Why I’ve decided to use the ’’Windows XP’’ Trial Edition...
For the last few years, I’ve become more and more frustrated with the lack of computer performance provided by the ’’Windows 98 Plus! Second Edition (SE)’’ Operating System. Often, my system resources are all eaten up very quickly, even when running only a minimal amount of programs. Often, my system resources would just suck, even though I have what should be a very fast, kick a** system, basically doing whatever the heck I want it to.
So, earlier this year I seriously considered upgrading to the ’’Windows Millenium Edition (ME)’’ Operating System, to see if that would give me increased performance I needed. But then, while searching the Winodws website, I learned I could preview a trial edition of the latest Windows Operating System, ’’Windows XP, ’’ for the low price of just $9.95 US (the final price of the final release has not been set). So I did it. I purchased the Operating System’s first trial release in mid-June, and received the new Operating System on a single CD-ROM only a few weeks ago.
And to be honest, my upgrading to ’’Windows XP’’ is one of the main reasons why I haven’t been hanging around online much lately. I’ve been too busy experimenting and fiddling around with this wonderful new Operating System I’ve gotten my hands onto, the ’’Windows XP: Professional Edition’’ Operating System. It was very easy to install, and it’s wide range of features are highly intuitive and user-friendly. It’s great!
Since installing it a few weeks ago as a dual boot on my computer, I’ve found the ’’Windows XP’’ operating system environment boosts many substantial improvements over all of the previous Windows Operating System releases I’ve had experience with. What ’’dual boot’’ does is allow me to set up my computer so that when it starts, I have the choice of either loading up my old ’’Windows 98 Plus! SE’’ Operating System or the new ’’Windows XP: Professional Edition’’ Operating System.
The reason I’m still using the ’’Windows 98 Plus! SE’’ is because a good chunk of my programs and devices (namely, my Creative 12x DVD-ROM’s DX3-Decoder Board, my HP Photosmart P1100 Color Photo Printer, and my Corel WordPerfect Office Suite 2000 Professional Edition) are not yet compatible with the new ’’Windows XP’’ Operating System. But I know they will be compatible by the time the new Operating System hits stores on October 25, 2001.
Three Versions: One Platform...
The new ’’Windows XP’’ platform abandons the ’’Windows 95/98/ME’’ platform in favor of the more stable and much more reliable ’’Windows 2000’’ platform (which, up until now, has been traditionally used for business and those who do serious networking). And when ’’Windows XP’’ hits the market in October, it will be available in the following three versions:
1. Windows XP: Home Edition: This will be the bare bones version of ’’Windows XP, ’’ providing home users with all the features they’ll ever need for most informal, everday computer needs. It will provide traditional support for various office suites, as well as provided increased support for most audio, video, digital and other peripheral devices that have commonly become the rage among home computer users of all ages.
’’Windows XP’’ will offer substantial improvements in all it does however, because of this, the system requirements for this program will increase substantially. In fact, Microsoft has publically stated that ’’Windows 95’’ users will not be able to upgrade directly to ’’Windows XP’’ as most ’’Windows 95’’ computers won’t even have the system resources available to support all the requirements of the new ’’Windows XP’’ Operating System. The bottom line here is that ’’Windows XP’’ has basically been designed to take advantage of powerhouse computers that run anywhere above 233Mhz with 128MB of RAM, and it finally brings those computer users with everything they will need to truly enjoy the speed and efficiency these fancy computers are supposed to provide.
2. Windows XP: Professional Edition: This edition has been designed specifically as an upgrade for users of ’’Windows NT, ’’ ’’Windows 2000’’ or other business and networking platforms. But this doesn’t mean only business users can upgrade to this edition, home and small business users will also be able to take advantage of this edition, as ’’Windows XP: Professional Edition’’ boasts all of the same features of ’’Windows XP: Home Edition, ’’ including enhanced networking and security capabilities (In fact, this will be the edition I upgrade to come October).
3. Windows XP: 64 Bit Professional Edition: This version was designed with all the features of the first two versions, and the easiest way to describe why this version is different is to say that it boasts the ability to work on a whole new line of computer systems that are based on a 64-Bit hardware platform. Currently, all computers run on either a 16-Bit or a 32-Bit ’hardware’ (and I use the term ’hardware’ loosely) platform, and what this means for users is basically even more speed and performance from future machines. And again, the business market will see the 64-Bit platform before home users will, thus the reasoning behind the fact that this is also a Professional Edition.
Support...
The staple programs of ’’Windows, ’’ including ’’Windows Media Player, ’’ ’’MSN Messenger’’ and ’’Internet Explorer 6.0’’ have all been substantially updated and run much better now.
Support for ’’Windows XP’’ seems to be top-notch, esepcailly if you have access to the Internet. They also have telephone support, however I have not used this and I belive phone support costs money. ’’System Restore, ’’ ’’Windows Update’’ and new ’’Error Reporting Processes’’ have been added to help make the ’’Windows XP’’ experince easier for users of all levels.
And, of course, there are a number of places where you can get more information on this product, including:
https://windowsxp.com/
https://pcmag.com/
https://pcworld.com/
https://techtv.com/products/
Final Thoughts...
I’ve heard a lot of people are saying that they will not upgrade to ’’Windows XP, ’’ but inspite of past problems with new versions of the Windows family, I honestly feel this is a very stable and promising release.
Overall I’m very pleased with ’’Windows XP, ’’ it really makes me feel like you’re running an entirely new system. Even the name sounds cool too - so bring it on Microsoft! The bottom line is that this is the operating system to upgrade to get when it comes out, especially if you are running with a system of 300Mhz with 128MB RAM or above.
Trial Edition (RC2) Grade: A-