You are considering upgrading a Windows NT Workstation 4.0 computer with many installed applications to Windows 2000 Professional. All applications are compatible and the user would benefit from new features. What should you do?

Introduction / Context:
Upgrade planning is a key part of administering enterprise desktops. When you move from Windows NT Workstation 4.0 to Windows 2000 Professional, you must consider application compatibility, user requirements, and whether you want to preserve existing configurations. This question focuses on a scenario in which all installed applications are compatible with Windows 2000 and the user stands to gain from the improved features. The goal is to choose the most appropriate and efficient upgrade path.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The existing operating system is Windows NT Workstation 4.0, not a server edition.
The computer has twelve or more applications installed, and all are known to be compatible with Windows 2000 Professional.
The end user would benefit from the enhancements offered by Windows 2000 Professional, such as improved stability and Active Directory integration.
You want to minimize disruption and preserve applications and settings if possible.
You must choose between upgrading to Windows 2000 Professional, upgrading to Windows 2000 Server, performing a clean install, or leaving NT Workstation and adding the Directory Service Client.

Concept / Approach:
Windows 2000 Professional is the direct successor to Windows NT Workstation. An in-place upgrade preserves user profiles and compatible applications while providing the benefits of the new operating system. Windows 2000 Server is a server-class operating system and is not the correct replacement for a client workstation. A clean install would require reinstalling all applications, adding unnecessary effort when compatibility is not an issue. Simply adding the Directory Service Client does not provide the full advantages of Windows 2000 Professional, such as improved Plug and Play support and better security features.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Confirm that all installed applications are compatible with Windows 2000 Professional. The question states that they are. Step 2: Recognize that Windows 2000 Professional is the next-generation client OS intended to replace Windows NT Workstation 4.0. Step 3: Consider that an in-place upgrade allows you to preserve user data and installed applications, which is desirable in this scenario. Step 4: Rule out installing Windows 2000 Server, since the machine is a client workstation and server functionality is not needed. Step 5: Since there is no compatibility problem, a clean install would only add work without clear benefit. Step 6: Determining that an in-place upgrade from Windows NT Workstation 4.0 to Windows 2000 Professional is the best course of action.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think about real-world practice. When upgrading large numbers of workstations where applications are supported, administrators typically opt for in-place upgrades to save time. You would use the Windows 2000 Professional setup program and choose the upgrade option. If significant application conflicts existed, you might consider a clean install, but the question clearly removes that concern. This reinforces that upgrading directly is the right choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Upgrade to Windows 2000 Server – This would be an inappropriate use of server licensing and features for a simple workstation, and not the intended upgrade path from NT Workstation.

Perform a clean install – This would require reinstalling all applications and reconfiguring user settings, even though compatibility has already been confirmed.

Install the Directory Service Client – This allows NT Workstation to interact better with Active Directory, but it does not deliver all the advantages of Windows 2000 Professional such as enhanced user interface, improved hardware support, and better security.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners think more drastic changes, like clean installs or server upgrades, are always better. In practice, the simplest method that satisfies functional and compatibility requirements is often ideal. Another pitfall is failing to differentiate between Professional and Server editions of Windows 2000, particularly under exam pressure. Always match workstation operating systems with their successor workstation versions unless there is a compelling technical reason otherwise.

Final Answer:
Given the scenario, you should upgrade the Windows NT Workstation 4.0 computer to Windows 2000 Professional.