I feel safer with Windows XP after having some terrifying experiences using the previous Windows Me (the 2000 edition). BUT at the same time I think that Microsoft seriously needs to take some time to perfect the carelessly overlooked problems that us consumers have to deal with for each version they put out. Ever since Windows 98 I think Microsoft has been going downhill and caring more about how fast they can put out a new version than how much they can improve the content of Microsoft Windows. For instance, did you know that if you use Windows XP without downloading their "ooops we messed up" patch, anyone can gain access to your whole harddrive on your computer? If you go on internet, anyone can obtain all your personal information untill you download Microsofts protection update. I love how they call it an update!

If you upgrade to XP you will have to also upgrade and download a suprising list of programs just so it will be compatible with XP. American online is one of these programs, along with most DVD players, media players, and some internet programs. It sounds easy but after hours of downloading updates, you too will be tired of finding out another program requires an update (or it warns you that it will no longer open). And just when you think this nightmare is over, you must download a bundle of patches from the Microsoft Website to protect your computer from crashing and its security protection from diminishing. Now of course this part is optional, but when Newsweek devotes the cover of its magazine to exploit the severe problems found in Windows XP, you would be eager to fix the problems too. So this is mainly where I feel that XP fails, but along with criticism I have praise.

Windows XP is more user friendly. Computer junkies cant explore and mess around with XP as much as older versions; access is more restricted. But because of this, many people who hardly know how to turn on a computer will find themselves more at ease and less frustrated with this version.

Since upgrading from Windows ME to XP I have been unable to play my old/new computer software games. That really stinks. And since upgrading to the new DVD version, my dvd movies play choppy on the screen. I do not know how to fix these problems yet, and I dont know if they will happen to everybody. But it has been a downside for me.

I do like windows XP because my internet connection has been faster since the upgrade. I do not have an exact explanation for this, but I have concluded that the new version has been able to detect my maximum modem speed. Another thing I like about XP is that it has not crashed on me once and I have not seen the blue screen of death yet, the computer hasn't frozen on me yet like it used to with ME!

XP has its good and bad, but overall I am happy that I upgraded to this version. My only wish is that Microsoft would take more time to perfect their versions like previously stated. Someone needs to scare them and give them serious competition. Is that still possible?

Recommended: Yes