Rating: 
Summary: I was impressed
Review: MS claimed that Win XP was more stable, started laster and launched programs faster than previous versions of Windows. Usually, when I "test" those type of claims myself, they prove to be, well... exaggerated at best... I was impressed when I saw that XP lived up to those claims.It is true that XP will not run older disk utility programs, such as SystemWorks (Norton) and whatever that McAfee suite is ;)... but that's been the case each time a new OS is released... The price of upgrading utility software should be considered when upgrading your OS. (Usually the utility software publishers will provide a nice rebate with the upgrade, usually at around half the price of the software.) THIS IS IMPORTANT! Microsoft has an Upgrade Advisor, (available online), that will notify you of any potential conflicts with software and hardware your computer uses. Run this utility and make a list of what steps you will need to take to bring your system to XP level.
Rating: 
Summary: Invasive and unnecessary!
Review: The number one problem I have with this OS is it's invasive aggressive anti-piracy aspects. While I agree 100% with Microsoft about wanting to stop all the WAREZ idiots from ripping them off - and even worse from profiting from their product, I *DO NOT* think this is the way to do it! #1 you have to call or electronically register this OS and it's CD-KEY to get it to run at all. #2 If your system configuration changes too much (I.E. new RAM, new HD, New CD-ROM etc.) then the OS will freeze up again and you have to RE-register it with Microsoft, getting yet another code to enter to unlock it. And you can only do that up to 5 times before Microsoft starts to demand you provide very elaborate reasons as to why you need to install it again! (If you are like me and you tinker with your system constantly I am sure you can imagine the headache this will cause) #3 If you try to run Office XP with this OS you will have EVEN MORE registration numbers you need to put in in order to get the two suites to unlock and work together! My Second major problem with this OS is overall, it really isn't all that different than WIN98/WIN2000 or ME. It is still basically the same OS, it may be a little faster to some people running much older systems, but for people with newer systems the speed doesn't increase all that much. I would recommend more RAM for speed over a new OS *ANY DAY* anways. Does this OS have a good side? You bet! It boasts that it is WAY more stable than anything else released to date. PC WORLD Magazine even said they could get 19 APPS to run at the same time on a pentium I PC with only 128 MB RAM - without any crashes or "blue screens of death", that is impressive. It also has lots of nifty stuff for those of you out there that like to tinker with lots of multimedia stuff like DVDs/CDs/MP3s/Movies Etc. Bottom line, it is HARD to find anything *BUT* the latest release of Windows in the stores these days. I prefer Windows 98 SE but good luck finding a copy! If you are buying a new system that has the software and OS pre-loaded, you (...)basically (have) no options anyway. But if you are a user that has a bit of PC knowledge and you handle your own upgrades and installs, I *WOULD NOT* recommend this OS upgrade, or the full version for that matter! If you can find it use WIN98SE, or even better use Unix/Linux.
Rating:
Summary: incompatible with Windows 98SE
Review: I was disappointed to find that Windows XP is not compatble with Windows 98 SE, which makes it worthless to me. I plan to file for a refund or perhaps credit toward purchase of Windows 2000 which believe is compatible.
...
Phil Braun
pnbraun@swbell.net
Rating: 
Summary: Great Concept, Just Not Ready
Review: Once again, Microsoft has put out a product that is not ready yet. I resent paying $200 to be a beta tester for Microsoft. The install was going along smoothly until a report came out that said almost all of my devices might not work. I guess I should be thankful that I was informed about this before the new o/s was completly installed. I am not returning it, I am just going to wait until it is fully supported.
The thing that bothers me most is that the devices that I use are not uncommon or obscure. They are mainstream things like a printer, scanner, router, cable modem, etc..
I purchased Win ME several moths ago and installed that instead. That seems to be the theme with MS, buy it when it comes out and wait until you can use it.
Rating: 
Summary: Hey, I'm not complaining
Review: While I was a little skeptical about running this at first, I am very very glad that I did. The new features are definately worth it, and it makes many tasks much easier than in 98. BUT... the only problem that I have had with it, is that some programs that worked well in 98 or 95 just arent supported in XP. So be warned: if you are running reeeeeallly important stuff on your computer, do the diagnostic thing at the beginning of installation and MAKE DARN SURE that none of your VITAL programs are listed under the "we cant run this in XP" (or whatever) section. Another good idea, if you can afford to, is to get the full version, wipe your harddrive (save your important files), and install it on a clean disk. The upgrade is like remodeling your house: the same wires and plumbing will be there, just pretty new wallpaper. Go for the full version; your computer will boot and run soooooooooooooo much faster.
