Sometimes the measure of friendship isn't your ability to not harm but your capacity to forgive th...
Sometimes the measure of friendship isn't your ability to not harm but your capacity to forgive the things done to you and ask forgiveness for your own mistakes.
Randy K. Milholland, Something Positive Comic, 11-07-05
Member since:01.08.2001
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Tough Microsoft Windows Vista is a super star for Windows lovers, I see Microsoft Windows Experience (XP) still exists in its fans’ personal computers. Since XP was launched, the operating system (OS) has been revised twice, namely XP Service Pack 1 and XP Service Pack 2 – and some resources say that Service Pack 2 (SP2) is the last revision or update for XP, and Microsoft is concentrating on their new popular OS – some Vista editions.
And some XP users who have purchased the earlier versions of XP, they can download the SP2 on Microsoft official site. Certainly this service is free of charge!
1. Help protect your PC from harmful attachments. By alerting you to potentially unsafe attachments, Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) helps guard your computer from viruses that can spread through Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Messenger.
2. Improve your privacy when you’re on the Web. SP2 helps protect your private information by applying the security settings that guard your PC to the files and content downloaded using Internet Explorer.
3.
Avoid potentially unsafe downloads. Internet Explorer download monitoring and the Internet Explorer Information Bar warn you about potentially harmful downloads and give you the option to block files that could be malicious.
4. Reduce annoying pop-ups. Internet Explorer Pop-Up Blocker makes browsing the Internet more enjoyable by helping you reduce the unwanted ads and content that pop up when you’re browsing the Web.
5. Get firewall protection from startup to shutdown. The powerful, built-in Windows Firewall is now turned on by default. This helps protect Windows XP against viruses and worms that can spread over the Internet.
6. Take control of your security settings. The new Windows Security Center allows you to easily view your security status and manage key security settings in one convenient place.
7. Get the latest updates easily. Enhancements to Windows XP’s Automatic Updates feature make it even easier to access Windows updates. Plus, new technology has been added to help dial-up customers download updates more efficiently.
8. Help protect your e-mail address. Improvements to Outlook Express helps reduce unwanted e-mail by limiting the possibility of your e-mail address being validated by potential spammers.
9. Take action against crashes caused by browser add-ons. The new Add-On Manager in Internet Explorer lets you easily view and control add-ons to reduce the potential for crashes and enjoy a more trouble-free browsing experience.
10. Go wireless without the hassle. SP2 improves wireless support and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks in your home or on the road. Though not all points mentioned by Microsoft are running as expected, personally – especially being a consumer, it is advisable to welcome the offer.
Note: if you do not have SP2 installed on you XP, your system cannot recognize some flash disk or other USB devices.
Though Microsoft has launched their Vista editions, some people may still be stuck on XP and would like to purchase it.
For short terms or very urgent requirements, I think it is a good idea to choose XP SP2, especially considering the compatibility of some other applications to the OS which we have purchased before.
To make things clearer, I give you a simple illustration. You have purchased antivirus software – Nod32 version 2.5 (or earlier) and you use it in you Notebook which is package with Windows XP (OEM version). Then, thinking of stopping using the notebook, and finally you buy a new one (or a PC) which comes with very current technology; here you must decide well what type of OS you are going to use. Supposing your choice is Windows Vista, it means you cannot install your current licensed Nod32 as it is not compatible for Vista.
By referring to the compatibility issues, I think that recommending you XP SP2 is considerable.
XP PROFFESIONAL EDITION AND VISTA ULTIMATE EDITION – OVERVIEW
I have ever used both operating systems. Generally, especially based on each OS graphical aspects (appearance) I see that Vista is much better than XP. Vista comes with very soft and transparent graphical appearance.
To my surprise, I see Vista can recognize various PC devices and sometimes we do not have to install each driver which comes with each device (such as sound device, graphic device, etc.). It means, though you have a ‘less sophisticated’ PC (but you have at least 512MB of Memory installed on your PC), and you want to install Vista, in this case you do not have too worry if Vista can support the software devices.
XP requires at least 128MB of memory, but Vista required at least 512MB of Memory. Certainly this aspect should be considered before you install Vista.
Both OS are easy to install. The wizards are easy to follow. I think it does not require special skills to install these OS. By the way, installing Vista takes more time than installing XP.
As we know that many software developer are still supporting Microsoft’s projects. But, as XP has been launched for more than 5 years, and today Vista is born, could you imagine how many software applications have been developed? How many amongst those applications are supporting Vista? That is why, before upgrading your OS to Vista, it is advisable for you to overview the compatibility issues of the software you have purchased to the Vista. If you have enough budgets, I think it is a good idea for you to upgrade your OS to Vista.
How about their performance? I see both OS are not different so much. (That is why their prices are not different so much, either – LOL). The most outstanding difference is Vista’s graphical appearance. Yes, only its soft and transparent appearance.
Hence, as my personal conclusion today, still using XP is a good idea.
DON’T BE A VICTIM!
Microsoft has leaned much, especially about software piracy. They have managed better than before to protect their products from piracy.
Let’s have a glance at Vista. Though you have purchased a Vista legally, you still need to activate your product online. They give you a period of time (usually 3 days after installing the Vista) to register and activate the Vista online, else your vista stops working! Hence, please make sure that don’t pass your own legal Vista serial number to others!
Though XP does not ask you to activate your product online, please make sure you have purchased the original one. Supposing you do not have the legal one, you cannot update your product online or download some software from Microsoft. Microsoft has been better and more selective in serving their real consumers.
Are you a victim? It is simple; go to Microsoft.com and try to download a file there. If you make it, it means your software is original, and certainly you are not a victim.
Why am I talking about this? Perhaps you have purchased a notebook or a personal computer. You must know about the ‘value’ of your money you paid to your supplier. Did you pay him just for the hardware only (without OS)? Or did you pay him for both hardware and software (legal OS and other software applications)?
SOME NOTES
Most branded PC or notebooks come with OS, though nowadays I see some brands do not include OS (usually they state it clearly – NON OS) in order to create their competitiveness in markets. Hence, if you do not use Windows OS, please make sure that you do not buy a PC or Notebook which comes with Windows OS (OEM Version) as a package. It is just wasting your money, isn’t it?
Additionally, supposing you have ever purchased an original XP which comes in a disk (not an OEM version), and then for certain circumstances, you purchase a new PC and stop using your old PC – in this case it is advisable for you to buy a PC with no OS (with no OS usually cheaper).
Have you ever thought of this before?
:)
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Faster, good networking with other Windows machine, so far it has not crashed. (-) price, best to do a fresh install which will involve backup & restore of information
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP1, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP1a - for PC - English - Quantity: 1, 3 - 1 user - CD-ROM
exceptional by (6%):
very helpful by (93%):
helpful by (1%):
