Anyone have Windows XP?

[TheBlob]

I just got a new computer with XP installed after using Windows 98 for about four years.

So far it seems more trouble than it's worth.
There's more on XP than I'll ever use.

I'm thinking of going back to Windows 98.

Anyone know the postives/negatives to Windows XP?

[greyl]

1. You can switch to the Win98 look

That may help the transition a bit.

[TheBlob]

3. I already did n/t

[Booberdawg]

2. I have XP and never had any trouble with it

Although I have heard a lot of complaints. And yes there is more here than I'll ever use. But as a programmer there were some features (client/server) and networking compatible with my work PC that were helpful.

[Kellanved]

4. pro

(well sort of)
You can turn off the bubble-gum look.

Other than that:
It is an Operating System deserving the title, win98 is not

Con:
Some of your old programs won't work.

[TheBlob]

8. Yeah I'm already finding that out about old programs.

And good call on the "bubble-gum look"

I was thinking it looks like "Windows for Dummies"

[MisterP]

19. "Some of your old programs won't work."

like what, tell me!
TELL ME NOW!
;)

[CanuckAmok]

20. Actually...

A program I use at work (Screenplay Systems MovieMagic Scheduling 3.5) didn't work on XP, which was very upsetting since it's 900 bucks a copy. But it turned out it was the security dongle which didn't work with XP, not the software itself, and the dongle manufacturer had an XP patch which worked.

Lesson learned: Check with your software maker before buying a new version...

[ScreamingMeemie]

21. But you can reload them under the compatibility wizard.

If the max requirements are windows98, you can still use the program if you load it using compatibility wizard. Good luck, I really like mine, and all my programs have loaded just fine. :)

[MisterP]

23. CanuckAmock and MrsGrumpy,

thanks for replying!

[Kellanved]

34. that works most of the time

but not neraly for all programs.
The real problem are old DOS programs - many of those won't work under XP (even with DOSBOX or WDMS).

[CanuckAmok]

5. I have had it for 6 months..

I have XP Pro on my new laptop, and Win98SE on my home PC.

XP took a bit of getting used to, but I really prefer it now.

Once you tailor it to your needs (i.e. go through the settings and minimize the things you don't want), it's very user-friendly, and I'm speaking as someone who's not particularly computer-savvy.

Give it a try for a month, and then decide.

[theorist]

6. Technical Support?

Microsoft is discontinuing all support for pretty much everything leading up to XP. You can always just change the settings to the "Classic Look" and you'll never know the difference. (At least that's what I do.)

I built an Athlon XP system, and it runs really smoothly. I mostly run Linux on it, though.

[Kitsune]

7. Networking

Speaking from personal experience, networking my old Win98 PC was only slightly less painful than a multiple root canal with no anesthesia. By contrast, My experience with WinXP was "Hmm, okay, this plug goes here. Wait, beep? What does that mean? Oh look, I'm networked! Time for Counter-strike!"

Again, YMMV.

[MojoKrunch]

9. Check out

Blackviper.com on how to configure XP to your liking.
Check out one of those "How to use XP" magazines as well.

I'd never go back to W98.
XP is way more stable and way more secure.

Mojo

[billbuckhead]

13. XP rarely crashes and has some built in multimedia software.Looks childish

XP is just good enough to keep the masses from looking at MacOS X and the variations of Linux.
We had to switch from 98 at work because the daily crashes were freaking out some of the employees.

[okieinpain]

30. some of the newer hardware pieces will not work/or work correctly

under 98. I'm not using xp, but all of my tech friends are running it.
and have no complaints.

[KG]

10. works great for me

no BSoD, no 'illegel operations', no crashes, the restore feature saved my butt a couple times...

[TheBlob]

12. OK those are all good points n/t

[CanuckAmok]

15. Yes, "Restore" is your new best friend! n/t

[LTR]

11. XP is very user-friendly

But the transistion from 98 is confusing.

