Windows XP is Microsofts newest upgrade of their incredibly successful operating system (OS) Windows. Virtually all home users and business users use Windows as their OS. The reasons for that are the excellent marketing strategy by Microsoft, ease of use and efficience of the OS.
What’s New in Windows XP?
I am not a technical writer, but my opinions come from the perspective of an advanced home user and intermediate business user.
1: It looks better. XP looks better than any previous version of Windows. The colors are clearer and the Active Desktop function from previous products has been changed and is now fully functional and does not cause and problems with your computer.
2: Easier to get help and support. The search system is much better in XP. Better categories and easier to find information.
3: XP uses your system’s resources more efficiently. I have run beta versions and the final release and defrags are basically a thing of the past. The only downfall I met was that it takes up more memory, and I doubled my system’s memory, and now it runs very well.
4: More features. Some of the new features in Windows XP are the built-in firewall and the CD-burning programs. Both the audio-burn and data-burn function work very well.
Compatibility With Old Programs
MS claims that XP is compatible with all older program based on Win 95 and later. This is not entirely true, as I have come across two programs so far which will not run under XP. These are two computer games. All business and Internet applications work great. Overall I would not recommend anyone not to upgrade to XP because they are scared of compatibility issues.
Is It Worth an Upgrade?
The short answer: Yes. Remember that I am not a technical expert, but talking the regular user’s perspective. Almost all programs run under XP and I am very please with the performance and look of XP.
Any Negatives?
Yes. One major one is MS’s ridiculous activation system. Once you have installed the OS you have to call MS or apply for an activation code online. You are only allowed to receive two of these activation codes. I guess you have to buy another copy of XP to use it beyond that. Businesses and networks are not subject to this, but special licensing is available. This system has been set up by MS in order to prevent piracy, which in my opinion is a silly reason to do it. I have heard there are versions on the piracy market already which will bypass the activation system. ’’If someone wants something bad enough, he will find a way to get it.’’ To me, this seems to be just a way to bother your real customers.
Overall
Another great product from the leading company in the computer industry!