It really is just a matter of point of view.............

I'm running 98 because it was on the HD itself when I installed it.

Win2k never gave me any problems, haven't had the need to reformat ever since I installed it in late 1999. Unless something comes out that I'll absolutely want to use and it won't run on win2k, then maybe I'll upgrade to XP, otherwise, I see no reason whatsoever.

Hum, from what I read about the Win9x emulator that will ship with XP, it still will not be compatible with everything. So I would still need a dual boot anyway, like I do now to play the few games that won't work un 2k (actually, only my Tomb Raider games don't work, and it's the only reason I keep the dual boot - everything else works fine).
So, nope. It's not a reason enough to spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade. Anything else?

XP is really just cosmetic "enhancements" of 2k along with all the Hailstorm crap where you basically give all your personal information (including credit card number) to Microsoft so you can retrieve it from other device (and so other people can also retrieve it from anywhere!!!!) Yeah right.

One other improvement (that is not an improvement for home users) is the ability to logout and have all your programs still running. Then have someone else log in whilest those same programs are still running for the first user. This feature is great for me at work.!

Well I have been running 2495 of XP Pro, and seems stable.

I haven't tested the intigrated Cd burning that windows XP has though, But yes it has a great amount of changes to the way windows Looks. [No] not on about Luna before anyone thinks..


The way the Control Panel has been changed looks pretty nice, and you still have access to the old style Control Panel. Or use the Categorised View.

The changes also can be seen in the way you view items in windows Explorer too, either as tiled or iconised or thub nail views on items in explorer.

while this is a superfical improvment, the way you now handle files seems more friendlier too.? Viewing graphics files as many of us do, is more easier too, as the Picture prieview is already in Windows Me and 2000, you may think well how much better can it be? but I find the new layout for viewing these files more better than before.

The start Menu I like the idea of putting recently used programs on the start menu along with My computer etc, is a neat idea.

As for speed, nope I dont think XP is too hot on this, but this also depends on what performance options you chose for your PC.

You will find there are different performance levels XP can work at. You can put more performance into the system Cache or to Execute programs faster. etc.

Other nice features I find is the Log off part of it..yes it is pretty cool logging off and still having your session still 'Active' while some one else uses the PC. most other things seem to be visual improvements such as antialising. Better organised Short cut links, and a few other things.

All I can say is if your used to Win2000, and like it, then stay with it ! But if your like a lot of people, who like to try new things out then Try it out.

a- hem Paxx,

You can ALSO change the appearance of Windows XP to the normal classic view of Windows 9x. You dont HAVE TO use the new Start Menu at ALL !! choose the Windows classic theme, and you will see everything as it is in Windows 9x or win2k. including the old style start Menu too.

..That depend on which side of the fence you sit on paxx..

If you happen to be a business then I believe Microsoft are forcing businesses to upgrade, Fortunately for Home users we dont have to do that Well As I said before if your happy with what you have then there is no need to change it

But the thing is, people have the wrong idea thinking that the Pro version of XP is not any different from Windows 2000. It does have some improved features over Windows 2000. But it depends on how much you need the new OS I guess, if win2k does everything you need already, then stay with it

LONG LIVE TO W2K!!!!

Well, I got RC1 about a week ago and put it straight over 2K Pro. I will be upgrading if my crack doesn't work that long .....

Anyway, to be honest I think XP is to 2k as ME is to 98. ie, not that much difference on the surface but when you go back you miss all those little extra's they put in. One of the major things for me is the integrated CD burning, works like a dream and is a god send when you are forever downloading and saving it to CD to free up HD space. It's slightly sluggish compared to 2K, but it's RC not final and if you get compatibility at the sacrifice of a tiny amount of speed that's fine by me. Explorer is IMMENSELY better now, the customisation of file views is amazing compared to anything previous. I have had no probs with any games, or my music apps like Acid and FruityLoops...... The one thing I'd be wary of at the moment is using anykind of tweaking utility as I've buggered it up using 98 tweakers I agree with all points made by Tarkus as well plus the integration of WindowBlinds is kick ass !!!!!!

Finally I would like to point out that the home version is what most people will be buying and compared to 95/98SickPuppy that most 'ordinary' home users are used to this WILL be a major upgrade. As most of us here could be called power users I think we forget that the average Joe will find it a hugely useful upgrade from a stability viewpoint alone ! And for these average Joe's I don't think WPA will be a major headache because most of them don't upgrade and just keep their PC's for 5 years or more b4 thinking about just buying a newer one.......

Just my thoughts

I plan to upgrade, if for no other reason then to keep my computer skills current. Right now, I have 98. Windows ME didn't have any new features that I really needed, and Microsoft announced that Windows XP was coming out a long time ago, so I never upgraded to ME.

Regarding the "... if you like Luna, you can get it with WindowBlinds..." comment. I like WindowBlinds, but there are just enough inconsistencies with it and how I'm use to working that I prefer not to run it... most of the time... Like flashing IM messages no longer flash on the taskbar when I'm running it. Little things like that are enough to keep me from running it full time.

And regarding the new Windows Help feature: I ran into an issue, and in the past I *never* use help. Since there's so little actual documentation regarding technicial issues with WinXP on the Web I decided to use Windows Help, and it worked! Twice now! So I have to say that I'm quite impressed with Help also

Oh Paxx, you are a stuborn one aren't you

Yep, system restore is hugely improved and makes no performance hit at all AND the major thing now is you can delete all restore points except the latest one, recovering a large amount of disc space.

OK, the built in CD burining is way better than Direct CD. No formatting, no special eject commands, no finalizing the disc. It's virtually identical to copying to floppy or zip but takes slightly longer obviously, depending on your CD-R speed. To be able to copy straight from explorer without opening Nero is way faster for me anyways and I'm certain it'll be a big hit with most home users who find normal CD burning complicated.

MS have stated that Media Player 8 is gonna be XP only and that there won't be downloads available.... although I think that will probably change.... besides you can get RC2 for Win2K at a number of sites already.....

Explorer, I don't think IE6 is that much of an improvement, what I was talking about was Windows File Explorer, huge improvements and functionality.......

As for the start menu and Luna, I think this friendlier look is gonna be the biggest draw for gullible consumers....... 'Oh look, isn't that lovely, looks much less like work now !' is how one person I showed XP commented....

Yep, a lot of the graphical touches are nice, shadowed icon text, fading taskbar, fade to grey on shutdown etc........ again, a pull for the 'average' home user.....

The 'Help and Support Centre' really are useful at last, unlike the ME one which I could NEVER get to work even on a clean install..... PLUS you can get online assistance via proffesionals, friends etc which sounds like a good idea, ie you can get someone to connect up to your machine and go through it if you're not tech savvy.....

Files and settings transfer allows you to easily take all you settings etc to a different machine, basically you can migrate to other PC's and keep your looks, layout and work etc

Built in ZIP, haven't used it but saves having to register WinZip or one of the others....

The compatibility modes work well, I know that for a fact as I have a number of progs that i can't run without setting them to Win98 mode.....

As for the faster boots claim, this is actually the slowest Windows I have ever had for booting.....

Oh and as you obviously haven't been paying attention to the tech news sites, new PC's will be shipping with XP from mid September, maybe even earlier so you may well get it. And even if you don't most places are issuing free upgrade vouchers if you buy a new PC anytime soon.