Not really enough to merit an upgrade.
Written: Oct 30 '00 (Updated Oct 30 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good Networking capabilities
Cons: All upgrades are available for WIndows 98
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| SimonCook's Full Review: Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Media Only) ... |
***One new feature I forgot to mention***
Windows Me introduces an interesting new feature The ability to restore to different points is a very useful feature, however I do question a system that has an in built system for multiple restorations, this begs the question - Do Microsoft expect their system to crash that many times!!!
***
It continues to amaze me that Microsoft continue to publish new versions of Windows every two years. I realize there are a lot of backgoround changes, a lot of bug fixes and some new features, but I don't really see enough to make the new version worth the money.
I was happy enough with Windows 98, it worked well and I was able to Update from their web-site.
This is where I have the biggest problems. Windows Me just seems to be a combination of all the fixes for Windows 98 and additionally, most of the new features are downloadable for Windows 98 anyway. So it seems that they are simply rebundling a product that is already available and earning even more revenue.
So what is new in Windows Me?
Microsoft are continuing to develop for the Internet and the Multi-medea digital world. They have included a variety of software that will enhance the use of products from the intenet or general software. The software includes a good Movie Making package that allows for editing of movies directly from you Recorder (assuming you have the right technology to transfer the video!).
The meda player (v7.0) has some useful features including a list of Multi-Media radio stations available on the web. It also has a cool feature that makes cool graphics as you play an mp3 file.
Internet Explorer v5.5 is bundled with Me, this doesn't give much added functionality compared to v4.0 but clears up a few security loops and generally cleans up the Explorer.
Perhaps the only selling point for me, the rest already being available free on their Windows 98 site, is the Networking capabilities of Windows Me. Although beginners are adviced to get professional help, advanced users will enjoy the ability to network their home PCs, giving you the ability to share software and hardware (such as printers) easily.
You will need all the relevant cables and networks cards, but the process seems fairly easy for most intermediate to advanced users.
Overall
I would not advice many users to update to Windows Me, Windows 98 can be made to perform just as well with all the available updates. Only upgrade if you are serious about installaing a network in your own home.
I found the performance to be similar to Windows 98 with a few products running slower, and some running faster (Internet access seems slightly faster on my machine?!). I realise that I may have to 'tweak' Windows Me, and will add an extra note should I get it to perform well.
I have a Pentium II 366 with 64MB memory and this seems perfectly adequate to run Me, I would not advice a lessor computer to have Me installed.
The installation process is easy, although it takes about 20 minutes even on the fastest computers, I did not have one problem during installation.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
SimonCook
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Member: Simon Cook
Location: Toms River, NJ
Reviews written: 522
Trusted by: 76 members
About Me:
Computer geek with an attitude!
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