Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: Upgrading from WindowsME, after a two years was the best move I ever made. I was first worried that some of the software I had would have to be re-registered, or that I would lose some or all of my email/contacts/bookmarks/passwords/or other settings.
My worries were for nothing! Everything migrated over to the new OS of XPProfessional without any complaints, or hangups. It took a total of 73 minutes to completely install the upgrade and with the exception of having to re-download the proper version of McAfee Virus Scan for the new OS, there were absolutlely NO problems.Being able to 'partition' the drive for another person who may use my PC is the best function I've found. My settings and preferences are kept safe while their's are seperate. This upgrade is worth the price and the time.
This version is 2002, so a quick visit to the Windows Update site brought me completely up to date within a few minutes. If you are a previous Win98/WinME user you will simply love this upgrade.
Rating: 
Summary: Who's got the Raid?!
Review: OK, nice interface, (I use the win 98 style interface[-ironic eh?]) but full of bugs! - My computer is down right now, because of some stupid reset loop bug!- Everytime I turn it on, it starts to load windows, then resets itself! -Microsoft only gave me two options and neither one worked! - I miss my Windows 98... At least I never had propblems a good 'Re-install' couldn't fix.
Rating:
Summary: Going on over a year
Review: XP has been great. I haven't had my computer crash or freeze yet. It did happen in the past with 98.
Rating: 
Summary: My Experience And Wish List Wih Windows XP
Review: Installation:
The Windows XP Activation feature is good, but I wish the numbers and letters could be entered automatically when you install Windows. Ease of Use:
Windows XP is very easy to use and user-friendly. I love the new start menu and that Microsoft got rid of the "Recent Documents" under the "My Documents" start menu button on my old Windows Millenium Edition. Like the new "connect to" menu, too, very simple to connect. Everything I need is one click away using the new start menu, no need very desktop icons anymore. My programs I use most often are also under the start menu, very nice improvement over old start menu. I don't need "Hibernation" so I turned it off because it was taking up 254 MB of space that I didn't even need to be using. I wish hibernation was marked as off on default, it would save alot of people some hard drive space they didn't even know they were taking up. Customization or Preferences:
Wish I could have more color schemes with the Windows XP style, only three. The classic Windows has many scheme choices. There isn't much choice when it comes to screensavers too. All the screesavers except fot the "My Pictuers" and "Windows XP" screensavers are from previous versions. I do like the "My Pictures" screensaver, can put any of my pictures as my screensaver, wish you could change the size of the pictures though. Many of my pictures almost take up the whole screen, would like them to be a little smaller. Security:
The security of my Windows XP is excellent. The Windows Internet Connection Firewall is a great security feature for users that can't afford to buy a third-party firewall. Wish it was turned on by default though. I don't know why Microsoft has to come out with all these security patches so often. My system works fine and I haven't used a security patch yet. Performance:
The performance with Windows XP has been much better than my old Windows ME in my case. I don't know how Microsft does it, but great job. Overall:
Windows XP is should be the only operating system for home users. I don't know why so many people say Mac is better. Macs have thier own problems too. Windows XP Home Edition is by far, the best choice for operating systems for home users.
Rating: 
Summary: The Long And Windowing Road
Review: Welcome to the Swiss Cheese of operating systems. I am tired of applying on security patch after another and having to uninstall my firewall and reinstall my firewall with each security patch only to end up with the same slow clunky system. In two or three years Micro$oft might have a completely new operating system that totally obsoletes this one...then again maybe not. *** IS THIS WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO? 2 - 3 YEARS OF MORE PATCHES? *** I'm going to buy an Apple and end this insanity.
Rating:
Summary: A Major Inmprovement
Review: I upgraded directly from Windows 98SE, and i found windows XP to deliver a more reliable, stable interface for the computer user. I have had virtually no system failures, and my speed associated with multitasking has greatly improved. The feature i like the most is the intergrated hiberantion option which allows the computer to stay logged on, and even let open programs continue to run while shutting down the computer. Getting on and off the machine is so much easier now!
Rating: 
Summary: Uninstall works great!
