articles
September 13, 2000
Coffee, Tea, or Windows Me?
by Barbara Fletcher
Yet again, Microsoft is adding to its operating system drink cart. Whether you see this as a new way for Bill to
make bucks, or the latest improvement to Windows 98,
Windows Me is coming up the aisle. It has
been served up on new PCs for a few weeks now, and is slated for public consumption September 14.
What Makes Me Great
Critics seem to agree that Windows Me is worth installing if you are the kind of user that likes your computer
to take care of itself. Perhaps one of the key selling points is the
AutoUpdate feature that automatically checks for OS
updates and downloads them for you worry-free. Windows Me also boasts
easy installation, improved
Help resources, menu enhancements, and System
File Protection (SFP) that protects key system files from being
overwritten. Best of all, there is a handy
System Restore feature
that restores your system to the last time everything was running fine -- even if you've
gone crazy downloading or deleting.
What Makes Me Cool
Windows Me also comes bundled with some engaging programs that will appeal to digital image, music, games, and
surfing lovers. These enhancements include Windows
Media Player 7.0 for MP3 and media enthusiasts,
Internet Explorer 5.5 with its slick new Print Preview options
and better surfing interface, preinstalled single and multiplayer games from MSN Zone,
and home networking support. For digital image junkies, there is a funky video
editor Movie Maker,
and a handy built-in digital image
editing tool tool that allows you to plug your digital camera into your computer and edit images with no
additonal software.
Do You Need Me?
Now, Windows Me sounds like it is a vast improvement over Windows 98, right? Not necessarily. In CNET.com
performance tests,
Windows 98 beat out Windows Me in most cases. This means that Windows 98 still has better performance overall.
Also, if you choose to upgrade from Windows 98, and don't buy a PC pre-installed with Me, you will not be able to enjoy
FastBoot (support for faster boot times). No speedy start-ups for you. And finally, most of the bundled surfing,
image, and entertainment programs can be downloaded for free from the Web.
Make Your Own Me
So, if you've got Windows 98 and a bit of time on your hands to visit
Microsoft Critical Update Center
and do some downloads (Windows Media Player 7.0, IE 5.5, etc.), you may not need to consider
upgrading -- you can make your own Me.
Me? I'll have a coffee instead, thanks, Bill.
Related reading
• Windows Me Product Page -- read all about
it on the official page
• CNET: Reports of Windows Me bugs already rolling in -- September 13, 2000
• CNET: Is Windows Me for You? -- September 14, 2000
• ZDNet:
Windows Me -- ZDNet's Special report
• Is This Update For You? --
Advice from Updates.com
• WinPlanet: Windows Me Overview
• Windows
Millenium Edition Reviewed -- CNET's thorough review
• Windows Me Too -- PCWorld shows
you how to make your own Me
• Windows Me (TechTalkRadio) - listen to people
talk about installing Me
• Epinions.com reviews Windows Me
-- read user reviews and feedback