I must say, I am VERY impressed with Windows XP

[Electrode]

100!
(sorry, just couldn't resist)

EDIT: Since this has become a thread about the XBOX being like a PC, I'll put my 2 cents in.

The XBOX (I think it's supposed to be all caps, like NVIDIA) will be a dismal failure for MS for 2 reasons:

1. As mentioned before, it is too similar to a PC. It will be turned into a linuXBOX and no one will buy accessories, games, or MSN internet access.
2. There are games being made exclusivly for the XBOX (i.e. no PC release) that MS hopes will help it get off to a good start as far as sales to people who already bought that fancy GeForce3. However, since the game software is so similar to regular Win32 software, emulation will be just too easy, and it will be fast, too. Why buy an XBOX when you have a little 63k program that does the same thing?

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

Ok, I'm tired of reading about the Xbox in this XP thread!

What are the advantages of moving from Win2K to XP? What benefits would I gain? My box is already the rock of Gibraltar so stability isn't an issue. What features would I gain. What can XP do that Win2K can't?

 

[lucidguy]

It can force you to register for a Passport account even if you don't have one and don't need one. It can covertly and without your permission upload information about your computer settings and data to Microsoft servers. It can covertly and without your permission download Windows Updates which Microsoft says are good for you. It can covertly and without your permission encrypt all of your audio and media files such that they cannot be played on any other computer or device. It also has a GUI that looks like it was made by the Teletubbies. It really is keen and swell.

 

[HansXP]

<< It can force you to register for a Passport account even if you don't have one and don't need one. It can covertly and without your permission upload information about your computer settings and data to Microsoft servers. It can covertly and without your permission download Windows Updates which Microsoft says are good for you. It can covertly and without your permission encrypt all of your audio and media files such that they cannot be played on any other computer or device. It also has a GUI that looks like it was made by the Teletubbies. It really is keen and swell. >>



Ugh...more lies.

First of all - registering for a passport account is only necessary if you use MS' online services, like MSN Messenger. That's always been that way. Secondly, it doesn't upload any of your settings to the MS server. As for downloading patches...with all of your crying about how unstable Windows is, don't you think that's a good thing? And as for the encryption of A/V files...thats just a PURE LIE. You can still play unlicensed MP3s in WMP, you can still rip CDs with your favorite ripper, etc. And as for the GUI - some people like it, others don't. It can be turned off.

Stop trolling

 

[Electrode]

Really?



<< It can force you to register for a Passport account even if you don't have one and don't need one. >>


No. There is nothing forcing you to sign up for a passport, or anything for that matter.



<< It can covertly and without your permission upload information about your computer settings and data to Microsoft servers. >>


That is not true, not a word of it. The only time it sends ANYTHING to MS is when it sends a ONE-WAY HASH representing your hardware during activation. No one, not even MS, can figure out anything about you from this.

522c5f70-6631-4309-990c-b713520ac7c7
Please tell me how you can figure out my system config from that.



<< It can covertly and without your permission download Windows Updates which Microsoft says are good for you. >>


First, the automatic update only downloads critical updates. These fix security holes and crash bugs. They do not add features or bad stuff, and they don't tell MS about your kiddie porn collection. Second, it asks for permission to install updates. Third, you can disable it with a mouse click.



<< It can covertly and without your permission encrypt all of your audio and media files such that they cannot be played on any other computer or device. >>


No, it can't. I've been running XP for awhile and my MP3 collection is intact.



<< It also has a GUI that looks like it was made by the Teletubbies. >>


If you don't like it, turn it off.



<< It really is keen and swell. >>

Finally, you get something RIGHT!

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

For the love of God!

What are the benefits of XP over Win 2K?

 

[Kusta]

I do not think there is any benefits from XP. I personally haven't touch it nor I have intention after what I have read about it.
It seems to me that some of members who posted articles about XP and defend MS do not read newspapers or do not want to see the truth. There is several articles that more proficient guys wrote about XP, and you can find in this thread two of them. Here is another one:

Text

I deeply believe them, there all consistent in it's remarks about XP and IE6.

All in all, I have not found any articles that says XP is more advanced in comparison with 2000. For some folks make-up (how and where desktop icons are)is more important then the substance.

 

[Doh!]

I just love my build 2495. It starts, shutdowns, &amp; does everything faster than win2k. Can't wait until the final version is released.

 

[HansXP]

There are some nice things about XP over 2K. You get a built-in firewall, some minor updates to the kernel, a new interface (which can be disabled if you don't like it) and of course IE6/WMP8 built in so you don't have to download them. IMHO, it's not worth the cost..esp considering the Product Activation.