Review: I installed Windows XP Upgrade on my home computer to replace my current ME operating system, but have now uninstalled it. My advice is, if your current operating system is basically satisfactory, don't make the move to Windows XP unless you've made sure your older programs and hardware are compatible with XP and there is some feature you feel you really, really must have. In the words of the XP instruction manual, "The Windows XP Setup program will automatically check the hardware and software already installed on your computer for potential conflicts." "Potential conflicts" is a nice way of saying that certain programs and hardware items may not work well or at all with XP, because it wants digital signatures, updated drivers or more. In my case, during the installation process, XP informed me that "Setup has detected that some hardware or programs on your computer might not function correctly after the upgrade is completed. This lack of functionality can have an effect on things you might want to do, such as connecting to the Internet, accessing e-mail, printing, scanning, and playing sounds or music." (Wow, aren't those the things that most people use their computers for?) After I completed the XP installation (which proved to be a very simple process), I did in fact encounter considerable difficulty with a number of software and hardware items. As examples, XP was extremely cranky about accepting my cable modem and I could not get my printer to work at all, even after I downloaded a new driver from the manufacturer's website. (Solution - buy a new printer?) The XP installation also rendered my Norton Antivirus 2004 software inoperable, a problem which the Norton website recognized but had no solution for. I also faced problems with my CD creation and digital camera software as well the Outlook Express email software. I want to stress that all of these problems have solutions, but I eventually hit the wall "installation fatigue." It just seemed that, every time I got a problem solved, two more would pop up - so I just gave up and uninstalled XP. I concluded that what I had seen on my computer screen so far in terms of new features simply did not outweigh the problems I was experiencing and the potential cost of new programs and hardware that would be compatible with XP. My main point here is that there is a lot of hype about the advantages of XP but no one tells buyers that it may cost you 4 or 5 times as much to replace hardware and software that is not compatible with XP, and that you may have to spend hours at problem-solving in order to get your computer functioning. Microsoft has a web link at www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/ that is supposed to provide information on whether your applications and hardware are "XP-ready." This should be put in at least ½ inch bright orange letters on the box so that purchasers will notice it and check BEFORE they tear open that shrink-wrap and lose the right to return the product for a refund.
Rating:
Summary: I agree with Tony.
Review: This truly is the best windows yet. There's so much here. If you still have windows 98, then you (...)desperately need this far superior program. (...). Anyway I'm very satisfied with this Windows program. (...).
Rating:
Summary: Can't Get Any Better
Review: This is the best Windows program ever. After Windows ME this is by far a vast improvement from any angle you look at it. The icons and desktop are totally cool and different, you get added security in tons of things. Everything is firewalled. You have the options of turning off the firewalls if you want to install say Norton or McAfee. Although, I've had NIS 2003 with the firewalls on and I never had problems. NIS 2004 is another story [disable the firewalls if you install NIS 2004]. Folders are made private, password protection is everywhere, help is a lot easier. You can configure Internet access much simpler with Windows XP. I never learned how to do it with Windows ME. I highly recommend you install this product as a new installation instead of an upgrade regardless of what you may think. The new installation guarantees added security and a smooth installation + you can use Microsoft Online Free support. Older programs may interfere with installment. I've done a total of 9 installations from viruses, etc and the new installation is by far the best. A custom installation is superior as well. Why? Well, you can add languages to your options for starters. Say you speak English and Spanish, if you do a new installation customized you can add languages. There's Japanese, United Kingdom, English, Spanish, Italian, etc. Aside the things I've mentioned the list is endless. Overall, I would stress that the most noteable enhancement is SECURITY and to me that is the most important. Online crime is on the rise and if you don't invest in the newest and best products don't expect to be safe. Once you install Windows XP you will notice programs that it includes. For instance, you get Notepad, WordPad, Windows Media Player, Windows Messenger, etc. This software does NOT include Microsoft Word. That is a separate buy. I would recommend this product for sure and would also recommend you buy a book to help you out if you are interested in learning more. The book is called Microsoft Windows XP Step by Step Deluxe Edition [Intermediate Level book]. There is also a huge book for security that is worth investing in titled, Windows Security Inside Out. If you ever get a virus or you are with some technical problem, this version has remote assistance which allows a technician or friend to enter your computer from wherever he or she is and fix the problem. You can set the passwords for a limited time or have Microsoft do it. I have done this 1 time and the virus was removed without a problem with the help of free Microsoft Online support. Be sure to keep yourself in the latest and pick up this software today. I highly recommend this above all previous older versions. Not only for security but for ease in Internet browsing, shopping or work. Tired of your slow computer, then go for the new software until next year when you decide to buy a new computer with the new Windows program that is sure to come.
Rating:
Summary: Please, no more Microsoft products!
Review: I have never had so much trouble installing a program! First, it told me that it had corrupted files and that it could not be installed. Once I got it to start the installation process, it stops(hangs) halfway through with no reason for the crash. When I went to the Microsoft website (spending at least an hour looking through a database of info that did not help me one bit-- but it did reveal to me that there are a host of other problems that pop up when you install XP which did not settle well with me, such as not being able to reinstall certain programs,vast program incompatibilities, etc.), I finally find the article pertaining to my problem and it suggested that I remove all my drivers, sound cards, video cards, etc. in essence, take apart my computer, install Windows, then put the pieces back again! Now I am adept at program installation, and can troubleshoot problems on my computer quite competently so I could safely say that I do know what I am doing when it comes to what should have been the installation of a simple program. This program made me feel as if I had a brain full of runny oatmeal. My advice to others who are wrestling with the question of "to upgrade or not to upgrade" is. . .don't. If you have Windows 98, leave it, stay happy and sane. In the past couple of years I have had nothing but trouble with the PC. When it is time for me to get another computer, I'm going back to the good ol' Mac.
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