The several features of Windows Me. Do you need them?
Written: Sep 10 '00 (Updated Sep 11 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stable, user-friendly, easy restore capabilities
Cons: some new features require fast Internet connection
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| DrDad's Full Review: Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Media Only) ... |
Included here two reviews of Windows Me. I have updated my original review with more information and important links for anyone considering buying Windows Me to upgrade or having Windows Me installed on their new computer. The first review was meant to be informative, but tongue-in-cheek humorous, the second review is plain, but more detailed. Both reviews focus on non-technical aspects of Windows Me.
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Original Review: Microsoft wants me to update my review of Windows Me!
I had just finished typing my review of Windows ME when Microsoft called. Yes, Microsoft. They said they wanted to talk to me about my review. I thought this might be a prank call, so I punched "record" on my answering machine in case I needed to report it to the police. It turns out it wasn't a prank call, but really was Microsoft and they were calling because they weren't satisfied with my review of Windows ME. Here is the transcript of the call.
Hello
Hello, DrDad. This is Microsoft. We are calling about the review you wrote of our new operating system, Windows ME.
What? I just finished the review and haven't even put it online yet. How do you know about it?
We are Microsoft, sir. We know things. We would like you to make some changes to your review.
Changes!?! What's wrong with it? You know I'm recommending that people get it.
Yes, and that pleases us. However, you mainly talk about the system restore utility and how it should be used.
That's right. I describe how System Restore should be used to create "Restore Checkpoints" before any new software/hardware is installed. I discuss how installation programs sometimes make unwanted changes to the system that could negatively affect performance and that by faithfully using System Restore before new programs are installed, the user is safeguarding against disaster. I then go into detail about my experiences when I tested the System Capture and System Restore utility. I tell the reader that the whole process was amazingly simple and essentially foolproof.
In my opinion, I think that is a pretty good review.
We are Microsoft. Your opinion is irrelevant. We want you to assimilate more information in your review. Specifically, we want you to discuss the other features of Windows ME.
Like what?
You need to get pen and paper so you can take notes on what we want. There should be some in your desk in the second drawer down on the left.
Thank.. Hey! How did you know that?
We are Microsoft. We know things. Prepare to assimilate the following information into your review.
What information?
You need to discuss the new Windows Media Player. Specifically, tell the reader that it contains (1) a CD player utility that allows you to play, arrange tracks, and copy CDs to your computer, (2) a Radio Tuner that allows you to locate and listen to radio stations via your Internet connection, (3) a Media Library that allows you to organize all of your audio and video clips on your computer, and allows you to organize links to media on the Internet, (4) a Media Guide that is an Internet magazine of movie clips, music tracks and video, and (5) a Skin chooser that allows the user to personalize the appearance of the Fascinating Windows Media Player.
Um. You want me to put all that in my review? Well, can I also tell them that I personally found the Radio Tuner and Media Guide useless because of my slow Internet connection? Can I tell them that I found navigation of the Media Library a little confusing at first? Can I tell them that unless you have a DSL or Cable connection, the Windows Media Player isn't much more than a glorified CD player?
No, you may not include any of those comments in your review. You DO need to include, though, the following information about the Windows Movie Maker. Tell them that it contains a Scanner/Camera wizard to help transfer pictures to the computer. Also indicate that movie clips and still images can be edited with ease.
OK, look. I used the Movie Maker and I will grant that when I started it, it did automatically detect my Logitech QuickCam as the input device. However, after recording a 30 second clip, I DID NOT find editing it intuitive. Instead, I had to review the somewhat helpful tour that you provide. I think I could easily figure it out with a little time, though.
Again, your comments are irrelevant. Simply include the information we provide and do not elaborate about your unique experiences. Finally, here are some other details we would like you to assimilate into your review.
