XP The transformation is complete ?
Written: Nov 17 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Windows 2000 stability with GAMES !!.
Cons: Its still Windows
The Bottom Line: Wait until your next PC purchase to get XP. In other words get XP because you need a new machine not vice versa
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| blakdogg's Full Review: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (E85-00086) For ... |
Disclaimer
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I use Linux, Debian GNU/Linux on my home computer. I like Linux and I think it is far superior to Windows, any form of Windows.
Introduction
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XP signals the end of the 9X line of Windows. XP is the newest version of Windows NT. Windows 9X was a clear example of the downside of maintaining backward compatibility, the desire to run real mode dos programs and run them quickly was the cause of a lot of Windows instability.
Stability
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The biggest improvement of XP over 9X is stability. This is because the NT kernel, used in NT 4, W2K and now XP, is more buzzword compliant. As a result, some of the causes of system crashes will go away. XP also includes support for signed drivers, MS will test drivers before signing them. This should result in a higher quality drivers - according to MS drivers are responsible for the majority of 'blue screens'. XP is also multiuser operating system with a higher level of user security.
A List
1. NT Kernel. Buzzword compliant Processes 'cannot' kill the kernel, or each other etc.
2. Driver signing. All drivers should be tested by MS.
3. File System security. Users can be prevented from accessing specific files. The security covers all OS objects and is present in W2K.
Short Version : Now Windows users may be able to measure uptime in days instead of hours (or minutes).
User Interface
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Personally, I think W2K looks better. Thankfully it is possible to switch to a W2K (classic) look. The new interface is too bright, and reminiscent of those found in video games. It also seemed bigger, or maybe my machine was set to visually impaired.
And MS has taken the opportunity to move everything around. The most annoying involves the revamping of control panel - thankfully this can be reversed (classic). [Gripe] Not possible to switch 'everything' to classic - no global switch.
Another change involves the start menu, it seems to include a list of frequently used programs and it highlights recently installed programs also. The latter may come in handy after using XP for a year.
Explorer is more 'helpful' it tells you which directories you should not delete to 'free some space'. MS has also tied more of their products into the interface - in fact I have not yet been able to get a reminder/advertising thingy to shut up.
Short Version : Just like the older ones, but it looks a bit different.
Compatibility
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Since XP is a major change from the Windows Me line, there are a lot of things programs can no longer do. This is no longer a BIG problem since the offending practices have been phased out gradually. Any offenders will be old programs, badly written programs and device drivers. Old programs may break the rules because they were written before MS made the rules. 'Badly written' programs may have ignored MS rules on purpose for a performance or functionality gain. And example of this class will be Sony's video software which doesn't work with W2K and probably will not work with XP. And device drivers may not be compatible because of their close relationship with the kernel (that has CHANGED). [NOTE] Most anti-virus software contains a device driver, so your anti-virus software might not work.
Short Version : Make sure your hardware is supported before you buy. Better yet buy a new computer.
WINDOWS v WINDOWS
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XP v 9X
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XP will not support all 9X software or hardware. It probably will not be as fast as 9X either due to a more full featured kernel. It will be much more stable than 9X.
XP v NT (aka W2K)
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XP 'should' be more compatible with 9X software and hardware. It will also have more extensive support for games, multimedia and other important tasks. XP is an upgrade of W2K so it should include fixes for the W2K bugs - it will also have new XP only bugs.
XP Pro v XP Home
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XP home is cheaper. But there are restrictions on upgrade paths W2K to Pro, 9X to Home. I have not heard of any $100 reason for getting Pro over Home.
Short Version - XP Home is the best deal.
Installation
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Product Activation does not affect volume licenses. PA may be a problem for people outside the us and for those who have modems that are not automatically configured by XP. XP installed fine on an older PIII 450 HP Vectra. Found all my hardware including a NIC card - no problems.
Reality Check
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As much as you would like to think you have control over the upgrade decision - you don't. Software vendors will cease to release software that supports older versions of Windows and manufacturers will stop including them.
So the only question is do you upgrade your current computer - the answer is "it depends". If you crave stability - yes, otherwise no. If your computer is new upgrading should not be a problem, it should also have already been paid for.[RANT] Free implies not paid for, if I buy a computer it does NOT come with a free upgrade because I paid for the upgrade[/RANT]
Wait until your next purchase to get XP, but do not wait forever for your next purchase. The PC industry needs your money.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
blakdogg
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Location: NY
Reviews written: 60
Trusted by: 4 members
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