Rating: 
Summary: If 98 is working,hold off until this the de facto OS
Review: For the most part, I'm quite pleased with Windows XP. I don't know what other people are doing, but all of my hardware aside from the RAM from old computer works fine. XP has a lot of the drivers for your hardware built in. My CD-Burner and CD-Rom were a snap to get up and running, along with my hard drives, floppy and monitor. My biggest complaint is the strange occurence of mouse problems. I know I'm not the only person to experience this, but if you've got a Windows Intellimouse Optical USB (you know, the infared mouse) it will frequently freeze on you. To the OS's credit, you only have to unplug and plug it back in, but it happens all the time. Otherwise, it is quite stable and makes your computer faster. My programs boot faster and when a problem does occur, I don't see the blue screen that makes some of us insane. Usually the computer recovers and you can keep going. I actually like the automatic update thing which never,ever worked in Windows 98 and it's quite easy to use and understand. I also like the new look that the computer enviroment gets. It's not a piece of art or anything, but it's refreshing if you're used to the 9x look. I would score Windows XP higher if I didn't have to constantly unplug my mouse, although there's no compelling reason to purchase it if your Windows 98 is working and you're happy with it.
Rating: 
Summary: Great with a few exceptions
Review: I'm coming from Windows NT 4 so my impressions may sound old-hat. I like XP for the following reasons:
- Integreated .zip file support (goodbye winzip)
- Native cd-burning
- Native support for pppoe (adsl w/dynamic IP address)
- Much more powerful installer function (easily install into primary partition number 2) and apparently built-in support for mult-booting with previous versions of NT/2k.
- When I installed it actually found my NIC, printer, sound and video card (3dfx). If only it could tell my mouse was wireless...
- One minor improvement are the control panel applets such as display showing up on the alt-tab tasks list.
- Programs seem to load quickly and the OS loads in about 27 seconds which is 3 or 4 seconds faster than NT 4.
- One amazing feature is mounting a second hard drive into a folder on a drive letter. I'm sure this was a 2k feature but I like it. Also you can assign any letter or no letter to any drive/partition (but don't do this to the partition the OS is installed on).
- Use the policy program (gpedit.msc) to easily change the Windows shell if you don't like Explorer (search for LiteStep for what I mean)
- An amazing thing: by default everything seems very minimalist. For example when you first come in to Windows the desktop has one icon: the recycle bin. And the start-up/shutdown etc sounds are very short and to the point. Problems I have:
- Activate within 30 days. I re-install my OS a lot and add hardware often. This could be a problem.
- I also managed to mess up my settings some how so every time I shutdown it reboots instead. I simply re-installed to fix it.
- You can easily revert to "classic view" and apply a "windows classic" theme for a regular start button but the million-and-one helpful pop-ups gets a little old after a while as does the showing off of fade-in/fade-out. Alright already you have transparancy. (I'll just turn it off)
- The built-in DVD player software didn't recognice my drive as a DVD drive.
- The above mentioned PPPoE "dialer" seems to report my speed as 100Mbs for some reason (I get a lot less then 1.5Mbs).
- Properties of the connection doesn't report how fast my connection actually is while downloading (my ISP's propreitary pppoe software can do this). Over all a very good OS and to say the least light years beyond WinMe (which I haven't used a whole lot).
- Yes the default theme has buttons and title bars that seem to have been inspired by fisher price. I sure grandma will love it though.
- Do I really have to have MSN Messenger? Forcing it on my is as bad as netscape and AOL IM...
Rating:
Summary: Easily outdistances previous versions in stability
Review: When thinking about this review, I realized how conditioned I have become in my use of Microsoft operating systems. For some time, I have been running Windows 98 and Windows ME on my machines. They all run 24/7, as I donate my computer time to the SETI@HOME and Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) distributed processing programs. My personal usage is very heavy, as I often have many processes running when I work. Furthermore, I have a training center where I offer classes in corporate training. Two reboots of each of the machines are built into my daily schedule, although generally one or more need a third, sometimes during class. With this as a backdrop, I was initially very skeptical about the touted stability of XP. I had heard many similar claims about the operating systems that I had been running, and my experience did not support them. However, after running XP for a couple of months, I am impressed.
