My name is Ollie, I'm English, and I enjoy making videos and designing!
My name is Ollie, I'm English, and I enjoy making videos and designing!
Member since:18.05.2005
Reviews:15
Video reviews:3
Members who trust:4
Microsoft's new operating system, Windows XP, has many new features from previous operating systems, including 98, 2000 (ME) and 95. It has a new design, added security and can support more software than ever before.
--- Design --- As many users will know, Windows XP has a new look. I prefer this look, and even if it may seem unusual to you at first, you soon adapt to the rounded edges, colour schemes and layout of the system.
--- Security --- With the addition of Service Pack 2 (SP2), there are now many features which protect you from viruses and hackers, including Windows Firewall, Virus Protection and Automatic Updates, which make sure that you are ready for any hacks and viruses.
Unfortunately, hackers do now target Windows XP, so it is ideal to buy an anti-virus program, such as Norton Antivirus, and get a firewall, such as Norton Firewall. ZoneAlarm's free firewall is also good.
--- Ease of Use --- Windows XP is extremely easy to use, with everything laid out in logical and useful orders. One of the main aspects is the
Control Panel, which you can switch views from Classic (similar to Windows 98), to Category View, and vice-versa.
Programs run just as before, and you can launch programs by opening up the Start Menu, and clicking on the 'All Programs' tab.
I found that Windows XP, after upgrading from 98, was extremely easy to get used to and that some aspects of the operating system were even easier to use than ever before.
--- Compatibility --- Windows XP supports the largest range of products to run on it, and also includes applications to make many programs (prehaps from 95 or 98 computers) work on XP.
The programs run efficiently, and without any hassle, as most software developers develop applications to run mainly for Windows XP.
There were many programs I have installed that say that they will only run on 98, but actually run on XP too!
--- Manufacturer Support --- The manufacturer support is very reliable and useful. They provide free updates to all owners of legal copies of Windows XP and are continually searching for faults.
One way they do this is from information sent in from users, so when a program 'Makes an Illegal operation', it asks for you to send in information about this fault and they work out a way to stop it from occuring again, in patches sent to users.
One problem with their support, though, is contacting them personally. It is hard to get a reply, so you'd be best off phoning them with the number provided, rather than emailing them.
--- About the packages --- To start off with, if you want to use Microsoft Windows XP, your system must fit the following requirements:
• PC with 300 megahertz or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233 MHz minimum required (single or dual processor system);* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended • 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features) • 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space* • Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor • CD-ROM or DVD drive • Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
You will also need:
For Internet access:
• Some Internet functionality may require Internet access, a Microsoft. NET Passport account, and payment of a separate fee to a service provider; local and/or long-distance telephone toll charges may apply, • 14.4 Kbps or higher-speed modem,
For networking:
• Network adapter appropriate for the type of local-area, wide-area, wireless, or home network you wish to connect to, and access to an appropriate network infrastructure; access to third-party networks may require additional charges,
For networking:
• Network adapter appropriate for the type of local-area, wide-area, wireless, or home network you wish to connect to, and access to an appropriate network infrastructure; access to third-party networks may require additional charges,
For voice and video conferencing, both need:
• 33.6 Kbps or higher-speed modem, or a network connection, • Microphone and sound card with speakers or headset,
For video conferencing, both parties also need:
• Video conferencing camera • Windows XP
For application sharing, both parties also need:
• 33.6 Kbps or higher-speed modem, or a network connection • Windows XP
For remote assistance:
• Both parties must be running Windows XP and be connected by a network
• DVD drive and DVD decoder card or DVD decoder software • 8 MB of video RAM
For Windows Movie Maker:
• Video capture feature requires appropriate digital or analog video capture device • 400-MHz or higher processor for digital video camera capture
It is unlikely that you will need all these things anyway, so don't worry if you don't have an internet connection or a DVD player, these are just extra things that allow you to do more with your computer. You DO have to have all the things in the System Requirements part, though, otherwise the computer won't work very well.
--- Which package? --- You are now probrably wandering whether you should get Home or Professional. To be completely honest, you don't really need Professional, it's just got a few extra features, but comes at a much higher price. I have XP Home and I use the computer for business, and it works completely fine.
But when it comes to upgrading that's different. You must be completely sure that the current operating sytem can be upgraded to XP. Please look below for information about this.
Upgrading to Windows XP Home: Windows 3.1 - NO Any Evaluation Version - NO Any Server Version - NO Windows 95 - NO Windows 98/Windows 98 SE - YES Windows Me - YES Windows NT 3.51 - NO Windows NT 4.0 - NO Windows 2000 Professional - NO
Upgrading to Windows XP Professional: Windows 3.1 - NO Any Evaluation Version - NO Any Server Version - NO Windows 95 - NO Windows 98/Windows 98 SE - YES Windows Me - YES Windows NT 3.51 - NO Windows NT 4.0 - YES Windows 2000 Professional - YES Windows XP Home - YES (but unneeded!)
You can only upgrade from Microsoft Windows Products, not Linux.
--- About Service Pack 2 (SP2) --- SP2 adds a whole range of features to Windows XP. To start off with, it has a load of security features (as talked about earlier). It also has a popup blocker and Windows Security Center. It looks after your privacy, and warns you if a program from the internet is going to run on your computer. It also supports more programs.
The downside to SP2 is it can slow your computer down. It is advisable to install SP2, though.
You don't need to buy SP2 or a copy of Windows XP with SP2 already on it, as you can get it cheaper without it. You can download it from Microsoft's website at: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.aspx
--- Prices (RRP) --- Windows XP Home - $199.00 / £148.99 - Upgrade - $99.99 / £89.99 Windows XP Professional - $299.99 / £269.99 - Upgrade - $199.99 / £151.99 (There are other rates for students)
--- Overall --- Overall I think that Microsoft Windows XP is a reliable, easy to use piece of software for use at home and in the office.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Nice review, but a lot of tech information seems to have been copied. Nevertheless, the rest of it is well-written.
sandemp 05.06.2005 00:39
Sorry for the lower rating but there are a few (well more than a few things) that you seem to have missed out, such as : why you would want to buy the complete package as opposed to an upgrade or OEM, how easy is it to install (and what specs does your computer need to reach). also what differences are there between SP1 and SP2 or even earlier versions of Windows, and you give the impression anti-virus is included and it's not. Basically, an OS is such a huge product that there is much, much more you could have told us about it.
N09-02215 - Windows XP Home Edition gives you the freedom to experience more than you ever ... more
thought possible with your computer and the Internet. This is the operating system home users have been waiting for-because it offers serious stability, so you c...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 1-3 Working Days Depending on Service...
Advantages: internet Explorer 6, Windows Media Player 8, More Reliable, Compatible with nearly everything, it looks and feels great, Totally Customizible Disadvantages: Costs around £75
very helpful by (50%):
helpful by (33%):
somewhat helpful by (17%):