But installing things is very easy. Seems like everything is plug-n-play.

It's a blast!

[JaySherman]

14. It's FAR more stable than Win98.

But that's not saying much since 98 is the most rip-off POS program ever created by man. :argh:

That said, I run Pro on several different computers and never have any problems. When I used to run 98 on one of those same computers it crashed constantly. Are you using Pro or Home? I've heard somebad things about Home. Also, how much RAM do you have? XP is a HUGE memory hog. With 256 MB, the absolute minimum for XP to run effectively, it will consume up to 75% of your total memory. You might want to consider a memory upgrade.

XP isn't a bad OS. Stable and very user friendly. I was pleasantly surprised when I started using it. Probably the only quality product M$ has ever put out.

[TheBlob]

16. Using Home

Can't check the memory right now cause I'm not on that computer but I'm all set there.
Thx

On edit:
Is it true that you can turn off the power on XP without going through the shut down procedure?

[CanuckAmok]

18. Power:

I have my laptop configured so that the power button also works as a power OFF button. It simply does a really quick version of the shutdown process.

And if I hold it for 5 seconds, it does a system reboot.

But I don't know if these are XP features, or features built into my laptop...

[FDRrocks]

27. Same here on a Desktop...

Nothing bad about XP home... one button press for sleep and turnoff. I dont like MS, but XP is a milestone in thier catalogue.

[Cleita]

17. A lot of new software won't work on 98

although I have found a lot of the new features not much use. You will get used to it. I've had it for over a year now. The only thing I had a problem with was not being able to do DOS commands, but there is a way to get into the guts called register edit, but be sure you have an XP guru with you before you go there.

[mikehiggins]

22. The best thing about XP?

It isn't 98.

XP is another step towards Bill Gates perfect world in which computers just operate, and people are secondary (if that high up on the food chain).

Basically, it uses incredible amounts of memory to do simple things that you could do yourself.

For someone like me, who literally is only a computer USER, XP is very good. If you have any other involvement with your machine other than turning it on and writing, your mileage may vary.

I love it and haven't had a moment's trouble with it since it came out. Others have other experiences.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

24. i trashed it....it sucked....i'm now back to windows 98

[FDRrocks]

25. XP is the best windows released.

I have been using it for like 3 years... not one blue screen or crash. They hit the spot with this OS.

[angee_is_mad]

26. HP sucks

I hope you don't have a Hewitt Packard. If you do your headaches is gonna just start.
Sometimes I can't decided whether to put my computer out of its misery or myself. I'm switching to Dell and yes I have XP.

[FDRrocks]

28. AGREED

I understand HP and Compaq are one now. My second to last computer was Compaq and (OUT OF THE BOX) I couldn't do anything graphic-intensive without the thing overheating. It was disgusting. My current CPU I got offa ibuypower.com. If you are too lazy/unknowledgable to build your own, that site or local builders are a better bet. For the record... if you are tempted to buy a cpu... and its made of sheetmetal, with fan ports only in the back, and comes with 1 case fan, and you dont just surf all day... DONT!

[Cleita]

29. I hate hp.

I already detailed my problems with it here before. I dont' recommend.

[angee_is_mad]

32. I feel your pain

I've had to send my computer back to HP twice in this year, because of the modem. I even threatened to call Ms. Fiorini, but of course she is a hard woman to reach. I guess she is to busy with THE ARNOLD to be bothered with the problems of her company!

[CanuckAmok]

31. Dell are RW supporters, just so you know...

I suppose they all are.

[RebelOne]

33. Yep, I have it. Had it for a year and so far no problems.

Though sometimes it hangs up when I shut down.

[bearfan454]

35. I had XP.

I switched to 2000 Professional. I like it a lot better.

[BiggJawn]

36. I use Win2K at home, XP at work.

I could "upgrade" the home machine to XP, but why? I'm perfectly happy with 2K. But then, I used to have ME on this box...
And I HATE that "bubble-gum" look, too!