The stability in running for extended periods of time without a necessary reboot simply leaves the previous versions in the lurch. I can run a process for days and then when I try to do anything, there is none of that maddening delay for anything to happen that occurs after hours of processing on the other machines. That alone makes the upgrading of all of my machines to XP cost effective. Another feature that makes my life easier is that I no longer have to fight some of the compatibility problems. There have been times when programs have run on the Windows 98 machine but simply would not do anything on the ME ones. This has caused me no ends of grief as I have had to reschedule classes due to system incompatibility. My best estimate is that each upgrade to XP will pay for itself in less than three weeks, even without alterations in my class schedule.
Finally, the appearance of the screen is so much nicer to look at in XP. It seems that the Microsofties have finally decided that how the thing looks matters. This is an area where I am a bit of a throwback to the old days of text only, so this is worth more than it sounds.
If you are running any version of a Microsoft operating system earlier than XP where you put any stress on it, then you should seriously consider upgrading. The added stability of your computers will add some stability to your life, it certainly has added some to mine. Published in Mathematics and Computer Education, reprinted with permission.
Rating: 
Summary: The best Windows version up-to-date
Review: I don't know why these other people say they hate XP, because I haven't had a problem with it since I installed it! As for Product Activation, other software vendors do similar things such as Registration, activation REQUIRED over the phone w/ programs such as AutoCAD, etc., so I don't see any problem activating Windows as a legal copy. Bill Gates was smart to implement this into Windows for anti-piracy schemes, and I also found the process very easy to do over the Internet, so I applaud Gates for this. He or any one else shouldn't have to deal with piracy. The only problem that I had with it is that it didn't detect my AMR Modem, but after pointing it to Windows 2000 drivers I had, it worked just fine. It wasn't listed on the HCL, so that would be one reason. Software has been great and even faster on this platform! And if you notice a program that has problems with XP, you can set a compatibility mode in 95, 98/Me, NT, or 2000 for the OS, and it should work. Very useful tool! I highly recommend this OS, especially if you come from the crash-prone 98/Me architecture, for this is based on the very-reliable NT/2000 architecture, and it's definitely worth the upgrade! Try it for yourself!
Rating:
Summary: Oops, M$oft did it again... and then some!
Review: Look, we're not perfect - especially Gate$. I think I have learned my lesson about upgrading to new OS from a previous one. I have an eMachines T1801 which I bought last August before all the hooplah about a new OS coming in late October. The computer itself had 800Mhz, 128SDRAM, with a 20GB hard drive and a whole lot of nooks and crannys put together. I installed this new OS sensation that would sweep the nation last November, and come to find out that some of my programs won't work with Windows XP while doing the Compatibility Wizard - Namely: The Philips 400Series CDR/RW USB Drive
(It's driver is not compatible) My own language localizations, specifically my Russian and Japanese Language input systems, will not run properly and will require for me to get new software. The Russian input system would not work since it's under its ME Platform. And, it seems that XP will install with no problems, but it's upgrade takes up much space. I'm still stuck with the FAT file system on my hard drive; it won't install itself into a NTFS file system. I was still stuck with both the XP and ME platform (maybe it's because of the upgrading and not the OS). I don't know what else to say, but I will say this, I am so glad I got the XP upgrade software 'free' from the computer manufacturer. I have been through the same hocus-pocus when I had the Windows 3.1 back in '95. Then came Win95, and I think it was the new wave of OS ((they had an upgrade too but (unlike XP's upgrade) it took up much space on my system and it would crash some, yet they recognized all software). Then came Win98. I think they were superior to 95 even though I had a real crappy computer from Packard Bell (a.k.a. Packard Hell) with a Cyrix MII processor. Then came Win2k, and along with it came WinME which was the mother of all computer nightmares with its 'blue screen of death'. I rather not go to all the details and waste valuable online time with the whole story. The rest - you can draw your conclusions. Don't get me wrong, I think Microsoft has done a superior job of this new system we call Windows XP. It has the new features we had wish we had since the haydays of 95, 98, 2k and ME. It has a striking, more colorful interface and it has so many potentials going for them. The downside of it is that it is not so software and hardware friendly (all the way) that makes it even more unbearable, yet we will have to dread getting a new system pre-installed with it and still come up with some unexpected problems. We as consumers should expect better that this. We just can't keep buying new computers pre-installed with the next best thing. I mean, can Mr. Gate$ understand that? Maybe not! What really got to me was this new OS wasn't a launch for late August just like they did when Micro$ost launced Win95, 98, and 2k - but launched for October 25 (It doesn't make sense!). Why did we have to wait until late in the year of 2001 for something brand-spanking new? Why waste a lot of time and money doing it the hard way (Trying an upgrade and not knowing what to expect)? And - I guess everyone will agree - but, WHAT'S UP WITH THE PRODUCT ACTIVATION CODE (WIZARD)??? M$ is cracking down piracy - and we ask ourselves why? Hackers can get in anyway on any computer system you have and then we hear that the hackers about to nab XP. Whether that's true or not, oh well... ! I am opting to get another *sigh* computer system preloaded with this new beauty built in and keep my fingers crossed with the rest. For now, I will just stay with WinME and it's clinkety-clank of crashes! GOOD LUCK to all upgraders, you're GONNA NEED IT!
