Windows XP

If you've been on a deserted island for the past few months, you probably don't know that Microsoft is launching a new operating system. For the rest of us on the tech mainland, we can't help but know. We've been subjected to the media buzz (and created some of our own) around what is surely Microsoft's most important launch since the release of Windows 95.

Stability
We're happy to report that the stability of Windows XP, based on the NT kernel, is one of the primary reasons to upgrade. In our tests, we were able to run both notebooks and desktops for days without crashes or rebooting.

Performance

In strict benchmark numbers, Windows XP Professional Edition performed admirably. We tested boot up, resume, and shutdown times on systems outfitted with a Pentium 4 1.3 GHz processor and 128MB RAM on three separate tries and averaged the results. The biggest difference we saw was the time needed for Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP Pro to boot up. XP Professional Edition booted up in a mere 15 seconds, while Windows 98SE came in at the slowest at almost 54 seconds. Windows 2000 booted up the second fastest with 26 seconds, while Windows Me clocked an average of 30 seconds. In shutdown times, XP Professional Edition was the slowest at 28 seconds, compared to a little more than four seconds for both Windows 98SE and Windows Me. Windows 2000 shut down in 22 seconds. Based on these tests, we can say that XP Pro was the fastest at powering up, but slowest in shutting down.

Usability
XP is easy to use, no question. Except for Mac OS 10.1, it's the easiest operating system we've seen. There are wizards galore for such applications such as Files and Settings Transfer for setting up home networking. Adding USB devices is simpler, too. Most of what we connected was recognized, and XP installed the necessary drivers. Working with music and image files is easy because XP takes a task-based approach. For instance, the Media Player guides you step-by-step if you want to burn a CD. Still, expect at least a nominal learning curve.

In Windows XP, Microsoft made several changes to the Start button to make accessing commonly used files, folders, and applications easier. Once you begin using the new Start button, you'll quickly discover that there isn't much of a learning curve for mastering its layout. While there was little change in the Start Menu between Windows 98 and Me, Windows XP makes a significant shift. Even if you don't like what you see, you can change many of XP's elements.

Should You Upgrade?

Microsoft would like you to believe that its XP operating system is a must-have upgrade for anyone with a computer. But everyone may not want or need to upgrade, even though there are many compelling reasons to do so. If you're currently running a system that you're happy with and don't plan on taking advantage of XP's photo, music, networking, or wireless capabilities, or any other of its visual tricks, then stick with what you have until you're ready to buy a new system. If you don't use these features now, you're not likely to use them when you upgrade, though the OS does make working with applications easier.

If you're running Windows 98, 98SE, or Me, you're a good candidate for an upgrade, if nothing more than for XP's stability. XP Home Edition is the OS that Windows Me should have been. Expect to pay $99 to upgrade, and judging from the improvements you'll get, it's worth considering. (Some stand-alone utility packages cost much more.) Still, if you haven't experienced crashes, incompatibilities with hardware devices, or other unexplainable snafus with your current OS, then you probably don't need to upgrade at this time. Also, if you don't plan to network your home computers, or use the OS for anything other than Internet surfing and email functions, then XP will be less compelling for you than for power users who use their computers for everything from email to entertainment.

Check your applications to make sure they're compatible with XP. If not, you may want to wait to upgrade. We recommend doing a "clean" install as opposed to opting for the upgrade directly on top of your existing OS.

Regardless of which OS you're running, make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements that Microsoft outlines before you spend your hard earned money: 300 MHz CPU, 128MB RAM, and 1.5GB free hard disk space. Keep in mind that these are minimum hardware requirements, so a faster processor, more RAM, and extra disk space certainly won't hurt. (Microsoft's Plus! Pack requires at least a 750 MHz CPU, for example.) Keep in mind, too, that to take advantage of the media player's (MPXP) DVD features, you'll need a DVD-ROM drive and a separate third-party app. To use MP3 encoding within the player, you can download a stand-alone application offered by either Intervideo or Cyberlink, though each company offers MP3 encoding and DVD decoding at a package price of $19.95. Expect to spend at least an hour upgrading to Windows XP.

What about those who use Windows 2000? Your only option is go for Windows Professional ($299, full version, $199 for the upgrade). If you're running Windows 2000, you've already got one of the best features that XP offers: stability. If you upgrade to Windows XP Professional, you'll get better compatibility with games (a Windows 2000 nemesis), all the other tricks found in XP Home Edition, plus a few features aimed primarily at businesses.

Value

Does all this add up to a good value? For Windows 95 users who are happy with what they have or don't think they'll take advantage of XP's features, $199 is too high. In this case, the best overall value would be to buy a new system with XP installed. You can find a well-equipped system including Windows XP for less than $1,000. For Windows 98 and Me users, $99 isn't an unreasonable price considering the features and stability.

Despite its limitations, it's an upgrade you'll want either now or later. But if you're skittish, hold off until for the eventual updates that will surely come.