![[Bytes Link logo]](../../../cgif/bytelnk2.gif)
Windows 2000—Should you make the move?
by By Vinny La Bash—April 2000 Sarasota PC Monitor, Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc. - April 20, 2000 at 17:50:48:
Windows 2000 was not designed to replace Windows 98. It was designed as an upgrade for Windows NT. What does this mean for those who have Windows 98? It means you need to do some research and careful planning before making any decision. Different types of computer users will have different reasons for switching to Windows 2000, and there will be a number of those who shouldn’t upgrade at all.If you already use Windows NT, you have very strong reasons for upgrading as soon as possible. If you deal heavily in multimedia or game playing, you’re better off waiting until the software vendors catch up to a true 32-bit operating system.
At a minimum, Microsoft says you need a 133MHz computer, 32Mb of RAM, a 2Gb hard disk with 650Mb of free space for file swapping and temporary files, and oh yes, a VGA monitor keyboard and mouse. While it’s possible for Windows 2000 to work on such an underpowered beast, it’s also possible for a family of six to live in a one-bedroom apartment, but who would want to do that by choice?
For Windows 2000 to spring to life, you need a 400MHz processor or better, at least 128Mb of RAM, nothing smaller than a 6Gb hard drive and a SVGA monitor or better. Yeah, throw in the mouse and the keyboard too.
Along with the above, it’s a good idea to have a system that can boot from the CD-ROM. A bootable CD-ROM makes system installation or recovery from a disk crash much easier.
Extensive tests have shown that Windows 2000 is far more stable and less prone to crash than any of its predecessors. One reason for this is that Windows 2000 was not designed to run every peripheral and software program since the inception of DOS. A lot of legacy software and hardware simply will not work with Windows 2000. Microsoft labs has done a commendable job of testing peripherals and certifying them as “Windows 2000 Compatible.” However, even with all of Microsoft’s considerable resources, it is simply not possible for them to test every piece of software or hardware that has been marketed since 1980. If you are using any item more than a few years old, assume that Windows 2000 will not recognize it without up-to-date drivers. Go to the manufacture’s website to determine if their equipment is Windows 2000 Compatible. If your experience is like mine, your success rate will be spotty at best.
If you run a small business at home, you are a good candidate for an upgrade. Windows 2000’s interface strongly resembles that of Windows 98 so there are few, if any retraining issues. The new Window’s strongest feature for a business user is its reliability. It is as close to crash proof as you can get and you will appreciate the superior security and backup utilities.
Because of compatibility issues with legacy hardware and software, home users are probably better off waiting for the Windows Millennium Edition. This is the version of Windows specifically designed to replace Windows 98.
Editor’s Note: An Open Letter from Jim Allchin, Group Vice President, Platforms Group, Microsoft Corporation to Microsoft customers on Windows 2000 says, “You may have seen reports in the media claiming that Windows 2000 contains over 63,000 defects. I’d like to assure our customers that these reports are inaccurate. Microsoft is committed to delivering high quality products, and we believe Windows 2000 is the most reliable operating system Microsoft has ever shipped.” For the entire letter go to: http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWS2000/news/bulletins/response1.asp :
Copyright 2000. Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc., P.O. Box 15889, Sarasota, FL 34277-1889.
See http://www.spcug.org for all reviews from the Sarasota PC Monitor, go to the Newsletter Section.
![[------STRIPE-----]](../../../cgif/str1.gif){kind=small}
Site Disclaimer Suggestions? E-Mail to webmaster@noccc.org