 

[lucidguy]

<< You get a built-in firewall, >>



Keen! Let's entrust the security of our machines to a company that cannot keep its Windows source code out of the hands of Russian hackers!



<< some minor updates to the kernel, >>



Keen! Let's pay $500 for Win2k SP1 and SP2!



<< a new interface >>



Keen! Let's pay the Teletubbies to make us an interface! That way, they can finance their crack addiction!



<< and of course IE6/WMP8 built in >>



Keen! Let's pay Microsoft money so they can encrypt all our video and music files, and put smart tags on all of our websites without our consent or authorization!



<< IMHO, it's not worth the cost >>



Are you kidding me? WinXP is the keenest MS OS yet!

EDIT: Fixed parallel structure to make the whole thing sound better.

 

[HansXP]

What exactly is your problem? Could, just ONCE, you actually dispense meaningful advice? ST4RCUTTER asked what they added in WinXP, I responded. Unless you have something meaningful to say, SHUT UP.

 

[lucidguy]

I gave background information regarding Microsoft's qualifications in network security, the value of the kernel updates as compared to what else is available on the market for less money, the look-and-feel of the new interface, and the &quot;details&quot; of Windows Media Player 8 and Internet Explorer 6 that Microsoft would rather you not know until after you plunk down the cash for Win XP.

Are you claiming that my contextualization of the dry information you presented was without value?

 

[HansXP]

<<
I gave background information regarding Microsoft's qualifications in network security, the value of the kernel updates as compared to what else is available on the market for less money, the look-and-feel of the new interface, and the &quot;details&quot; of Windows Media Player 8 and Internet Explorer 6 that Microsoft would rather you not know until after you plunk down the cash for Win XP.

Are you claiming that my contextualization of the dry information you presented was without value? >>



Well that fact that its a bunch of BS is what makes it useless. There are added features in the XP kernel over the W2K kernel (hence the version number jumping from 5.0 to 5.1). The interface is a totally opinionated subject, you cannot say that it is kiddie or that it is adult. As for WMP8 and IE6, that's TOTAL BS-it won't do anything to your files. I've tried explaining this MANY times, you just don't listen.

Now stop trolling

 

[helppls]

XP is good. If any of you are worried about it sending unsolicited info to MSFT servers or something like that, I recomend an IP sniffer and a good firewall. ZoneAlarm will block any program as it tries to connect to a server/peer, and ask you for permission to allow the connection. I like it. Another option, my favorite, is to search for a packet sniffer on the web, and monitor any activity to your computer (I'd tell you what ports to bind/block for Windows, but I forgot them, and I don't feel like taking the time to find them, lol). BTW: MSFT isn't that bad, so don't worry, and if anyone knows why Explorer attempts to connect to the net, pls tell me.

 

[lucidguy]

Teletubbies are a very opinionated subject, you cannot say that it is kiddie or that it is adult.

While three year olds all over the world enjoy Teletubbies, so do adults with mental problems, pot or crack addictions, and other psychopathological conditions.

Therefore, a comparison of the Teletubbies look-and-feel to the WinXP interface look-and-feel does not in fact make any statements about the intended target audience. It simply notes the similarity in the colorful, shiny, round, giddy design principles.

I'm sure the WinXP interface will appeal both to three year olds as it will to adults with mental problems, pot or crack addictions, and other psychopathological conditions. It is most certainly not a kiddy-targeted interface.

 

[Noriaki]

<< What are the advantages of moving from Win2K to XP? What benefits would I gain? My box is already the rock of Gibraltar so stability isn't an issue. What features would I gain. What can XP do that Win2K can't? >>

Small benefits mostly. I have some trouble running some older programs on Win2k, WinXP has better legacy compatibility. Even with the upgrade compatiblity mode tool in SP2, Win2k's legacy compatibility stil bites.

Mostly for old games. New stuff should run equally well on both.

Also XP Home should be significantly cheaper than 2k/XP Pro. And unless you need dual CPU, dual monitor, domain, or IIS servers you really don't need Pro.

Just ignore Lucidguy...he has many threads like this, if you don't agree with him you are ingorant fool.

If you are happy with the stability and compatibility of your Win2000 machine, and don't have legacy problems you should be good to go for some time yet.
Programs and Drivers will be optimzed for Win2k at the same time they are optimized for XP, and it should be small work for manufacturers to continue to support 2k at the same time as XP.

I'm a little dissatisifed with some little things about 2k and my experience with XP is that it fixes most of these annoying little issues.

And the skinnable UI is neat. I hate the default skin...but you can make your own, and it really doens't seem to use much in the way of resources, nor does it hurt stability like Windowsblinds or whatever.

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

<< For the love of God!

What are the benefits of XP over Win 2K? >>



Faster boot time. (Shutdowns are slower though!) That's the only concrete thing that's better. (But I like it because it's new and pretty!)