Rating:
Summary: Microsoft Windows Me... Part II? You decide.
Review: Well, I managed to upgrade this new, beautiful eye-candy from Mister Big Bucks himself who always got a lot of great ideas at the last minute. I have upgraded the WinXP from my dismal, ugly interfaced, more crash crazy Windows ME (to be honest, I had the same problems with Win98) for 3 months. I will only keep my fingers crossed on this one. Well, the product says it all. It's beautifully interfaced as we come to expect. But whether it can be STABLE (AS IT SWEARS UP AND DOWN THAT IT WILL) and more PRODUCTIVE TO USE (like the Win2k Pro). Those are the Real McCoys we have to keep in mind. I had been weary of trying it since I got the upgrade for My eMachines 1801 - Intel Celeron 800Mhz (the rest, you can fill in the blanks). I felt the same way that I did when I upgraded Win95 from Win3.1, with greater regrets. I have looked at the several researches on the upgrades to XP to see what can/not work, and I come to the conclusion that it's... let's just say mid-standard for now. What irks me to find out is that it cannot work with the driver to my USB Drive for my Phillips CDRW 400 Series, saying that it is not WinXP logo certified. I guess I will have to wait until - ha, ha... right after the Christmas and New Year seasons - they have a new driver update for this one. I may have to keep my heels cooled sometime in 2002... who knows. I am really skeptical to work out some of my programs (like my printer, scanner, webcam that has updates on) since it will rely on the importance of the WinXP logo policy. Again... I will keep my fingers crossed on this, since it will be so much newer and more sleeker than any of the other Win3x, Win9x, and the more dull, unmanageable WinME. Come to think of it, I think it's a follow up to Window ME. Kinda makes me wonder why the money maker (Bill Gates) don't just subtitled the OS... - MICROSOFT WINDOWS ME2 or WIN MeII - Kinda makes a good tune, dosen't it? If he wanted to be creative and innovative, work out a good tune. First off, before I go, I just hope Mr. Gates can just stick with what he has now and not try to think up nothing else for a new OS. It's just too much time consuming and too much money spent on brand new ideas every single year that comes up and yet the consumers can't upgrade their wallet nor pocket books. We just can't follow up with the new trend and spend money on something that don't work and, later on regret it. Just think, after Win3x came '95, than '98 (which was just the same as 95), 2k Pro (which they now say that it's stable), ME and now... XP. C'mon! When will somebody be satisfied with just one simple thing. Can somebody ask me that? Oh, Well. As with this uncertain opus, only time will tell - sigh -
Rating:
Summary: Don't be afraid!
Review: Forget the hype and rumors, XP works! Don't be put off by the awesome install time (about an hour) or the scary warnings it will give you about your printer/digital camera/scanner etc not being compatible (a quick trip to the manufacturers website to download the latest driver for XP soon sorts that out), take the plunge and you'll be rewarded by a more pleasing look and feel, easier handling of images, sound and video, and the much-anticipated uncrashability. Will add years to the lifespan of your PC.
Rating:
Summary: don't waste your money
Review: This upgrade is the most dispointing thing i have ever done.
First this upgrade messed up my sound, after that i thought i was in the clear little did i know my problems just began. I have bought two games that will not work with XP and the compatibility wizard does nothing, I suggest not buying this upgrade and sticking with your current OS
Rating:
Summary: Certainly not for everyone or every machine.
Review: I upgraded from the newest version of 98 on a P III 450 that was bought in early 98 I think, and it certainly did speed up my system. It also fixed some errors and crashes that I had been having earlier. It did create some errors though that have been fairly easy to fix. It would probably be best to call microsoft or your original manufacturer (or online) to see if your hardware/software will be compatible with xp before you fork out your money. MS was very helpful online with one of their techs when I had problems. I don't think you can expect to quickly get through if you want to talk with someone live though. Some annoying things are the little bubble pop-ups that come up and can't be easily un-installed and the windows software that somehow wants to dominate your system and cause problems when you try to remove it. This company does try to rule your system and make it a "MICROSOFT" dominated machine but I don't blame them, afterall we are in a free enterprise system and you could go get something I once heard of called lynux or fork out double to buy an apple.
Rating:
Summary: get ready to track down drivers
Review: Don't waste your money on this one. You'll have to spend hours downloading all new drivers for everything attached to your computer. Like your printer, scanner, and everything else. And windows XP doesn't offer anything to make it worth the hassle.
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