4/8/2003 Update to the original: I haven't updated as I promised. Why? Because I've had nothing to report. XP is consistently stable. I can't remember a crash and I've pushed this machine to the max using multiple applications like Paint Shop Pro, Home Site and Xara webstyle all at the same time. I still like XP and believe it truly extended the life of this 1999 Compaq.
---------

I will update periodically about my experience with Windows XP!

My (Relevant) Configuration Notes:
Compaq Home Desktop(Presario) 5838 (circa late 1999)
BIOS - Phoenix, updated 12/2/99
Processor AMD 500mhz
RAM(memory) 128
CD Rom
CD-RW
Conexant 56k Modem
Sound - Creative Audio PCI
Scanner - Photomaker, circa late 1997 (FYI cheap! old!)
Printer - Lexmark S770 (FYI a troublesome piece of doo-doo)
Former Operating System: W98 2nd Edition

24 Hours after install:
Impression: I could NOT be more pleased! It is like buying a new computer. Everything, including dialup internet access is running faster.

Install Experience:
BE SURE to check your configuration with Windows XP's excellent checker BEFORE you install. Don't just jump in on this one!

When I checked my compatibility, I learned the current driver my Conexant Modem and Logitech Wheel Mouse were not suitable for XP. I went to their website and downloaded and installed the new drivers before installing XP. The modem is now known to the system as Compaq instead of Conexant. Modem works fine. Mouse works noticeably smoother.

Also kicked out as incompatible was the keyboard interface from Compaq. This is the little deal where you can use the buttons on your keyboard to bounce around. There is an XP update on Compaq's site but I haven't installed it, yet. The only buttons I used frequently were the sound control.

My old and clunky scanner did not work and I could not find an update for it. No great loss since I want a new one anyway.

Ring Central Fax software was rejected an incompatible but that's OK by me because Wxp has its own Fax manager. I haven't tried it, yet. With email, I rarely Fax anymore.

Once I dealt with those issues and did a backup of documents, address book, downloads, etc., AND made note of all connection settings, I upgraded (not a new install.) Everything is still there except the address book from Outlook Express. (I plan to recover that later.) The install took a little under one hour.

The new activation of software is to prevent(slow down) software piracy. That's OK by me, too, because we all pay in the end for theft whether it is shoplifting or software "sharing."

The dialup connection to my ISP (Fuse.net Cincinnati) did not work right off. I recreated it very simply from my notes.

INCREASED PERFORMANCE is the top of my LOVE-IT list and there is so much that I like I'll just hit the highlights:
1) Internet Explorer 6.0 (included) is wonderful.
2) XP comes with a Firewall. Having been recently hacked, I love that! (And NO annoying, complicated setups like McAfee. Although, it probably is just above the average user's expertise. Someone comment on that!) It slowed connection down to the internet only a little - I can live with that!
3) Smoooooth! Baby, the interfaces work so smoothly together it is like buttah!
4) The help text is great. Some of it is the old stuff but the new stuff is actually helpful!
5) FAST boot up and shutdown! And no more reboot when you change a setting!
6) EASY multiple user logons. Each with their own settings.
7) Outlook Express 6.0(included) is not noticeably different than 5.0 but it interfaces cleanly and smoothly now.
8) Switching back to classic Windows is offered often and only when you want it. When I hit an area that looked foreign, I was able to switch back to classic view in order to orient myself. GREAT option during this transition.
9) Consistent interface. I have heard about this for years from Mr. Gates. Here it is! I do like it. I didn't expect to be impressed.

I will write more as events occur. Right now, I am thoroughly impressed! I've hated EVERY transition prior to this. This UPGRADE TO WINDOWS XP WAS WORTH EVERY HOUR I SPENT ON IT!!!






Recommended: Yes