Ultimately worth the effort
Written: Nov 10 '01 (Updated Nov 11 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A very stable operating system
Cons: It could be a compatibility nightmare depending on your hardware
The Bottom Line: If you like a challenge and are willing to possibly lose the use a piece of hardware or software, this is for you.
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| petergaryr's Full Review: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (N09-00048) For ... |
When Windows Millenium edition came out, I was an early upgrader. You can still read my review of the experience elsewhere on Epinions.
It is a fact of life that whenever there is a new version of Windows, there will be problems unless you have the latest drivers for your hardware, and software that is compatible with the new kernel. I have read many people complaining about that fact in alt.os.windows-xp. Perhaps it shouldn't be that way, as they claim. I don't know. I've just given up and accepted it as the norm. That said, I would recommend the upgrade without question if your are using Windows ME. If you are running Windows 98SE and you are happy with it, all your hardware is humming along, and all your software is working, I would still recommend it with a caution.
My first recommendation is to go to the Microsoft site and download the upgrade advisior. It will perform a "fake" install and alert you to compatibility issues. I waited until XP drivers were available for my ATI Radeon card and the SB Live 5.1 sound card. I also waited until Roxio released the patch to Easy Creator Platinum 5.x, and Intervideo had an XP version of WinDVD 2000. And that is my second recommendation: download in advance every driver for every piece of hardware you have, and make sure you know which software you can live without unless you know it will run under XP.
For example, if I didn't have another PC in my wife's office I would have a useless UMAX 1220P scanner (no compatible driver available for it). I still haven't gotten the modem (Best Data fax modem) to produce a dial tone, even though XP say it is working fine.
The ATI Multimedia center doesn't have a working DVD player anymore, and parts of the Creative Labs Launcher work. My copy of Quickverse will not start if I try to launch it by itself, but if I open the Holman Bible Dictionary and click on the Quickverse link, it will work. Go figure. Only McAfee's VirusScan Online seems to work.
Microsoft includes a "compatibility wizard" that will attempt to fake some programs into thinking they are running under a previous version of Windows. I have had marginal success with it. There are also wizards to help you set up a home network, and share your high speed internet connection.
There is a new interface that is merely a theme that can be replaced with the "classic" look if you don't like it (I do).
What you do get is an operating system built on the NT kernel. It is stable when compared to earlier home versions of the Windows os. By stable I mean that it only crashes occasionally, rather than regularly. The crash usually happens because you are trying to do something you've been warned against (like run an incompatible piece of hardware or software).
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
petergaryr
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: St. Johns, FL
Reviews written: 78
Trusted by: 13 members
About Me:
Have worked as a DJ, Consultant, Instructor, Course developer,Web Designer & vocalist in band.
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