XP - Now or Later (Microsoft Windows XP (Whistler))

Member Name: dragonone

Product:	Microsoft Windows XP (Whistler)
Date:	09/11/01 (1619 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pros, More stable than 9x/ME, new wizzybang features,

Disadvantages: No Java, expensive, activation required

<< WHY >>

Before I start in on the main part of this review I will give you a little background. I have been working in IT for 17 years now, I started out using CPM & DOS based machines, played with GEM then Windows 286,3,95,98,SE,NT4,ME,2000. I currently run the my company's R&D function ensuring that new hardware and software are compatible with our existing systems and follow company policies.

I first encountered XP at beta level and have been following its progress ever since, I have refrained from commenting on the product until it was in the real world.

<< THE OS >>

OK, enough of banging my own drum. You clicked on this opinion to find out about XP, not learn about me.

Microsoft has launched their new baby into the world with much fanfare, also a great wailing and gnashing of teeth. Much has been made of the 'anti-piracy' features that require you to activate the software by contacting Microsoft, not to mention the 'feature' that requires you to reactivate if you make too many hardware changes within a given period (120 days).

An improved family login facility enables you to set up isolated logins for all the family and you will not be able to see each others data, unless you want to allow it - this works best if you format the hard disk for NTFS.

Once logged in, the first thing you will notice is the new interface and colour scheme, green and blue instead of blue and white. Don't worry you can switch back to the 'Classic' interface.

A new start menu which will customise it's self by showing only those applications you use most often, other options are still available, click on the down arrow at the bottom of the menu. Those of you that use Windows 2000 and Office XP will be familiar with this.

Other features of note include full video editing and recording, a powerful yet easy to use set of utilities that enable you to create you
r own video from raw footage download from a digital Cam via USB1 or FireWire. Remote Desktop control, useful for support departments and talented friends. They made much of this at the launch on 25th October. However all they have really done is combine the functionality of Instant Messaging with Netmeeting and rebundled in a pretty interface. Another 'support' function is a system rollback, which will return the PC to a usable state if you perform something like a bad software install. IE6 has been included in the package along with media player 7. A very useful personal firewall helps to protect against hackers.

A number of 'features' are conspicuous by there absence: Java is not supported, I wonder why? However you can download the JVM from the SUN site and I am sure some nice computer mag will include it on their cover disk. IE does not support a number of addins including Realplayer and Macromedia. USB2 is also unsupported, OpenGL appears to be currently unavailable on video adapters.

<< Hardware >>

So what do you need to run XP? A minimum specification of a Pentium 300Mhz with 64MB RAM, 128MB preferred and 4Gb HDD. Having performed a number of tests on various hardware I would recommend a Pentium III 500Mhz with 128MB RAM (256MB preferred), 10Gb HDD, 12Speed CD-ROM, 15" CRT (17" preferred) CRT or 15" Panel as the minimum. 'WINTEL' obviously want you to go out and by the latest Pentium 4 - at least that is what they kept banging on at the launch on the SouthBank in London. Check the Hardware compatibility list on the MS website to see if your hardware will be suitable. Manufacturer websites should also be checked and downloading the latest 2000/xp drivers is always useful. I have found using a Manufacturer's driver solves more problems than the MS version.

<< Software >>

Although there is a new 'compatibility' feature within XP, there have been a numbe
r of compatibility issues reported, general advice is to check the manufacturer websites and download what you need. The main products to worry about are your Office suite (Wordprocessor, spreadsheet etc.) Antivirus, games.

I have seen that as of this date (09 Nov 2001) MS-Works 2001 is not compatible with XP.

<< The Upgrade >>

Good preparation is the key to a successful upgrade: -

1. Backup your current environment, at very least ensure you backup your data and have your original installation disks (CDs) available in case all goes pear shaped. I use Symantec GHOST to take an Image of the disk/partition I am about to upgrade; restoring the PC to a previous OS is a lot faster. Using an Disk imaging utility such as GHOST gives to the option of performing a clean install of XP, yes XP is more expensive using this route, however I have had more reliable upgrades using this method.

2. Ensure you have checked through the Hardware and Software compatibility lists.

3. Download all the required upgrades; copy to floppy or burn to a CD before you kick off the upgrade. Err on the side of caution.

4. Read the Manual, I know this is usually last resort, but do it anyway - that includes you techies out there.

5. Check the newsgroups and support sites for known issues and solutions.

Once you have done all this and checked it at least twice, go for it.

<<< CONCLUSION >>>

Windows XP is an excellent Operating System that brings together home and business under what is essentially the same environment. I would have preferred that the Home and Professional editions had been combined at a lower cost. Before deciding on upgrading to this product, do a little research and answer a few basic questions: -

1. Is my basic PC hardware suitable? Read above

2. Is my applications compatible, check on the websites?
- Office suite
- AntiVirus Software


3. Is all my peripherals compatible, check the Hardware Compatibility Lists and manufacturer websites?

4. What benefits would I get from upgrading now?

5. Am I comfortable upgrading?

If you cannot answer 'Yes' to these questions, I would recommend that you don't bother. Save your pennies and buy a new PC with XP preinstalled and save yourself the hassle.

If you are running Windows 95, a new machine is called for. Windows NT4 you may need a new PC check the minimum spec and HCL. Windows 98, again you may need a new PC, check the minimum spec and HCL. Windows ME, your hardware is probably OK. If you think you would benefit from XPs advanced features, or you want a more stable environment go for it, otherwise wait until you upgrade your hardware. Windows 2000, again - your hardware is probably OK. If you think you would benefit from XPs advanced features, go for it; otherwise wait until you upgrade your hardware.

<< THE COSTS >>

All prices are in GBP (£) incl VAT, delivery extra.

XP Home Upgrade 85 from 98 & ME only
XP Pro Upgrade 160
XP Home New Install 165
XP Pro New Install 240
XP Plus Pack 30 extra games and utilities

128MB PC133 RAM from 15.00
256Mb PC133 RAM from 20.00
10Gb IDE HDD

New PC System Approx 500
P900 Celeron, 128Mb RAM,
20Gb HDD,15" CRT XP Home etc.


New PC System Approx 900
1.7GHz Pentium 4, 256Mb RAM,
40GB HDD, 17"CRT, XP Pro etc


<< What did I do? >>

Well, did I? Didn't I? Will I or Won't I?

You are probably asking these questions, so I shall tell you the answers: -

At work, after much discussion, We will be continuing our 2000 roll out and review XP or its successor in 12-18 months time

At home, although my hardware/software suite are Ok,I am perfectly happy with Windows 2000pro and don't require
XP. In the future I may upgrade my hardware and buy XP as part of the deal. Linux is being looked at as an alternative and certainly StarOffice to replace MS-Office97.


<< An Ending >>

To those of you who have read all of this Opinion, congratulations and well done! I hope you find my ramblings useful in some way.

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