WinME Final (not beta) Thumbs UP High
Written: Jul 13 '00 (Updated Jul 13 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stability, Media Features
Cons: Not Much
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| gormly's Full Review: Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Media Only) ... |
FINAL RETAIL VERSION REVIEW WinMe – Windows Millennium. Is it all it’s cracked up to be?
Hey it’s all that and a bag of chips, let me tell you.
I have the FINAL Version of WinME (do not ask me where I got it please, I won’t tell) Build 3333, not the final beta, so I can give you the low down on the final code.
Is the upgrade worth it?:
Most definitely. This is the most stable operating system I have tried aside from Windows 2000. I dare you to try to crash it* (see ‘more stable?’ below)
Also, There are a bunch of goodies MS is throwing in that may just start another round of DOJ lawsuits (moron’s) Improved Media Player (skinable), Movie Maker which is Digital Video Capture and Editing, Headache free Home networking, and System Restore are just a few. I think MS is doing a great job of adding things we would otherwise have to pay for, thus making the operating system more of a value.
Is it more stable… really?
Yep, I install about 50 programs into every OS and then continue to download/install new programs every day. After 62 Programs installed, WinME booted 2 seconds slower than first boot and never once crashed. I am sure WinME will crash or freeze eventually, but I am truly satisfied at this point. Win98se crashed or froze on me several times a day.
How does WinME do it? System File Protection, that’s how! No more rouge DLL’s and invalid out of date system files. WinME will not let the user or an offending program overwrite an existing system file, which cuts down on the crashes by 90%.
The cost of upgrading is worth it just for the stability alone!
What are the benefits to upgrading?
Stability and system restorations. More support for future devices (firewire, DV, USB) and in most cases, installing new hardware (a new firewire card) didn’t require a reboot!
Compatibility with almost everything out there! 99% of all games and software will run on WinME. The autoUpdate feature downloads and applies all the “fixes” and enhancements to the WinME OS automatically, so you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to.
The help sections and tutorials are top notch, a new user will surely benefit from that. The user interface hasn’t really been changed except for a few minor tweaks, but the benefits lie under the hood.
What do I get in the New Version of Windows?
- Internet Explorer 5.5
- System Restore
- System File Protection
- Auto Update
- Home Networking (real and working)
- Digital Media support down the line Media player 7, and Movie Maker. All audio formats supported out of the box, no need for all those “players”
- Fast Boot
- Improved DUN (Dial Up networking) DSL and Cable supported
- Optimized Internet Connections (no more TweakDun needed)
- Improved Help Interface for easier problem solving and it is Vendor enabled which means help files for your new hardware will be integrated into the WinME help system.
- Media Player 7 all-in-one jukebox with support for streaming audio and video and MP3s, the ability to encode your own CDs, and direct access to portable MP3 players and Pocket PCs (yea, it works).
- Windows Image Acquisition Which is automated support for scanners and digital cameras to make it easier for you to get you photos and images into your computer!
- Games 5 New (online and off) games to choose from and then a bagful on MSN gaming zone
- Direct Voice for easy chat with online games and soon anywhere.
- Much More
What are the drawbacks?
So far, only a few. My PPPoe driver (DSL connection) didn’t work and there was a compatibility issue with a printer, but other that that everything went smooth. Of course it helps that I have 6 printers.
Home Users:
Immediate benefits in stability, and lowering of the ‘frustration factor’ of Windows
I found WinME to be more user friendly and hardware and software installation is a breeze. The Movie Maker software lacks in features, but it will spawn a new generation of home movie makers! The system Restore is a feature EVERY user needs.
The media features and improvements are a boon for new users. No compatibility problems and no more plugins and players to download to listen to music or view video files.
Advanced users:
Well, you advanced guys out there know that WinME is for the HOME user, but you will not be disappointed by installing this software in place of Win2000. If you are like me and install tons of stuff and open dozens of programs at once, WinME is a better choice. It seems WinME allocates memory better and uses less swap space making it a better (faster) experience that Win2000. I personally have shunned my Win2000 in place of WinME, until Whistler comes out Fall 2001.
System Requirements
Via MS Web Site: VGA or higher resolution monitor, Pentium 150MHz processor or better, 32MB of RAM or better
Minimum 320MB free hard-disk space (that is a VERY bare minimum)
Actual ‘you will enjoy it with” requirements:
Celeron 400 or better processor, 64 megs of Ram, SVGA Monitor, 8Meg or better Video card, and 1 Gig free hard drive space.
Installation:
Not a hitch! I read an article in USA Today by some moron who said it was a nightmare! DO NOT LISTEN to this media hypester! WinME installed flawlessly! I only had the problem with an outdated PPPoe driver that was easily replaced in a day! There are only a few screens to deal with (all easy stuff). I would have to say WinME installed better than any previous OS.
First Boot:
First boot takes a while as Windows finds, corrects, and installs new drivers and protects valid system files, but after that you will see a faster boot and shut down time than ever before. There is a sweet video and tutorial that WinME launches at first boot. I say WATCH IT!
Two weeks in:
No crashes and no problems, Win98 frustrated the heck out of me but WinME has treated me well. I have used virtually all the features in ME without a problem and my digital video files have grown, grown, grown.
Bottom Line:
I truly expected to be disappointed with WinME, I thought it would be just another non-essential bloated upgrade ala Office 2000, but I have been pleasantly surprised.
WinME is a valid essential upgrade to Win98. Although I strongly suggest you install it on a clean formatted hard drive. But if you must, go ahead and upgrade over Win98, you won’t run into any significant problems. Be aware that there are bashers out there that will do their best to convince you MS stinks and is putting out a crappy product, but I challenge you to find a better OS!
Mac Users: MS is onto you, and the OS gives you a great run for the money!
Linux users: Go ahead, capture some digital video and send it to grandma via email, then restore your original system settings with a few clicks… bet you can’t do it.
********************* MY RANT *********************************
Microsoft Bashers can stop reading right here. You know who you are, you’re the one who says “Linux Rules” but can’t get connected to the net with it. You’re the One who says “Mac’s Kick A@@” Even though you have never even booted on up. Microsoft bashers bug me, they are the type of people who wait for the latest trend the read about in a fashion rag and then proclaim to have “worn that before it was popular” MS is FAR from perfect, but they have put out a product that can be used by the masses without a degree in computer science!! Newbies UNITE!! Thank you Microsoft… Here is my $90 bucks.
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Recommended:
Yes
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Member: Eric Gormly
Location: Waterbury, Ct
Reviews written: 125
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