Posted on 10/27/2001 11:16:24 AM PDT by Democrats are liars
Well, I just finished installing Windows XP on my computer. It did not go nice and smooth. I ended up reformatting my hard drive and starting from scratch. I know Windows XP sure does not like AOL 6.0. I am in the process of downloading AOL 7.0. I am still installing all my old software. Yes Windows XP locked up on me many times today and last night. Well, I guess I just would like to know how every one else is doing with Windows XP.
Instead, Back up all your data, reformat your OS partition and perform a clean install on a freshly formatted drive. Then, install your applications and restore your data. You'll eliminate a host of problems this way.
Of course, if you don't have installation CDs for you applications this method isn't for. My condolences.
Best practice is to partition your drive into at least two partitions. Better yet, install a second hard drive if you can. Put the OS on drive C:, make drive D: your data drive, and if you have the space, make a drive E: for games and other miscellanious stuff.
BTW, my impressions of WinXP are quite favorable when compared to any earlier Windows version.
I am running a PIII 1 GHZ w/384 MB RAM on a DELL. It is funny to hear people call me an amateur because I am currently using AOL to access the internet. I have been using the internet since day one (many years). AOL is not great but it is about my only choice around here and it is not so bad. I would love to have DSL or cable. AOL satellite is pretty fast (downloads). I always have to have the latest greatest computer stuff. Does not make me a bad person! (lol).
That's a crock! Most drivers for most hardware doesn't exist under Linux. Linux/Unix is great for a server but is lame for non-techies.
They'll have to pry Windows 2000 from my cold dead hands . . .
XP...It's great. I can't imagine going back to the other OS's. Now if my apps/games wouldn't run on it I guess I would go back to the 9x line, but every single game/app I have runs just fine. The key to getting XP to run faster is memory. The more memory the faster it will be. If you have at least 128 you'll be fine, but double it and you'll notice big improvements.
AOL...well I don't like it. In fact, I had to install it once and it trashed my win2k box. So I call their tech support and they said I shouldn't have installed AOL. So I rebuilt my box and moved my mom to MSN. AOL does have it's niche. Non-technical people who don't know how to spell ISP really love it--and it does serve them well.
Dear Family and Friends:
I'm sending you this information to balance the overwhelming tidal wave of hype coming from Micro$oft touting it's newest version of Windows, Windows XP, to be released commercially on Oct. 25. Many technology journalists are praising it's virtues, but you probably would too, if M$ kept sending you free software, and paid for your trips to "spread the word." The information I'm presenting here is from a wide variety of sources, including The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, USA Today, and The Economist. Just in case any of you are considering upgrading your computer's operating system to Microsoft Windows XP, I highly recommend you consider *not* doing it due to the underhanded tactics Microsoft has incorporated into its purchase.
Please read the following articles for more information:
Meet The Dark Side of Windows XP
By David Coursey, AnchorDesk
I have spent six months using, thinking about, studying, and answering your questions about Windows XP. My overall conclusions are positive, but there are some issues that either need to be resolved or that potential users may not know about or understand.
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ZDNet hoists the black flag:
LINK!
MS Controlling the "Activation" of XP
For the first time, Microsoft plans to force families to buy a separate, full-price copy of Windows for each PC they upgrade. Each copy is expected to cost around $100. Not only that, but the company's method for enforcing this rule, a system called "product activation," requires you to let Microsoft create and store a profile of the configuration of every PC on which you install Windows XP -- even if only a single machine is involved. This profile allows Microsoft to "lock" each copy of Windows XP to one specific PC. If you don't allow Microsoft to collect this information, your copy of Windows XP will simply stop working in 30 days. And even if you comply, your copy of Windows XP might still stop working at some point if (like me) you make a lot of changes to your PC's hardware.
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XP Upgrade Cost:
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Office XP isn't a "must upgrade" for two reasons. First, if you're already comfortable with Office, there's no reason to break with your routine and spend more money. Second, this version of Office sports a hidden agenda that is less commendable than its interface improvements. It has a number of features designed to make it a launching pad for various paid Internet services Microsoft wants to sell, or help its business partners sell, over the next year.
LINK!
Groups Push FTC to Act on MS XP, Passport
The Electronic Privacy Information Center and a coalition of consumer and privacy groups have renewed their calls for Federal Trade Commission action to protect consumers from the privacy risks associated with Windows XP and Passport. In a letter sent to the FTC, the groups criticized the FTC for not upholding its statutory duty to protect consumers in light of the planned release of Windows XP. So who here thinks the FTC is going to block Windows XP? Me neither. The other remedies requested (toward the middle of the letter) are interesting, though.
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More information on the groups' previous FTC complaints is stored on the EPIC Microsoft Passport Page.
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USAToday discovers the new upgrade scheme, designed to milk every last cent out of those who've locked themselves into Windows:
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What's the cost of little or no competition? For some Microsoft customers, it's paying as much as 107 percent more for the software they buy in volume.