Rating:
Summary: Good for brand new users, annoying for experienced users.
Review: I bought a new Compaq Presario 8000 with WinXP Home version installed. I had not really paid attention to the press on WinXP, and I assumed it was an upgrade much like Win 3.1 to 95 or 95 to 98.... WRONG!!! Shoulda researched the differences more thoroughly. For someone who just fell out of a tree and got a computer, WinXP is a good system - Keeps things simple and easy to understand. (the phrase "dumbing down" comes to mind). For experienced Windows users with existing hardware or software, it seems that WinXP grabs control of your computer, and turns over its operation to Microsoft, and MAYBE they'll let you use it if you behave... For old hardware, new drivers may or may not be available, and the old version may not work (Win2000 drivers are the most compatible - Win 98 drivers are marginal, have read that Win95 drivers won't work) WinXP also has a backward compatibility software "issue"... WinXP blocked some older Windows 98 programs from installing - at all... To use those programs, I ended up keeping my old computer and networking it to the new one... Wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it does allow me to easily transfer my old data files as I need them... Conclusions - If I had the choice, I would have gotten Win2000, and have not given up on the idea of installing it instead of XP. While I admire many of the new features and the look and feel, I resent "sharing" my computer with Big Brother at Microsoft..
Rating: 
Summary: Don't believe the hype, this system is seriously flawed!
Review: I've used XP Home and Pro versions on a brand new 100% Certified "Compatible" state of the art Compaq system and as an upgrade on a one year old Dell Notebook 8000 Inspiron. After 30 years experience in computers dating back to Fortran and including dos, mac, linux and all versions of Windows including NT, I can only say, please be careful about the hype on this one. It looks nice and runs great for a week or two, but when the problems began to set in for me, they have been far more aggravating than ANY of the previous versions, except maybe Windows 3.1. This operating system doesn't work as promised. Even with all new hardware, all new software and all the security and update software installed, this is still just plain awful for serious work. It has a pretty interface and a few things go smoothly, but in my experience, things suddenly go wrong, now with no warning. After using XP for nearly three months, I've had totally unexplained freezes, crashes, and applications that stop working and though not as frequent as in Win 98 and 95, they are now much more severe and there seems to be no way to troubleshoot them (ie the elementary troubleshooters, support sites, and supposed "error reporting" functions are totally useless and end up wasting even up more of your time). The fact that it was actually easier to get a handle on Windows errors and track them in earlier Windows versions leads me to believe that XP is truly the most flawed Windows yet. Now, the errors get "swept under the rug"; for instance, your computer will look fine, shut down and start up but then an application is gone forever until you do a complete reload of the operating system and utilities (I've had to do this now for the dvd drive, cd drive, cd-r program, networking, backup, system utilities...even the touted Windows System Restore and more...these programs just stop working anymore and you don't know it until you try to use them! Then it is too far past the inciting event to figure out why and you have what amounts to a more time consuming and expensive crash than you ever had with Windows 98...(I've done 8-10 complete system restores now, each taking a minimum of 8 hours to get back to where I was, only to have to do it again a week or two later - no I am not kidding). So if this is how well XP works with all "compatible" hardware and software on a new system "Built For XP", I can only imagine how truly miserable it will be for someone with slightly older stuff. Though I have to say that the upgrade on the year old Dell notebook has actually been quite a bit better (but not good) than the new "Designed For XP System". Then add on to all this that (1) it is a system hog (with 512k of ram it is far and away the slowest I've ever used at say, printing an envelope or opening a word document) (2) It is very very expensive, because no matter what system you have, you will have to buy more than what you thought to be able to work in XP (3) it is intrusive (4) it forces you more than ever to do everything the Microsoft way (which would not be so bad if only the stuff would work most of the time but try uninstalling Windows Media Player or Net.passport when you get XP if you don't like being snooped on or having to use these programs.) I have nothing personal against Microsoft, but my advice, based on 30 years working with computers, DO NOT BELIEVE the Hype on XP. I can't believe that the people who love XP have used it long enough. Unless you have to buy a new computer and have no choice, I would avoid XP as long as possible. Some of the bugs will undoubtedly get fixed and it could be that the flaws are not as deep as they appear to be this early on in the game. But I very much regret the money, the time and the aggravation of going to XP, XP Pro, XP Office and XP Office Pro with so many serious flaws still present... If you must get this operating system, one tip...get Norton Ghost and image your drive when you have everything working to a separate partition or cd'r's! I've started doing this and it has significantly cut down on the time it takes to restore the system. Still it is not anywhere a hundred percent solution, because this system never lets you know there is a problem until you access a failed application - before that point, you may have imaged your disk and unknowingly saved a hundred errors without having any idea that you've done so.
