Windows XP - A Non-Technical User's Perspective
Written: Dec 12 '01 (Updated Dec 13 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stable, boots quickly, improved user interface, handy applications
Cons: Some peripherals may not be supported yet
The Bottom Line: Windows XP is faster and more stable than previous versions of Windows. I recommend it.
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| Kris.'s Full Review: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (N09-00048) For ... |
I've bought a few computers in my days, and I have a pretty good idea of what to expect from a new operating system. When I bought a new computer with Windows XP I expected compatibility problems, and endless minor glitches that would need to be patched. I expected to find that the claims of increased stability and speed were mainly hype. But, I think Microsoft might have got it right this time.
Startup and Shutdown
Windows XP boots very quickly, in about 1/3 the time it takes my other computer that runs Windows 98. It offers a Fast User Switching option which also saves time. Shutdown was not noticibly faster on my system.
The Desktop
The new desktop looks different, and I immediately started looking for the settings that would make it look like the classic Windows interface. Call me old-fashioned. But after a few minutes I switched it back and decided to give the new interface a try.
The Start button is more functional in this version. It has everything the old version had, and also icons for recently used programs and multimedia files.
The icon tray will now hide inactive programs, so the area is not so cluttered. Items in the taskbar are also grouped to reduce clutter.
I played around with the display, and found the 'ClearType' setting which significantly improved the way fonts look on my flatpanel display. There are new backgrounds and screen savers.
Compatibility
Hardware
When I brought my new CPU home and started adding my old hardware and peripherals, I was surprised to find that I did not need to install a single driver. By the time I plugged in the hardware and grabbed the driver disk, a bubble popped up in the system tray saying that it had been installed automatically.
Software
If you have software that is not compatible with Windows XP but does work in older versions of Windows, you can use the Program Compatibility Mode to make the programs function properly. (Note that it should not be used for system tools, virus checkers, or any other program that might make changes to system files.)
Multiple User Accounts
There has been a vast improvement in the way this version of Windows handles multiple users. I was dreading setting up the user accounts, due to problems I encountered in Windows 98. In the older operating systems, when you installed new software it would put certain files only in the active user's folders, so you had to install it separately for each user's account. Windows XP managed to install correctly the first time.
Useful Accessory Programs
As with every new version, Microsoft had added some small applications to this operating system. While they don't have the features of the commercial versions, they do add functionality for free.
Easier CD Burning
Microsoft has included a basic cd burning utility in this version. Using the Windows Explorer, simply drag the files onto the CD Drive and choose the 'Write these files to CD' option.
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
This is used to copy all your old files and personalized settings to and from new computers.
System Restore
This allows you to restore your computer to a previous point. It's useful if a software installation causes problems in your system.
Firewall
This firewall is very limited, but it does make you computer less visible to the outside world.
Remote Assistant
This allows other people to connect to your computer and troubleshoot problems.
Product Activation
Once you install Windows XP you must activate it within 30 days. This controversial feature was added to prevent people from using illegal copies. It does not require you to submit personal information, and Microsoft does allow you to make significant hardware changes without it being flagged as a new system.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Kris.
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Location: Austin, TX
Reviews written: 27
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