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Summary: The beginning of the end for Windows?
Review: We can only hope. Sure, Windows is actually a passable operating system now. Provided you don't do anything unexpected with it, it won't go haywire the way Windows 95 and Window 98 would do with dizzying frequency. It generally will recognize the hardware you plug in (subject to finding the right driver), it has pleasingly "snappy" performance, and is marginally pleasant to look at. Not bad for a product that is a bloated relic.Frankly, I can think of only two reasons to use a computer with Windows. The first is if your employer forces you to use it. If your job is at stake, then make do. The second is if you insist on having the latest and greatest games to play as soon as they come out, even if most of them, ultimately, [are bad]. Price really isn't a factor any more, particularly since you can get a great, easy to use, and inexpensive version of Linux to run better--and faster--on the cheapest PC hardware. Windows XP is a perfect example--along with Office--of the downsides of a giving one company a virtual monopoly. You get so-so products. The evidence speaks for itself. So, if you're in the market for a solid computer that actually lives up to your needs--and doesn't bring you down to its level--and is stable as can be, go with Linux. Better yet, get a Mac. Mac's are Unix based now, coupled with a super stable, never crash, and elegant interface, together with all the applications you'll ever need...
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Summary: XP = Xtremely Poor
Review: Every day my new Dell super duper, high quality, desktop crashes and burns. Every day I send "error reports" to Microsoft. When I sent a complaining e-mail, I was invited to their web site where I learned that, FOR A PRICE, I can get some pesonal attention for a new product which fails to provide the speed, stability, and efficiency of my Win 2000 program running on my notebook. Yes, XP does have attractive features re: multi media, enhanced plug and play, etc. But what good is all that if the FIXES (SP-1) are worse than the cure. Will someone please tell Microsoft: "Bill Gates has no clothes." You are releasing, prematurely, wave after wave of buggy programs so that a multi-billionare can rule the computer world. Give me a solid alternative and I WILL NEVER RETURN TO MICROSOFT AGAIN. Just give me a true choice. [Dell would not even sell me a desktop with Win 2000 on it!]
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Summary: WinXP Maybe
Review: I'm a big fan of Win2000 because I've used it for more than a year and haven't had almost any problems. Windows XP is fine for looks and the extra features it has, but my problem is when a program has an error, the operating system pops up the screen to send an error report and no matter what one chooses (yes or no) Your program and progress is going to close and be lost. For that reason Win2000 is still a better buy!
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Summary: Only Buy the Upgrade if You are an Advanced Computer User
Review: Windows XP really is the best windows operating system to date. It is not perfect by any means, but it works the way it's supposed to almost all the time. If you're thinking about using this upgrade version, let me warn you of two things: (1) You need to check all of your software to see if it's compatible with XP (there is a checking-program on this disc, but you can also download it from Microsoft's website to see which software you have is not compatible). Even after I checked compatibility, some programs I had were non-functioning after the upgrade and some I had to install again. (2) Download the most recent drivers for all your hardware to avoid problems. I didn't do this and when I upgraded, I lost my sound card drivers because they weren't compatible with XP and the XP disc didn't have the new drivers I needed to make my sound card work, so I had to find my sound card manufacturer's website and download an XP compatible driver. You are really better off waiting until you buy a new computer to get XP. But, if you just can't wait and want to do this upgrade, make sure you do your homework to avoid some headaches during and after installation. It almost sounds like I'm slamming this upgrade release, I'm not - I absolutely love Windows XP - but the upgrade version does require some extra effort on your part, especially if your computer is older than a year or more.
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Summary: The Best of Microsoft's Operating Systems To Date...
Review: I can't even begin to tell you how much I love Windows XP. Why? Because when people used to have computer problems with Windows 95,98, and ME, I was always first on everyone's list to come fix their computer problems. It was fun at first, but then I was really sick of it. When XP came out, I recommended to all those people to get XP. Now, NO ONE has called me since with a computer problem. That shows you how wonderful this operating system is. XP is not perfect; but it works well enough to keep the average computer user happy with the condition of their computer. It is virtually idiot proof and it is very difficult to 'mess it up'. The system restore function is a big plus. Also, Windows XP keeps your system files from being corrupted by viruses by not allowing unauthorized access to the files. I'm not saying that it's virus-proof, but much more secure than previous Windows versions. The only downside to XP is that some computer games don't seem to work good with it unless they were made compatible with XP.
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Summary: Sometimes the hard way is easier
Review: Now that XP is up and running, I'm ecstatic. It's a nice OS. HOWEVER: It took 2-1/2 days and two LONG phone sessions with supportive, knowledgeable tech reps from Microsoft to get to that point. I expected to simply replace my old OS (Win ME) with the new one, and skip on down the road. Didn't happen. So here's what I learned: A clean install from a bare machine, including reinstalling all your drivers and software can be the right answer, even if it seems an awful prospect. I should've bought the full version of the product and started clean in the first place. It would've saved more than a day's time and a ton of frustration. Maybe that's how it is for you too. Do consider the full version and a clean install.
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Summary: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade
Review: This is the best! It's so easy to install and use!
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Summary: An operating system for the twenty-first century.
