Windows XP Upgrades
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
With so many people making XP skins, how many of you are actually plannin to upgrade to Win XP?
If not, how many of you are planning to stick with Win98/ME?
If not, how many of you are planning to stick with Win98/ME?
 |
|
Page 3 of 3 | |
|
|---|
Tarkus
Reply #42 Friday, August 10, 2001 9:59 PM
Reply #42 Friday, August 10, 2001 9:59 PM
Some advantages over W2K:
System Restore.
User Swapping.
Built-in CD burning using the Explorer interface.
Windows Medial Player 8.
Much, much better Explorer (though the public IE6 may change that).
Better Start menu (IMO).
Luna. Even if you don't like it, they've expanded the framework for skinning programs such as WindowBlinds.
Many cool graphics things other than Luna, such as 32-bit icons and drop shadows on icon labels.
Much better Help system that updates in real time, and even ties in with the Microsoft Knowledgebase.
Remote Desktop.
Files and Settings transfer wizard.
Built-in ZIP.
Built-in compatibility modes for older OS.
Faster boots.
That's just off the top of my head.
System Restore.
User Swapping.
Built-in CD burning using the Explorer interface.
Windows Medial Player 8.
Much, much better Explorer (though the public IE6 may change that).
Better Start menu (IMO).
Luna. Even if you don't like it, they've expanded the framework for skinning programs such as WindowBlinds.
Many cool graphics things other than Luna, such as 32-bit icons and drop shadows on icon labels.
Much better Help system that updates in real time, and even ties in with the Microsoft Knowledgebase.
Remote Desktop.
Files and Settings transfer wizard.
Built-in ZIP.
Built-in compatibility modes for older OS.
Faster boots.
That's just off the top of my head.
SickPuppy
Reply #43 Saturday, August 11, 2001 10:09 PM
Reply #43 Saturday, August 11, 2001 10:09 PM
Well, I got RC1 about a week ago and put it straight over 2K Pro. I will be upgrading if my crack doesn't work that long 
.....
Anyway, to be honest I think XP is to 2k as ME is to 98. ie, not that much difference on the surface but when you go back you miss all those little extra's they put in. One of the major things for me is the integrated CD burning, works like a dream and is a god send when you are forever downloading and saving it to CD to free up HD space. It's slightly sluggish compared to 2K, but it's RC not final and if you get compatibility at the sacrifice of a tiny amount of speed that's fine by me. Explorer is IMMENSELY better now, the customisation of file views is amazing compared to anything previous. I have had no probs with any games, or my music apps like Acid and FruityLoops...... The one thing I'd be wary of at the moment is using anykind of tweaking utility as I've buggered it up using 98 tweakers I agree with all points made by Tarkus as well plus the integration of WindowBlinds is kick ass !!!!!!
Finally I would like to point out that the home version is what most people will be buying and compared to 95/98SickPuppy that most 'ordinary' home users are used to this WILL be a major upgrade. As most of us here could be called power users I think we forget that the average Joe will find it a hugely useful upgrade from a stability viewpoint alone ! And for these average Joe's I don't think WPA will be a major headache because most of them don't upgrade and just keep their PC's for 5 years or more b4 thinking about just buying a newer one.......
Just my thoughts
..... Anyway, to be honest I think XP is to 2k as ME is to 98. ie, not that much difference on the surface but when you go back you miss all those little extra's they put in. One of the major things for me is the integrated CD burning, works like a dream and is a god send when you are forever downloading and saving it to CD to free up HD space. It's slightly sluggish compared to 2K, but it's RC not final and if you get compatibility at the sacrifice of a tiny amount of speed that's fine by me. Explorer is IMMENSELY better now, the customisation of file views is amazing compared to anything previous. I have had no probs with any games, or my music apps like Acid and FruityLoops...... The one thing I'd be wary of at the moment is using anykind of tweaking utility as I've buggered it up using 98 tweakers
I agree with all points made by Tarkus as well plus the integration of WindowBlinds is kick ass !!!!!!Finally I would like to point out that the home version is what most people will be buying and compared to 95/98SickPuppy that most 'ordinary' home users are used to this WILL be a major upgrade. As most of us here could be called power users I think we forget that the average Joe will find it a hugely useful upgrade from a stability viewpoint alone ! And for these average Joe's I don't think WPA will be a major headache because most of them don't upgrade and just keep their PC's for 5 years or more b4 thinking about just buying a newer one.......