1. We have included Internet games.
2. We provide detailed instructions on how to create a home network of shared files, printers and Internet connection.
3. Windows ME will automatically update itself by connecting to the collective Microsoft network while you are online.
4. We have improved the Help system and included several how-to tours for common tasks.
5. We have a new, improved version of Internet Explorer.
6. We have increased the Start Up and Shut Down speeds.
I can't put all that information in my review! It will be too long. Besides, if I may comment on those points...
1. I don't play Internet games so I will never use those.
2. Your "How to Network" tour was useful and detailed for people who want to network their home, but most people won't need it because they only have one computer.
3. That automatic update seems to slow down my connection (I think).
4. I'll grant that the help files and tours are more user friendly, but there was still some trial and error learning in every task that I have done so far.
5. Your new version of IE often shuts down on me with the error "Cannot find MSHTMLED.DLL".
5. This one I'll grant free and clear. Start up and shut down are much faster.
Anyway, my point is this. I like Windows ME. Mainly, I like the System Restore utilities which protect my system automatically and allow me to save my system at desired points before I do something that could possibly mess it up. I know that Windows ME has been more stable for me than was Windows 98 on my old computer. In my review, I will highly recommend that people buying a new computer have it come with Windows ME. I'll even recommend that people install it over their old operating system, IF they are having several problems with their old OS. But if their current operating system isn't giving them a lot of errors, then I don't really see the need to upgrade to Windows ME. I will be pleased to give a positive review of Windows ME, but I don't see the need to add all the information you gave me.
Again, your comments are irrelevant. Simply include the information we provided in your review. Furthermore, you must do so in a unique and colorful way that will grab readers' attention. We would like for your review to help us assimilate other individuals in to the Microsoft collective.
I don't like you telling me what to do. What if I don't do what you say?
We will come to your house and break three of your fingers.
You'll WHAT!!
We will break three of your fingers. But don't worry, we'll choose three that you don't need anymore, now that you are using Windows ME.
What three fingers will you choose?
The three that you use to hit Control-Alt-Delete. With Windows ME, you shouldn't need those anymore.
OK fine, I'll think about it. But I really think you are asking a lot. I'm not sure I want to go along with you.
We are Microsoft. Resistance if futile.
Yeah, whatever. Goodbye. <click>
Well fellow epinionators, that's my story. I was all ready to recommend Windows ME to you, with a few caveats, when Microsoft called. Now, I have to find a way to include in my review all the information listed above, AND I have to do it in a unique and colorful way, or Microsoft will break three of my fingers. I hope you will understand, then, why I have decided NOT to review Windows ME at all.
I just don't think I'm up to the task.
DrDad
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Updated review
[Update: 10 hours after posting this review]
Well, Microsoft didn't come and break any of my fingers for writing the above review (yes, it was meant to be a review). Something worse happened. Five people gave it a Recommended. I find this totally unacceptable.
Don't get me wrong. I hold nothing against those who R'd the review instead of HR'ing it. I highly respect their standards. Their ratings are doing exactly what ratings are supposed to do...encourage excellence. And I'm going to do exactly what I'm supposed to do...strive for excellence. That is, I am adding the information below in hopes of ending up with a review that will benefit anyone considering Windows ME. My full review (above and below) may still be worthy of less than an HR to some or many, but I will be able to rest knowing that I provided as much information as I have.
Let me start with a few disclaimers:
1. The story above was meant to be funny. It was not meant as a bash against ME. Remember, I am recommending Windows ME (under certain circumstances).
2. Humor works best when people get the joke. Much of the humor above requires being a "Star Trek" fan, which everyone isn't. I apologize if that just made the story confusing.
3. I had Windows ME installed on my system by Dell before it was shipped to me. Therefore, regretfully I cannot speak to the ease of installation over another OS. However, at the end of this update I address installation with some recommendations.
Here's a clearer review of Windows ME.