Review: Microsoft finally got it right with Windows XP (Home Edition). Based upon the highly reliable Windows NT, XP is a stable, reliable, and thoroughly functional operating system that cures most of the flaws that earlier versions of Windows are known for. First and foremost, the "Blue Screen of Death" is gone! I run XP on three computers in my home via a home network, and I have literally never seen the dreaded Blue Screen. While both Windows 98 (which I thought was a pretty good OS) and Windows ME (horrible!!!) require frequent re-booting, XP does not. You can go weeks, even months, without rebooting XP. It is stable and reliable. Speaking of home networks, XP Home Edition does a very good job if you want to set up a peer-to-peer network in your home. We run one notebook (via a wireless connection base station hub) and two desktops via XP, and you can literally set something like this up in less than an hour, counting hardware hookups. The Networking Wizard actually works, and takes almost all of the pain out of setting up a network. If you want a peer-to-peer home network, XP is for you. One warning--XP does not support a domain (server) network. If you are interested in this sort of configuration you want Windows Professional Edition. You cannot use XP for this. Windows XP is well-supported as regards various peripheral devices. When I upgraded, I had no difficulty downloading the necessary drivers for my three printers, one scanner, and various other devices. Most worked OK out of the box, but upgraded drivers are available from most vendors via the internet. Speaking of the Internet, XP is truly dependent upon the Internet, and I would imagine that a user without Internet access would find XP very difficult to use. XP is among the new generation of software of which Internet access is an integral design assumption. The OS uses the Internet to register itself, obtain updates, and obtain drivers. This is reflective of a trend whereby in my opinion every computer installation will in a very real way have as its centerpiece the Internet connection of the user. Dial-up's days are numbered too--XP files, like most files nowadays, are simply too large for a 56K dial-up modem. In my opinion Microsoft hit a home run with Windows XP, almost enough to cause me to forgive them for Windows ME, which was absolutely awful. If you are using ME, RUN, don't walk, to upgrade.
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Summary: Prayers answered
Review: Little background on me-- I love my computer, and I put a lot of money into it to ensure that it has the adequate specifications to run my applications. More importantly, I NEED my computer for everything it can do. This includes word-processing, Internet, home-networking, gaming, etc. Needless to say, there are many instances when I have a lot of programs running at the same time. Several years ago, before the time of XP, I was torn between the two current Microsoft operating systems for PC. The choices were Windows 98 Second Addition and Windows 2000 Professional. Windows 98 was fair for gaming and networking, however it had much-vaunted stability and lacked useful features. In other words, it would lock up if I had more than two applications running at the same time. After becoming fed up with '98, I switched to Windows 2000 Professional. I was impressed by the user-friendly interface, as well as its stability. However, it was incompatible with some Windows 98-based applications, and it was terrible for running games and networking with computers that were running older operating systems. Well, for those of you who haven't gotten bored and moved on to a different review, here's what it all boils down to: Windows XP combines the pros of Windows 2000 and 98, while eliminating the cons. It also offers a cool new XP skin. If you're a skittish upgrader from Windows 98, you can depend on it being compatible with any of your old applications, also. Moreover, there are so many new and cool features that I can't even begin to start listing them. My point? Whether you're a techie or just plain computer-illiterate, you will love Windows XP for your own reason. Professionals agree: Windows XP is the way to go.
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Summary: The Greatest Operating System Of The Windows Family.
Review: I used to have Windows ME and that one of Microsoft's worst OS. Then when I heard about Windows XP and all the cool new features it had I was kind of concerned that this would just be like the shakier Windows ME. So I decided to try it out I bought windows Professional popped in the CD and did a clean install with the NTFS file system hearing that its better than FAT or FAT32. Setup was very easy and without a single problem. After the Install I was pleased with how this OS was different than 95, 98, 98se, ME it had a whole new look to it then the plain old Grey taskbar and ETC. Also Windows XP took care of all of my devices and never had to look for drivers. I also like the Windows Media Player 8 (upgradeable to 9). Internet Explorer 6 and with the new Help and Support that was an improved feature. For three months now I had no blue screens of death or major failures since it's based on the 2000/NT Code making it ten times faster and reliable Then the Windows 9X based Systems. You will also like the System Restore function that allows you to roll back your computer in case you are having problems with your computer. Also you will like the Remote desktop feature that will allow connecting to your computer from for example your work computer from home. A very helpful support feature is Remote assistance that a friend to connect your machine and if you want, you can let them take over your machine and do any corrective work on your computer. That basically explains everything but wait theirs more you can also create User accounts with a User Administrator Account or A Limited account which will limit the user's ability to keep people from getting into your system files or other important documents. Another Great option For Broadband user alike is the built-in firewall that will protect your computer from viruses and hackers alike. As in convenience that one great feature in windows XP. About everything is in Wizard. Want to transfer your files from the old computer use the Files and Settings Transfer wizard. Want to set-up your internet connection use the Internet Connection set-up wizard. They even have a Desktop cleaning wizard that will remove ad icons that you don't use to the Unused Shortcut Folder. For programs that don't work with Windows XP yet theirs a special feature called the Program compatibility Wizard that will help you run any program that is not yet compatible with the Windows XP operating system. Another Great Option that I might add is the Device Driver Rollback like when you install a driver for anything and computer starts not working correctly after that new driver install you can roll-back your driver and get your computer working again. Now lets get to some fun interesting features By using Windows XP windows Media player you can play all different kinds of music files and I especially like the feature where you can copy your CD'S to your computer and burn them to CD. Now here's one neat feature for people with Digital Video Cameras you can Use Windows Movie Maker to make your own home movies and you can also edit them. But let's talk about the Start many and taskbar you can see your top 5 problem in the list never again having to go through that big long list of programs to find the program you want. Also Windows XP after a certain amount of hide your inactive icons on your taskbar to keep them from getting cluttered. To rap this review all up Windows XP is One of Microsoft's best Operating Systems in Convenience, Reliability, Security and communication. My only problem with this system is the Activation process you have to do.
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