Just my thoughts
Tarkus
Reply #44 Saturday, August 11, 2001 10:46 PM
Reply #44 Saturday, August 11, 2001 10:46 PM
SickPuppy: Tweak UI and Xteq's X-Setup both work fine in WXP. You may one to create a Restore point first, though, just to be safe.
Good point about most people going from W98 to WXP. That's a major upgrade, even without the Pro extras.
Good point about most people going from W98 to WXP. That's a major upgrade, even without the Pro extras.
emilyh
Reply #45 Saturday, August 11, 2001 10:48 PM
Reply #45 Saturday, August 11, 2001 10:48 PM
I plan to upgrade, if for no other reason then to keep my computer skills current. Right now, I have 98. Windows ME didn't have any new features that I really needed, and Microsoft announced that Windows XP was coming out a long time ago, so I never upgraded to ME.
paxx
Reply #46 Saturday, August 11, 2001 11:31 PM
Reply #46 Saturday, August 11, 2001 11:31 PM
emilyh: "I plan to upgrade, if for no other reason then to keep my computer skills current."
Well, actually, from what I've read, Microsoft wants you to forget all your computer skills with XP. Most of everything will be Wizard driven.
Tarkus:
OK, I went through your list...
- System Restore: I hope it's better than ME's because the one on ME is totally useless.
- User Swapping: yes, cool indeed. But I can't think of any reason why I'd use it...
- Built-in CD burning using the Explorer interface: Hum... Burning a CD is easy enough using EZ CD Creator. The is even the Direct CD feature that lets you use a CD as if it was just a diskette. Very cool. So no, don't need that new XP feature.
- Windows Medial Player 8: I'm sure it will be available for download.
- Much, much better Explorer (though the public IE6 may change that): as you said, IE will be available for download.
- Better Start menu (IMO): yes, indeed, in your opinion. Not mine. I really really don't like the new stat menu.
- Luna. Even if you don't like it, they've expanded the framework for skinning programs such as WindowBlinds: if I like Luna, I can get it with Windowblinds.
- Many cool graphics things other than Luna, such as 32-bit icons and drop shadows on icon labels: YES!! The first nice feature for me in the list so far... Is it worth upgrading for though?
- Much better Help system that updates in real time, and even ties in with the Microsoft Knowledgebase: Huh? How often does anyone uses Windows' help? Don't think I ever did myself...
- Remote Desktop: Already got VNC.
- Files and Settings transfer wizard: Wazzat? Like a built in FTP? If so, don't need it.
- Built-in ZIP: don't need it.
- Built-in compatibility modes for older OS: if it's really true, then it may be nice. But I am not convinced. If I had XP I'd probably keep a dual boot with Win98 just in case anyway.
Faster boots: Again, if it's significantly faster, then it's cool.
So really, in my particular case. According to that list, my reasons for upgrading would be: transparent icons, better Win9x compatibility and faster reboot. Hum... May be worth upgrading, but not worth buying. So if it comes with my next system I'll give it a shot.
Problem is, I will proabably get my next ssyteme within a month, but XP wont be released then... Oh well... I guess I'l stick to 2k.
Well, actually, from what I've read, Microsoft wants you to forget all your computer skills with XP. Most of everything will be Wizard driven.
Tarkus:
OK, I went through your list...
- System Restore: I hope it's better than ME's because the one on ME is totally useless.
- User Swapping: yes, cool indeed. But I can't think of any reason why I'd use it...
- Built-in CD burning using the Explorer interface: Hum... Burning a CD is easy enough using EZ CD Creator. The is even the Direct CD feature that lets you use a CD as if it was just a diskette. Very cool. So no, don't need that new XP feature.
- Windows Medial Player 8: I'm sure it will be available for download.
- Much, much better Explorer (though the public IE6 may change that): as you said, IE will be available for download.
- Better Start menu (IMO): yes, indeed, in your opinion. Not mine. I really really don't like the new stat menu.
- Luna. Even if you don't like it, they've expanded the framework for skinning programs such as WindowBlinds: if I like Luna, I can get it with Windowblinds.