Background
I just purchased a Dell 4100 and had the option of choosing Windows 98se or Windows ME as the installed operating system. I chose ME in order to avoid some known problems with Windows 98se (specifically, there is a know shutdown bug that keeps the system from shutting down properly. In the review of my Dell, I explain how this problem can be fixed). I was somewhat hesitant to order Windows ME as it is a brand new OS. However, reviews I read here and in several PC magazines suggested it should not be problematic.
Initial Differences
I use both Windows 95 and 98 at home and work, and I actually see very little surface differences between Windows ME and the previous versions. Users who are hesitant to go to Windows ME for fear of having to learn a new OS should set aside their concerns. The transition was easy and the noticeable differences are generally welcome.
One difference is how the START-PROGRAMS menu functions. In 95/98, when you access START-PROGRAMS, you see a list of all available programs and must scroll through this list to get to the one you want. Experienced users have shortcuts for accessing frequently used programs, but the average user probably scrolls through every time. The change in Windows ME is that now the START-PROGRAMS menu only lists recently accessed programs (with an arrow which can be selected to see all the programs). Given that my system at work has about 100 programs in the PROGRAM list, I think this is a welcome feature that many users will appreciate.
That is, so far, the only visible difference (between 95, 98, and ME) I have found in navigating ME.
The Features of Windows ME
I would like to start with the Help Section and Tutorials. In the story above, I indicate they are "somewhat helpful." That was, perhaps, too harsh. As I tried to indicate above, Windows ME comes with a variety of media tools which one must learn how to use. To indicate my experience with these tutorials, I have sat through the entire Windows ME tutorial at least three times, and specifically searched for and examined several additional tutorials. My evaluation? The Windows ME Help section and tutorials are significantly better than in previous versions. However, do not expect to sit through any of the tutorials and learn how to do everything. For each utility that I tested (i.e., Media Player, Movie Maker, System Restore, etc.) there was some trial and error and confusion on the part of the user. I am not trying to be critical of the help sections/tutorials, as I do not expect them to explain every detail. I am just trying to warn the potential buyer that, as with all programs, there is a learning curve.
Moving on to the Media Player, I stand by my criticism above that some of its features are only beneficial if you have a fast Internet connection. Specifically, the Media Guide and Radio Tuner slowed down my system (due to my phone line's inability to connect at anything faster than 26,400). If I were heavily into music/video/movie information over the Internet, AND had a fast connection, I would find these two utilities useful. The CD functions on the Media Player are what you would expect (skip, shuffle, etc.), and it has a guide (buttons) for copying your music to the computer or a portable device. The 12 skins (customizable appearance) of the Media Player are fun, and more skins are available online.
Because I am not into music on my computer (I have a stereo system in the room), I personally will not be using this utility. However, after exploring it in some detail, I feel that someone who IS into music on their computer will like the Player and be able to use its multiple features maximally.
The Movie Maker is somewhat user-friendly, and those with digital cameras or webcams will possibly enjoy making/editing videos to share with others. I suspect, however, that anyone interested in making/editing videos on their computer will already have software which does what they want and with which they are already familiar. So the Movie Maker may be intended for those who have never worked with digital media, and I believe that that population of users will find the Movie Maker functional (again, though, expect a learning curve).
Microsoft Picture It! is a utility that I failed to mention in the story above. This is Microsoft's photo editing software. My wife and I have already used this several times. She made two cards with photos of the children on backgrounds with added images and text. I used it to touch up some digital photos. Some key features include Red Eye Removal, Brightness, Tint, and Sharpen. I found the features to work neither better nor worse than any other photo editing software I have used.
Finally, we get to the reason to get Windows ME, if you are going to get it. System Restore is a utility that allows you to take a "snapshot" of your system settings before you make any changes (install new programs or hardware, change system settings) that could hurt your system. If the changes you make are detrimental, System Restore can be used to restore the settings to the snapshot (or any other Restore Point). Using this utility is essentially fool proof. It only requires a few clicks to save a restore point, and only a few more clicks to restore to a point. I am pleased with the sense of security this utility gives me when I make changes to my system.