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Tech-report.com goes a bit more in depth on the same subject:
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MS discusses its plans to control how you compute (by the way, the license agreement for Windows Media Player now allows Microsoft to disable any software on your computer - you do read those license agreements, don't you?);
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DOE Issues Microsoft XP/Office Warning The U.S. Department of Energy's own computer-security watchdogs have a warning for Microsoft Windows XP and Office users who want to keep their work secret: The Redmond, Wash., software giant might be able to read their PC's minds. The Computer Incident Advisory Capability (CIAC) - whose motto is "Keeping DOE Secure" - this week issued a bulletin warning privacy-conscious users that the Internet-connected bug-reporting capabilities of Windows XP or Office in combination with recent versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser could disclose sensitive data to Microsoft.
LINK!
Microsoft: The Gatekeeper of the Internet
Windows XP May Spark Ultimate Battle To Own The Internet C|net News.com is embarking on a seven day comprehensive report on how Microsoft is moving themselves into position to be "The Gatekeeper Of The Internet" through Windows XP. The first installment explains the basics of how this is going to happen: Reminders that last for days encouraging users to sign up for Passport, and how Windows will eventually resemble services like AOL.
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Extending Its Tentacles
The Economist has an interesting article on Microsoft's technology strategies that ends with a very astute comparison with IBM's downfall and resurrection in the wake of its own antitrust battles. "Microsoft's biggest underlying fear is that it will become like IBM -- a company that still has a strong business but no longer sets computing standards." As it launches an array of new products, the software giant is changing, and yet its basic instincts are staying much the same.
LINK!
File Extensions And Monopolies
File extensions are one of the tools used by Microsoft to extend their mind and market share. It's a very simple idea but its honestly something most people have never thought about. Definitely worth a read, and a few neurons to realize how it's really the simplest of things that will guarantee that this monopoly isn't stopped even if Microsoft's deep pockets didn't let them buy the law.
LINK!
Your Rights Online: Microsoft Shuts Auction Doors On Old Windows
Microsoft is keeping a more-vigilant eye on online auctions of old copies of Windows software, with people trying to offload it due to the upcoming release of XP. Also within the story is info and tips for donating a computer (and software licenses) to charity. (Charities must have site licenses for Windows 98 or newer!)
LINK!
EU May Fine Microsoft
The Wall Street Journal reports about a leaked European Commission document, that suggests that the EU may fine MS for anti-competitive behavior. The fine can be up to 10% of the annual revenue, or $2.5 billion and may include the demand to remove certain programs from Windows. The report harshly criticized MS way of taking influence in the case, even speaking of trying to mislead the observers. Regarding the report of the WSJ, European Competition Commissioner Mario Monti said, that the case is still at a preliminary stage, since MS still has the right to defend itself at a hearing. Or in his own words: "To speak of a fine when Microsoft has not yet disputed the Commission's preliminary findings both in fact and law -- as it it's right -- is premature." Since the original is for subscribers only, take a look at Yahoo or the more detailed report from BBC News.
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Trade Group Asks British Government to Investigate Microsoft
Some of the UK's top companies are questioning Microsoft's policy on pricing. In an open letter to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, several of the top companies voiced concern at the cost of an extra £880m over a typical four-year investment cycle. No one from Microsoft has commented at this time, given the current state of affairs it's highly likely many companies will not upgrade or seek alternative cheaper solutions. Basically, a large trade group is asking the British Office of Fair Trading (akin to the FTC in the U.S.) to investigate Microsoft's price increases.
LINK!
And finally, a little humor....
Top 37 Reasons People Are Holding Off Buying Windows XP
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I wish I could do that with my computer hardware too. Let's see, I'll go buy a 2GHz P4 Chip and then tell intel to send me 3 more because I already bought one and that entitles me to as many processors as I need in my house/neighborhood.
Spoken like a true bigot. Have you considered how many hardware drivers were written by third parties over which Microsoft has little or no control? And the exponential combinations possible? That's were the real problems lie with MS products.
In your spare time, why don't you whip out a new OS that runs on virtually every PC ever built.
Some of you ought to consider switching. The new Mac OS X is fantastic! Just installed it, and it is a beautiful, easy to use system.
Microsoft Windows XP is just a pale imitation, in my opinion. We use both Macs and Windows at the office, but much prefer the Macs. They never give us any trouble, and if you don't beleve me, you should talk to the guy in the office that is still using the original MacPlus to do correspondence. It iss still humming along, using an ancient MacBottom hard drive!
Just can't beat the Macs
My son-in-law is a tester for a major software vendor whose job is to install and test LOTS of software on all major releases of Windows. He says that this initial release is by far the most stable MS has ever introduced.
Wow, so when did the MAC get a true preemptive multitasking kernel?
It must have been before NT3.51 right, after all that's when MS had it out. How long ago was that 5 or 6 years ago?
Oh wait, I just heard that MAC just recently released an OS that can do the things NT3.51 could do 5 or 6 years ago. I believe they call it OS X. Is this accurate? If so, how can your statement be true?
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