdle cleared 999 more to go lol.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2019
    Posts
    2

    Re: Best O/S for cnc

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