I almost forgot Internet Explorer 5.5. Several times (mainly when I had three or more browser windows open) I would get an error "Cannot find some.dll" and either the one browser window would close, or IE would close. At no time did these errors shut down Windows. Other than this, I haven't noticed any difference between 5.5 and the older version I use at school.
Slightly more technical matters
Windows ME is based on the same code as Windows 95/98. This is a different code than was used for Windows NT and its successor, Windows 2000. You may be wondering whether you should go with Windows 2000 or Window ME. Because I have never used nor even seen Windows 2000, I cannot speak to its features. I have read in several trusted computer magazines that it is more stable than ME. However, those same magazines have suggested to me that 2000 is more for business use and ME is more for home use. I personally have found ME to be very stable (no errors at all other than in IE), and can highly recommend it as an operating system for you.
Should you get Windows ME?
Even though I did not install ME over an existing OS (95/98), I have some thoughts about the appropriate circumstances under which you should buy Windows ME.
1. If you are buying a new computer, I strongly recommend you have Windows ME installed (if they even give you the option. Eventually, it will come installed whether you want it or not). I had the option of choosing ME or 98, and I am pleased I chose ME. Stability and security (regarding crashes) have been its high points for me.
2. If you are having frequent crashes under your current OS, AND you have the preferred hardware requirements, then I recommend you buy Windows ME and install it, with the following caveat. If you have never installed an operating system, find someone who has and have them help you. I have read of installations that went without a single hitch, and of ones that produced multiple errors that the average user would not be able to figure out how to resolve. BTW, the minimum system requirements are a 150 Mhz processor, 32 Meg RAM, and 320 Megs of hard drive space. I am sure you will want at least 64 megs of ram and preferably 128 for improved performance.
3. If your operating system is functioning well, but you would like to have the utilities that come with Windows ME (Media Player, Movie Maker, etc.), then I recommend you keep your current OS and simply download the Windows Media Player from the Microsoft web site (it will not work in Windows 95, thought) and look for other specialized programs that perform the functions you want. I do not recommend buying an operating system for its add-ons. The reason to buy/install Windows ME over your current OS is if you want/need the stability (that I have found) and the security of System Restore.
Windows ME or Windows 2000?
I haven't seen Windows 2000, but I have read that it is very similar in appearance to Windows ME (actually, that Windows ME is based, in appearance, on Windows 2000). Several sources (both in print and from personal communication I have had with Windows 2000 users) suggest that Windows 2000 is more stable than Windows ME. However, I get the feeling that Windows 2000 is for more advanced users. In other words, if you have to ask Windows ME or 2000, perhaps the answer is Windows ME. I can highly recommend ME to you if your are buying new, or have decided to upgrade your OS. If you consider yourself an advanced user, or are willing to do some research, Windows 2000 may be the OS for you.
Here is a link to PC Magazines review of the new features of Windows 2000.
http://www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/stories/main/0,5594,2430571,00.html
Windows ME or wait until the next version (Whistler)?
Unless you are getting a new system, or are thoroughly dissatisfied with your current OS's stability, I recommend you wait. I don't find ME to be that much better than a good, working version of Windows 98. The add-ons (IE 5.5 and Windows media player) can be downloaded to use with Windows 98, and similar add-ons can be found elsewhere. If you don't have to upgrade your OS immediately, then wait. If you do have to upgrade, Windows ME is a good choice.
Additional links to help you with your decision
PCMagazine's Windows ME installation guide
http://www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/stories/main/0,5594,2578703,00.html
PCMagazine's Windows ME special report
This link contains several articles on every aspect of Windows ME. Plan to spend a lot of time there if you want to learn a lot about Windows ME.
http://www.zdnet.com/special/filters/reports/0,11414,6016192,00.html
I hope that this addition to my initial review helps you with your decision regarding Windows ME.
Bret
Recommended:
Yes
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