Windows XP
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In the past, Microsoft’s operating systems have been known by most as simply the only OS's available; no matter how many bugs, errors, or faults they have. Only until May 16th, 2001, the release of Win2k Service Pack 2 did a platform of Windows become generally acceptable by all audiences; a pretty damn fine OS at that. However it was still very “NTish” and not many home users were able to take advantage of such a speedy and stable operating system.
Windows XP Review
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Company: Microsoft
Product: Windows XP Professional
Availability: Oct 25, 2001. Pre-order
Price: USD$199 Upgrade $299 Full
Reviewed by: Jason (KaoMAN) K.
Review Date: 9/26/01
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In the past, Microsoft’s operating systems have been known by most as simply the only OS's available; no matter how many bugs, errors, or faults they have. Only until May 16th, 2001, the release of Win2k Service Pack 2 did a platform of Windows become generally acceptable by all audiences; a pretty damn fine OS at that. However it was still very “NTish” and not many home users were able to take advantage of such a speedy and stable operating system.
Renovation:
Microsoft’s next wave of OS's, known as Windows XP, has been destined to finish what 2K couldn’t. By completely renovating the desktop, start menu, start bar, toolbars, and windows to form the Luna Theme, no OS could be friendlier. Of course if you like the basic windows theme, you can revert back to Windows Classic.
Many resource hogging effects of the new Luna theme can be removed straight from the desktop properties. Also the use of third party software including TweakXP and Xteq X-Setup work just as well.
Another enhancement of the start menu is the grouping of tasks which in turn saves space. Many of the new additions make using your computer more fun, more fulfilling and a more helpful experience.
Installation:
Installation of Windows is a piece cake. However, install time has dramatically increased. Whereas Windows 98 only took around half an hour, 2k only 45 minutes, XP takes well over an hour. Still, all that is required of user input is simple information such as names, computer names, workgroups, cdkey, configuring network properties, etc. For inexperienced users dealing with network properties, there is a default “recommended” option that will install protocols/services needed for a basic LAN and internet connection. I would post some screenshots but unfortunately, the print-screen button wasn’t working properly…. q=)
Stability/Security/Protection:
The NT kernel has always been a much more stable core vs. 9x. By making all versions of WinXP use the NT core, it’s only practical to say that the OS will be very stable. And after all these years of development, it definitely shows. My very own experience with it has summed up to no crashes, no corrupted registries, dll’s, or ini’s, and only a very rare couple of program timeouts. And even when the latter occurs, pressing clt+alt+del immediately brings up the processes information tab where you can monitor and end a program with the click of a button.
Microsoft has also included Windows Millennium’s VERY successful/vital feature, System Restore.
Creating and restoring “restore points” is simpler than ever. Third party software can take advantage of it as well, creating restore points at installation just in case something was to go wrong. Another feature WinXP hosts includes a pumped up Windows File Protection.
I got that message, and I have no idea why. Some may interpret that as a good or bad thing. =)
Windows XP now questions you whenever you install drivers which are not “Microsoft Certified” - which can be a lot of drivers… Anyhow, it is all only beneficial. A driver rollback feature helps keep your OS strong and easy to repair if ever necessary.
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