bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition w/SP2

• Microsoft Windows 98
• Microsoft Windows 98 SE
• Microsoft Windows ME

Rating: 10

Time with product: 5 Years

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Summary: I've been using Windows XP since it was first released in 2001 and love it. If you already have XP, just download and install the SP2 update yourself--for free. Don't worry about purchasing another whole operating system. It's the same thing and will consequently save you some dough.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: Improved Security

Weaknesses: Expensive; Internet Explorer getting obsolete

Summary: Windows XP Home SP2 is certainly a must for home users putting together a new PC that has DSL connection to the Internet. It has rudimentary internet security built into the OS. The firewall is much more intelligent and pro-active than before. At about $100, this upgrade is not cheap, and most of the included software programs are the same as in the original XP. Internet Explorer is more secure, but is showing its age compared to the more feature-rich competitors. But all in all, Windows XP has matured well over the years and runs very stably without problems.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: a big improvement over windows 98, windows 2000; easy to install; it's more stable

Weaknesses: I have to reload some software when installing it

Summary: Unlike windows 98, windows 2000, which might crash several times a day, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition w/ SP2 is more stable. I don't have any crash up to now. The Service Pack 2 has a firewall, which makes it more secure. It is compatbile with my current software

Rating: 10

Time with product: 99 Days

Strengths: Stable Platform

Weaknesses: I hate the product activation. Microsoft treats you like you are a thief even if you own the product!!!!

Summary: What more can be said about Windows XP Home. It the most stable home/home-office platform you can use since Windows 98. It's got all the tools you need as a home user. The only way to get any better is to go with XP Pro or XP Pro with 64-bit extensions.......but we won't get into that today. I'm focusing on the home user. Installation is easy & the latest Windows Service pack is included. Can't wait for Longhorn though!!!!

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Years

Strengths: comparably ease of operation

Weaknesses: most people use this generally more venerable to the internet

Summary: It's stable and almost everything runs on it. It's also easy to install, and deals with almost any kind of hardware without much trouble which is a plus when looking for cheap or FAR hardware or software. The only problems with it are the security holes but get them patched regularly you should be safe. Most of them involve programs you don't actually have to use, like internet explorer. It validates your copy every time before you can update, which seems a little extreme to me.