- Many cool graphics things other than Luna, such as 32-bit icons and drop shadows on icon labels: YES!! The first nice feature for me in the list so far... Is it worth upgrading for though?
- Much better Help system that updates in real time, and even ties in with the Microsoft Knowledgebase: Huh? How often does anyone uses Windows' help? Don't think I ever did myself...
- Remote Desktop: Already got VNC.
- Files and Settings transfer wizard: Wazzat? Like a built in FTP? If so, don't need it.
- Built-in ZIP: don't need it.
- Built-in compatibility modes for older OS: if it's really true, then it may be nice. But I am not convinced. If I had XP I'd probably keep a dual boot with Win98 just in case anyway.
Faster boots: Again, if it's significantly faster, then it's cool.
So really, in my particular case. According to that list, my reasons for upgrading would be: transparent icons, better Win9x compatibility and faster reboot. Hum... May be worth upgrading, but not worth buying. So if it comes with my next system I'll give it a shot.
Problem is, I will proabably get my next ssyteme within a month, but XP wont be released then... Oh well... I guess I'l stick to 2k.
hoverboy
Reply #47 Sunday, August 12, 2001 4:28 PM
Reply #47 Sunday, August 12, 2001 4:28 PM
Regarding the "... if you like Luna, you can get it with WindowBlinds..." comment. I like WindowBlinds, but there are just enough inconsistencies with it and how I'm use to working that I prefer not to run it... most of the time... Like flashing IM messages no longer flash on the taskbar when I'm running it. Little things like that are enough to keep me from running it full time.
And regarding the new Windows Help feature: I ran into an issue, and in the past I *never* use help. Since there's so little actual documentation regarding technicial issues with WinXP on the Web I decided to use Windows Help, and it worked! Twice now! So I have to say that I'm quite impressed with Help also
And regarding the new Windows Help feature: I ran into an issue, and in the past I *never* use help. Since there's so little actual documentation regarding technicial issues with WinXP on the Web I decided to use Windows Help, and it worked! Twice now! So I have to say that I'm quite impressed with Help also
Tarkus
Reply #48 Sunday, August 12, 2001 5:42 PM
Reply #48 Sunday, August 12, 2001 5:42 PM
paxx: Not trying to talk you into upgrading, but I'll address a few of your points.
System Restore: I never used the ME version, so I can't compare. I can only say that it has already saved my butt several times, and I've heard similar reports in the beta groups. In fact, I don't think I've ever read a single negative about it, other than some people say they don't need it.
User Swapping: One good reason for using it is so that you can run normally in a secure, non-administrator account, and you can easily switch over to your administrator account when necessary. That's how I use it.
Built-in CD burning: DirectCD is buggy, and packet writing in general is not only unreliable, but is also proprietary. The built-in burning performs the same function as ECDC (TAO), but using a much more convenient interface. It doesn't eliminate the need for good burning software, but it makes for a great supplement.
Windows Media Player 8: So far MS is saying it's only going to be bundled with WXP. I'd be surprised if they moved off of that, since it's part of WXP's selling point.
Explorer: I was talking about Windows Explorer, not Internet Explorer, though I realize they're somewhat tied together. Not sure if the public IE6 will bring WE up to WXP's level.
Luna: Let's see you skin your taskbar and Start menu with WindowBlinds. Luna does. WindowBlinds will eventually, but I'm not sure if ever will on non-XP Windows. The Display Properties interface is pretty cool, too.
Help: I never used the old Help either, but I use this Help all the time. There is a wealth of knowledge there, since it ties right in to the MS Knowledgebase. Plus it helps with the learning curve.
Files & Settings Transfer Wizard: What it does is allow you to move all your settings from account to account. Means you can move to another computer or account, or even from an older OS, without losing your settings.
Nobody really needs another ZIP program, but I like the fact that it's built into Explorer. Like the CD burning, it's just a really nice supplement to a separate full featured program. I use the built-in stuff day to day because of the convenience, and use the other stuff for more sophisticated jobs.
System Restore: I never used the ME version, so I can't compare. I can only say that it has already saved my butt several times, and I've heard similar reports in the beta groups. In fact, I don't think I've ever read a single negative about it, other than some people say they don't need it.