 

[Elledan]

Is the old mediaplayer (6.1) still available in XP, or can you install it? I refuse to use WMP 8.0 after having used 7.0 for a week (after which I uninstalled it).

IE 6.0 isn't a big problem, since I'll only use Mozilla for browsing

 

[lucidguy]

No, you cannot use Media Player 6 in WinXP. A big reason for this is that Media Player 6 lacks support for licensed (crippled) multimedia. Licensing (crippling) support was introduced with Media Player 7, and will continue in an extended way in version 8.

One very big reason for Microsoft to hype WinXP is because they want people to get used to using licensed (crippled) music, which is only possible if you monopolize the market and ensure that 90% of all media players support licensing (crippling).

Basically, it's IE versus Netscape all over again. Except that this time, there is absolutely no advantage to the consumer.

 

[NFS4]

<< I do not think there is any benefits from XP. I personally haven't touch it nor I have intention after what I have read about it. >>


Well keep your mouth shut if you haven't tried it yet then!

That just like saying that Pontiacs drive like crap without actually driving one yourself, or saying that a movie sucks without going to see it yourself.

1) IE 6.0 rocks
2) My computer boots faster
3) My system hibernates faster
4) Integrated firewall that doesn't alert the hell out of me like ZoneAlarm
5) Integrated CD burning
6) Sleek new user interface that actually SAVES TIME and is very well organized
7) Is as stable if not more stable than Win2k and it is STILL in BETA form
8) Has support for just about every piece of hardware out there. Bought an HP 3300Cse scanner yesterday, plugged it in and that was it. Didn't need any driver CD's or anything. I was scanning in less than 30 seconds after plugging it in.
9) Automatic updates via Windows Update. They download in the background using throttling technology so they don't soak your bandwidth.
10) Desktop themes/colors integrate into Office XP for a nice integrated look.
11) Speech recognition (don't know if this is b/c of Office XP, or a Win XP thing, but it is still cool as hell)
12) OS performance is snappy if not snappier than Win2k on my system
13) Integrated scanning wizard, no need for any company specific scanning screens/loaders. I put in a picture, it auto previews it and adjusts the scanning area. It scans the picture, automatically makes a folder for the new scans, then gives me the option to order prints or upload it to a site. Then when printing, it automatically can resize all the scans I just did in 3x5, 8x10's, etc. Big time saver for me there.
14) It autoplays my CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards. I pop in my SmartMedia card from my digital camera and it automatically has my pictures ready to go in a slide show format.

 

[dr0p0ut]

sound like improvemtn in xp is increase access time and bit more stability and hardware compatibility is a bit better then 2k.
i am afraid thats not enough reasons to shell out 300.00 for me
beside i perfer third party software in cd burning and watch dvd.

again, having the ability to choose weather i want to do the window updatee is better then auto connect microsoft for patch every week.
kiding kiding. lol

dr0p0ut

 

[Kusta]

YYour points are at least sensless.

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

NFS4 wrote,

1) IE 6.0 rocks
2) My computer boots faster
3) My system hibernates faster
4) Integrated firewall that doesn't alert the hell out of me like ZoneAlarm
5) Integrated CD burning
6) Sleek new user interface that actually SAVES TIME and is very well organized
7) Is as stable if not more stable than Win2k and it is STILL in BETA form
8) Has support for just about every piece of hardware out there. Bought an HP 3300Cse scanner yesterday, plugged it in and that was it. Didn't need any driver CD's or anything. I was scanning in less than 30 seconds after plugging it in.
9) Automatic updates via Windows Update. They download in the background using throttling technology so they don't soak your bandwidth.
10) Desktop themes/colors integrate into Office XP for a nice integrated look.
11) Speech recognition (don't know if this is b/c of Office XP, or a Win XP thing, but it is still cool as hell)
12) OS performance is snappy if not snappier than Win2k on my system
13) Integrated scanning wizard, no need for any company specific scanning screens/loaders. I put in a picture, it auto previews it and adjusts the scanning area. It scans the picture, automatically makes a folder for the new scans, then gives me the option to order prints or upload it to a site. Then when printing, it automatically can resize all the scans I just did in 3x5, 8x10's, etc. Big time saver for me there.
14) It autoplays my CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards. I pop in my SmartMedia card from my digital camera and it automatically has my pictures ready to go in a slide show format.


