Whenever Microsoft launches a new piece of software it says ’this has to be the biggest thing since err... Windows 95, ’ and yes they said it for the launch of Windows XP on October 25th. The question many people will be asking is whether or not to invest in the rather high price.
THE COST
The standard upgrade costs £89.99
(And you need to have windows 98, 2000, ME or NT already installed on your PC.)
And you’ll need to buy the full version for a whopping £179.99
If you have any operating system prior to Windows 95.
The professional upgrade version will set you back £169.99, while the standard professional version will make a massive dent in your pocket at £259.99.
Microsoft is running a promotion, buy before 31st Jan 20002 and get £50 cash back. But the only thing is you have to purchase the standard professional version for £259.99 to be eligible.
WHY GET IT?
So do these extortionate prices justify what you will get? I’ve been lucky enough to have a play on my brothers ’XP’ PC and from what I’ve seen it?s a definite NO! NO!
He upgraded from Win 98 and experienced many hardware and software problems.
Installation took around 55 minutes after which became apparent that his Primax scanner, FujiFilm Digital camera, Hitachi DVD ROM, Norton Antivirus, and Norton Cleansweep were all incompatible and will not work on ’XP’.
This is because the manufacturers do not intend to release software updates for these items.
Even I’ve contacted these companies but they told me they cannot offer any further help.
This is not the only hassle you are likely to face if you choose to upgrade. Most likely the stuff that is compatible with ’XP’ will need updating from the Internet. Microsoft provides basic drivers for certain peripherals. But if you want to do more than the basic you’ll need to spend a few hours downloading the relevant drivers and updates.
WHAT’S NEW
The first difference you’ll notice (if you do decide to go for it) is that the start menu has changed. The start button has gone green, with the menu increasing in size to hold more items.
The colour scheme has also changed, and if you’re not a big fan of the colour blue, forget it.
One of the best features included is the system restore function that allows you to roll the clock back on your PC if you have encountered problems, e.g. Software installation gone horribly wrong.
There are also a few extra games but many of which require Internet connections for play. You also have a function called Remote Assistance where you can ask a friend (someone who also must also have XP) to fix a problem on your PC from the comfort of your friend computer.
Windows media player is also new and cannot be downloaded from the net. It includes new skins and visualisations. Internet explorer has also had a revamp. Firstly it looks different but more importantly it has a firewall built in, new security measures and a cookie manager.
Another plus point for this operating system is that it is more stable and less likely to crash. This is because if a programme stops responding, instead of restarting your computer you can just shut down the offending piece of software.
A nice touch on ’XP’ is that every member of the family can have their own login details. This allows each member to customise their desktop, save their files etc. and not having to annoy dad.
Unlike the previous operating systems whereby even if you did not know the password you could log in. this is different you won’t be able to get in.
I think that the disadvantages sadly outweigh the plus points. Microsoft could perhaps done a bit more work to make sure more things were compatible with its new OS.
So the moral before you take the ’XP’ plunge is to contact the manufacturer of your PC, any hardware and software on your computer to see if meet the requirements, whether or not there are updates and if you will be OK to upgrade.