User Swapping: One good reason for using it is so that you can run normally in a secure, non-administrator account, and you can easily switch over to your administrator account when necessary. That's how I use it.
Built-in CD burning: DirectCD is buggy, and packet writing in general is not only unreliable, but is also proprietary. The built-in burning performs the same function as ECDC (TAO), but using a much more convenient interface. It doesn't eliminate the need for good burning software, but it makes for a great supplement.
Windows Media Player 8: So far MS is saying it's only going to be bundled with WXP. I'd be surprised if they moved off of that, since it's part of WXP's selling point.
Explorer: I was talking about Windows Explorer, not Internet Explorer, though I realize they're somewhat tied together. Not sure if the public IE6 will bring WE up to WXP's level.
Luna: Let's see you skin your taskbar and Start menu with WindowBlinds. Luna does. WindowBlinds will eventually, but I'm not sure if ever will on non-XP Windows. The Display Properties interface is pretty cool, too.
Help: I never used the old Help either, but I use this Help all the time. There is a wealth of knowledge there, since it ties right in to the MS Knowledgebase. Plus it helps with the learning curve.
Files & Settings Transfer Wizard: What it does is allow you to move all your settings from account to account. Means you can move to another computer or account, or even from an older OS, without losing your settings.
Nobody really needs another ZIP program, but I like the fact that it's built into Explorer. Like the CD burning, it's just a really nice supplement to a separate full featured program. I use the built-in stuff day to day because of the convenience, and use the other stuff for more sophisticated jobs.
SickPuppy
Reply #49 Sunday, August 12, 2001 5:49 PM
Reply #49 Sunday, August 12, 2001 5:49 PM
Oh Paxx, you are a stuborn one aren't you
Yep, system restore is hugely improved and makes no performance hit at all AND the major thing now is you can delete all restore points except the latest one, recovering a large amount of disc space.
OK, the built in CD burining is way better than Direct CD. No formatting, no special eject commands, no finalizing the disc. It's virtually identical to copying to floppy or zip but takes slightly longer obviously, depending on your CD-R speed. To be able to copy straight from explorer without opening Nero is way faster for me anyways and I'm certain it'll be a big hit with most home users who find normal CD burning complicated.
MS have stated that Media Player 8 is gonna be XP only and that there won't be downloads available.... although I think that will probably change.... besides you can get RC2 for Win2K at a number of sites already.....
Explorer, I don't think IE6 is that much of an improvement, what I was talking about was Windows File Explorer, huge improvements and functionality.......
As for the start menu and Luna, I think this friendlier look is gonna be the biggest draw for gullible consumers....... 'Oh look, isn't that lovely, looks much less like work now !' is how one person I showed XP commented....
Yep, a lot of the graphical touches are nice, shadowed icon text, fading taskbar, fade to grey on shutdown etc........ again, a pull for the 'average' home user.....
The 'Help and Support Centre' really are useful at last, unlike the ME one which I could NEVER get to work even on a clean install..... PLUS you can get online assistance via proffesionals, friends etc which sounds like a good idea, ie you can get someone to connect up to your machine and go through it if you're not tech savvy.....
Files and settings transfer allows you to easily take all you settings etc to a different machine, basically you can migrate to other PC's and keep your looks, layout and work etc
Built in ZIP, haven't used it but saves having to register WinZip or one of the others....
The compatibility modes work well, I know that for a fact as I have a number of progs that i can't run without setting them to Win98 mode.....
As for the faster boots claim, this is actually the slowest Windows I have ever had for booting.....
Oh and as you obviously haven't been paying attention to the tech news sites, new PC's will be shipping with XP from mid September, maybe even earlier so you may well get it. And even if you don't most places are issuing free upgrade vouchers if you buy a new PC anytime soon.
Yep, system restore is hugely improved and makes no performance hit at all AND the major thing now is you can delete all restore points except the latest one, recovering a large amount of disc space.
OK, the built in CD burining is way better than Direct CD. No formatting, no special eject commands, no finalizing the disc. It's virtually identical to copying to floppy or zip but takes slightly longer obviously, depending on your CD-R speed. To be able to copy straight from explorer without opening Nero is way faster for me anyways and I'm certain it'll be a big hit with most home users who find normal CD burning complicated.