Well,
1. What's new with IE 6.0?
2. My computer never shuts down, so reboot time isn't an issue.
3. I never hibernate my computer...it's doing work while I'm away.
4. I love Zonealarm...nice to know when stuff I don't know about tries to talk to the world.
5. Why would I want this...my CD burner works fine right now. Does it support backup to CD?
6. I'd like to see screen shots of that UI.
7. How can it be more stable that a system that never crashes?
8. That's pretty cool.
9. Already use W2k update...I like it...means I don't have to go out and get it myself.
10. Cool. I like the idea of skins for the desktop
11. Yeah, this is something I've actually seen tested...80% accuracy just ain't enough.
12. Doesn't seem worth the $ to be &quot;snappy&quot;.
13. Very nice feature...don't have/use a scanner though.
14. Cool. No media cards right now either.

Well, I've highlighted the &quot;good stuff&quot;. I guess it's not really worth it for $300 or so. Maybe when I build my next box, but I'd have to get it for a song on 3bay, like I did for W2K.

 

[Noriaki]

Lucid....if you would ever take the time to read anyone elses post instead of spewing the same stupid arguments over and over again, you can disable your so called &quot;Media crippling&quot;. You do not have to use it.

Music on a CD or anything is protected by copyright laws.

You are allowed to make as many copies of a song as you want for your own use. But you aren't allowed to make and distribute copies to everyone.

Using MP3s that you don't have is ILLEGAL. Microsoft is not trying to hurt consumers, they are simply respecting copyright laws.

There is nothing in WMP8 that stops you from make copies of your music and using them yourself.

And you can disable the licensing anyways. And if you can't, don't use it. WinXP will not stop anyone that knows what they are doing from making and illegally distributing media.

I don't know why I typed that, that's at least the 10th time soneone has said that in this thread, and you haven't read it before, I don't see why you would now.

 

[NFS4]

<< NFS4 wrote,

1) IE 6.0 rocks
2) My computer boots faster
3) My system hibernates faster
4) Integrated firewall that doesn't alert the hell out of me like ZoneAlarm
5) Integrated CD burning
6) Sleek new user interface that actually SAVES TIME and is very well organized
7) Is as stable if not more stable than Win2k and it is STILL in BETA form
8) Has support for just about every piece of hardware out there. Bought an HP 3300Cse scanner yesterday, plugged it in and that was it. Didn't need any driver CD's or anything. I was scanning in less than 30 seconds after plugging it in.
9) Automatic updates via Windows Update. They download in the background using throttling technology so they don't soak your bandwidth.
10) Desktop themes/colors integrate into Office XP for a nice integrated look.
11) Speech recognition (don't know if this is b/c of Office XP, or a Win XP thing, but it is still cool as hell)
12) OS performance is snappy if not snappier than Win2k on my system
13) Integrated scanning wizard, no need for any company specific scanning screens/loaders. I put in a picture, it auto previews it and adjusts the scanning area. It scans the picture, automatically makes a folder for the new scans, then gives me the option to order prints or upload it to a site. Then when printing, it automatically can resize all the scans I just did in 3x5, 8x10's, etc. Big time saver for me there.
14) It autoplays my CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards. I pop in my SmartMedia card from my digital camera and it automatically has my pictures ready to go in a slide show format.


Well,
1. What's new with IE 6.0?
2. My computer never shuts down, so reboot time isn't an issue.
3. I never hibernate my computer...it's doing work while I'm away.
4. I love Zonealarm...nice to know when stuff I don't know about tries to talk to the world.
5. Why would I want this...my CD burner works fine right now. Does it support backup to CD?
6. I'd like to see screen shots of that UI.
7. How can it be more stable that a system that never crashes?
8. That's pretty cool.
9. Already use W2k update...I like it...means I don't have to go out and get it myself.
10. Cool. I like the idea of skins for the desktop
11. Yeah, this is something I've actually seen tested...80% accuracy just ain't enough.
12. Doesn't seem worth the $ to be &quot;snappy&quot;.
13. Very nice feature...don't have/use a scanner though.
14. Cool. No media cards right now either.

Well, I've highlighted the &quot;good stuff&quot;. I guess it's not really worth it for $300 or so. Maybe when I build my next box, but I'd have to get it for a song on 3bay, like I did for W2K. >>


1) Pages load faster, hover over a picture and you can save it with one click, print it, send it in an email, etc. But who cares, you can get IE6 for Win2k.
7) Win2k crashed for me...but that is only due to my USB devices. My USB devices sometimes act wacky (USB cradle for iPAQ causing computer to hard lock, USB reader causing computer to blue screen, USB Intellimouse Explorer dropping out under USB power, etc.) or just cause my system to crash in Window 2000 on my KT133A motherboard. I have no such problems in Windows XP.
6) Go here: http://www.winsupersite.com/

I definitely would not pay $300 for this OS, but if it is gonna be anything like Office XP, there will be TONS of discounts and offers. I'm not paying more than $150 for an upgrade though.