Rating:
Summary: Worthy Upgrade, go for it!
Review: First of all, if you are going to buy this upgrade edition of the product make sure you have a previous version from either 98 to ME. Windows 95 will not work at all! This is a great upgrade to Windows, it's easier to use with lots of new features. One of the most needed was the multiple user accounts that allows users to have their own personal settings. Windows XP Home is built upon the strenghts of the Windows NT kernel which speaks reliability, so it's kind of the end of a lot of blue, that should be at least one reason to make the upgrade. It's alittle bit faster but not like what I have read in most reviews, getting work done is more easier in terms of the new "start menu" which makes programs more accessible, showing the most recently used program and quick access to system setting tools. The graphical user interface is also beautiful with softedged icons and other GUI sweeties. Other nice goodies include I.E. 6.0, Media Player 8.0 and a much more updated messenger system that allows users to see each other when instanting messaging but, make sure you have a web-cam. I would not regard Windows XP as a incremental upgrade, but a rather necessary one. Their are slew of other features that have not been discussed here. Make sure your hardware and system requirments are up to date so you won't run into any problems.
Rating:
Summary: Great with a littlle tweaking
Review: I was convinced to upgrade from Windows 98 after hearing much praise of XP. I must admit that at first I was a little frustrated with the number of drivers that had to be updated, and the fact that some programs that worked fine with Windows 98 would not work with XP, so XP disabled them. If you have an RW drive with an older version of DirectCD, you will have to upgrade and probalby just buy Roxio's Easy CD Creator for drag and drop capability with your CDRW drive. Also, the CDRW function that is bundled with XP isn't my favorite to use because it doesn't write directly to the CD, but instead stores the files in a temp folder until you are ready to burn your CD. I couldn't get it to append files to an RW CD. Instead it would ask me if I wanted to format the CD again, thus losing the files already on it. In short, I don't use this funciton because I like to treat my CDs like floppies and add things to them as I go. Roxio built the CDRW engine for XP, but you'll be better off getting Roxio's Easy CD Creator. One major plus is the XP can handle a high-speed internet connection like DSL with no problem. You will need no special programs or files to get your DSL connection up and running. They couldn't have made it any simplyer. Fans of Microsoft Plus! - which was bundled with Windows 98! will be diappointed to find that it isn't included with XP. Also, not all the themes that worked in 98 will work in XP and likewise with screensavers. With a little work, however, you can create your own themes. All in all, it's a upgrade I would recommend and one I'm glad I got.
Rating:
Summary: It is a lot better than Windows 98 that's for sure.
Review: I have a home built Athlon computer. It's basically a Frankenputer with all sorts of parts put into it. Windows XP Home Edition sees to have solved a lot of problems I was having with Windows 98SE running on my home built system. There is one thing though that is solved by just buying third party software. That's native in-OS CD-R/CD-RW burning. I solved that by buying Nero Buring ROM. But all in all, it's pretty stable. I've had a few apps crash on me but nothing to restart the computer over. And those apps were older pre Windows 2000 apps, so it's understandable (but really, OSes should still run older software even if the software is only a few years old). I do have a few problems with slowness, but that's attributed to my slow hard drive (5400 RPM). I'm sure once I get a faster hard drive to match my fast computer then I'd be doing pretty well.
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