Windows^xp Home Edition

A Review by Mel Butler

I had considerable difficulty installing Windows^xp on my Dell Laptop. As advised, I deleted all Norton Utilities and Anti-Virus, and I was able to install XP. But I could not get Norton Anti-Virus re-installed. And then, I lost my Internet connection via Verizon DSL.

In desperation, I took everything to Computer Software in Upland, and they removed all my files and started all over. I am thankful that I did not choose to install XP on my desktop computer, where I have many files that I would prefer to keep. Now that I have had XP installed for two weeks, I am quite satisfied with it. It works smoother , faster and easier than Windows ME. I purchased, "Faster, Smarter Microsoft Windows XP" by Ed Bott to help me understand XP's advantages. It’s amazing the backup systems that have been included in this system. I have yet to try the digital camera and video editing programs that are a now standard part of Windows. I have also re-installed Microsoft Office 2000 Professional, and all aspects of this system work fine with XP.

So basically, I'm starting all over with my laptop. I’ve always used it as a backup for my desktop, particularly when I go on trips. But now I plan to make it the main computer for the next couple of years.

Would I have installed XP knowing what I experienced getting it installed? Considering the advantages of XP over ME on my laptop, I don't think so. I would have waited until I purchased another computer with XP pre-installed from the start. I have too much anxiety and mental anguish when I cannot successfully install a "simple" program on either of my

computers.

I'm really trying to write this as positive as I can. It is a very complicated program, and I cannot completely judge it in the time allotted. I know that I am going to like it just fine. And I do sincerely thank you and Microsoft for the opportunity to install it. If I were appraising Roxio, or Canon, or Print Shop, I'm sure that I could tell you lots right off, but XP is so big and similar to ME and 98 that it is hard to be real descriptive.

Do I LIKE Windows^xp? Yes.

Do I like it better than previous versions?

Yes.

Does it work better than other Windows OS's?

Yes, I think that it does, even after just two weeks usage. It moves faster, it works smoother, and its descriptive terms are clearer.

What did I like about it?

It has more included programs such as Movie Maker, and Music Media. I like access on the desktop to the last few programs that I've used.  The Help Screens are much more complete and easily understood. Although I have not done it yet, I plan to establish a home network, which seems to be a simple task with XP.

What did I not like about it?

Nothing.

What would I like to change about it?

Nothing.  I haven't used it long enough to know.

What would I like to get rid of?

Nothing.

How does it compare to previous Windows versions I've used?

I’ve used Windows 95, 98, and ME. Each has been a marked improvement but XP seems to be a big improvement. Having read the book "Smarter, Faster Windows XP" by Ed Botts, there are many more things that I plan to utilize with this program.

Windows^xp Home Edition

Microsoft Corporation

$199 Full version

$99 Upgrade

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/default.asp