~ME~ Just Had to Have Windows Millennium Edition (ME)
Written: Sep 26 '00 (Updated Sep 26 '00)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: PC Health for more stability
Cons: Time will tell
|
|
|
| Lajeaca's Full Review: Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Media Only) ... |
Did I really need to upgrade to Microsoft’s Windows Millennium Edition (ME)? Probably not. Did I really want to upgrade to ME? I couldn’t resist!
I was a little nervous about upgrading since I had read various articles, epinions, etc. on some of the seeming negative factors of ME. However, I was willing to let ME take the helm on my Dell Optiplex GX1. I have not performed the upgrade on my laptop yet, but it is now only a matter of taking the time to do it since I have had no problems on my PC up to this point after the upgrade to ME. This review is primarily from a non-technical view, and I purchased ME just because I am me, and I like to give meself gifts sometimes.
I was running Windows 98 SE on my PC, so I was able to benefit from the promotional upgrade for Windows 98 users that only cost $49.99, until the advertised limited time of January 15, 2001. That price was certainly affordable I thought. The upgrade lasted approximately 30 minutes and went very smooth.
My Optiplex GX1 has given me by far more problems than my Dell Inspiron laptop has every thought about. I had been hearing about the new feature in ME called PC Health, and how it “could make your computing life easier”, so that was a major plus. It works by basically protecting and restoring system files.
These features have that magical touch of working in the background. The System File Protection prevents files from being deleted or corrupted in order to increase the stability and reliability of the computer. This is also an automatic function that occurs while the computer is idle.
The System Restore wizard can come to the rescue and retrieve earlier saved system states to restore everything to working order by merely putting it back. This feature definitely gives me more peace of mind.
Since I have two computers in my home I have been envisioning the home networking capability. Windows ME has a Home Networking wizard that makes it easier to configure a home network by setting up Internet sharing and by automatically locating the computers and printers. Easier installation is promised when I take on this challenge. This is another reason I purchased ME.
The improved support for audio and video offers very interesting features that will be useful for a lot of people that are into multimedia and online gaming. There is a Windows Image Acquisition, which is a new way for scanners and digital cameras to communicate with the computer. You can also organize your digital pictures in the My Pictures folder and it allows you to use viewing, as well as editing functions.
The Movie Maker allows you to record and edit home movies, copy the edited video to tape, and e/mail it or include it on your Web site.
The Media Player 7 lets you basically view videos and listen to CD’s, as well as the feature of organizing digital video and audio files. This is something that I won’t currently have any use for, but my son will. It also is available as a free download to Windows 98 users from the Microsoft Web site.
ME comes with backgammon, hearts, checkers, reversi and spades that are mainly designed to play over the Internet. One can play these against an online opponent if chosen to. Also, one can chat with their opponents while they are playing. I have not yet tried this feature, but figure I will be in the experimental mode some evening and go for it.
There isn’t a remarkable change in the appearance once you upgrade to ME. You will notice the brand new desktop icons for My Computer, the Recycle Bin, and the Network Neighborhood.. I have also noticed that when I first boot up, I am ready to go within seconds instead of minutes, and I do most appreciate that factor.
I know I could have definitely lived without the upgrade to ME. My hopes are to have made this initial investment with the accepted fact that as improvements to ME are made, I can download these free from the Microsoft Web site.
I also purchased ME with my son in mind. As the holidays approach, the thought is strong with anticipation of his arrival for his two-month visit home. He will love playing with the new multimedia features of ME.
I have had a lot of fun with ME the short time we have gotten to know each other, and I think that anyone that is wanting to attempt to stay cutting edge with technology will truly appreciate Microsoft’s Windows Millennium Edition (ME).
To find out more information on Microsoft’s Windows Millennium Edition (ME) go to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsme/guide/default.asp
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
Lajeaca
|
|
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Reviews written: 74
Trusted by: 178 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.