MS have stated that Media Player 8 is gonna be XP only and that there won't be downloads available.... although I think that will probably change.... besides you can get RC2 for Win2K at a number of sites already.....
Explorer, I don't think IE6 is that much of an improvement, what I was talking about was Windows File Explorer, huge improvements and functionality.......
As for the start menu and Luna, I think this friendlier look is gonna be the biggest draw for gullible consumers....... 'Oh look, isn't that lovely, looks much less like work now !' is how one person I showed XP commented....
Yep, a lot of the graphical touches are nice, shadowed icon text, fading taskbar, fade to grey on shutdown etc........ again, a pull for the 'average' home user.....
The 'Help and Support Centre' really are useful at last, unlike the ME one which I could NEVER get to work even on a clean install..... PLUS you can get online assistance via proffesionals, friends etc which sounds like a good idea, ie you can get someone to connect up to your machine and go through it if you're not tech savvy.....
Files and settings transfer allows you to easily take all you settings etc to a different machine, basically you can migrate to other PC's and keep your looks, layout and work etc
Built in ZIP, haven't used it but saves having to register WinZip or one of the others....
The compatibility modes work well, I know that for a fact as I have a number of progs that i can't run without setting them to Win98 mode.....
As for the faster boots claim, this is actually the slowest Windows I have ever had for booting.....
Oh and as you obviously haven't been paying attention to the tech news sites, new PC's will be shipping with XP from mid September, maybe even earlier so you may well get it. And even if you don't most places are issuing free upgrade vouchers if you buy a new PC anytime soon.
Jafo
Reply #50 Sunday, August 12, 2001 8:44 PM
Reply #50 Sunday, August 12, 2001 8:44 PM
I've been using Powerdesk Pro for years now.....enjoying the seemless built-in zip functions [and other formats including cab] and the built-in file viewer [including avi, doc and wav], and the shortcut bar access to the likes of regedit etc........craps all over exploder, so that is one reason less for me to switch to XP.
I find file management/functionality to be quite important, so with Pdesk as well as ZtreeWin....I'll stick happily with 2K...
I find file management/functionality to be quite important, so with Pdesk as well as ZtreeWin....I'll stick happily with 2K...
paxx
Reply #51 Monday, August 13, 2001 6:50 AM
Reply #51 Monday, August 13, 2001 6:50 AM
OK, I want to sincere ansnwer to this next question please. Not a selling speech:
Has any of you people who used XP ever come upon an application that would not work properly under XP? I say that cause even MS say that there might be some applications that won't work.
Is the need for a dual boot completly away?
Has any of you people who used XP ever come upon an application that would not work properly under XP? I say that cause even MS say that there might be some applications that won't work.
Is the need for a dual boot completly away?
Tarkus
Reply #52 Monday, August 13, 2001 2:05 PM
Reply #52 Monday, August 13, 2001 2:05 PM
When I was trying out wallpaper managers, I found a couple that didn't play well, but since I hadn't tried them on any other OS, I can't really pin the blame on WXP. Same with a couple screen savers I've tried that didn't work. Caesar FTP server is another example that was flakey, but I'd never used it before (and it was before I knew about the compatibility mode, so that may have fixed it).
As far as important stuff, and applications in general that I was using on W2K, I can't think of anything that has failed to work. Well, except DirectCD, which I didn't even bother trying, because I already knew it had issues. The only problems I've had is when trying new (to me) stuff, which makes it hard to determine if it's WXP-related.
In short, other than DirectCD (which I didn't use much anyway, because it's inherently buggy), I'm basically using the same stuff I did in W2K, plus a whole lot more. I haven't had to give up anything.
Is that a selling speech?
As far as important stuff, and applications in general that I was using on W2K, I can't think of anything that has failed to work. Well, except DirectCD, which I didn't even bother trying, because I already knew it had issues. The only problems I've had is when trying new (to me) stuff, which makes it hard to determine if it's WXP-related.
In short, other than DirectCD (which I didn't use much anyway, because it's inherently buggy), I'm basically using the same stuff I did in W2K, plus a whole lot more. I haven't had to give up anything.
Is that a selling speech?
paxx
Reply #53 Monday, August 13, 2001 3:28 PM
Reply #53 Monday, August 13, 2001 3:28 PM
Hehehe! No, that seemed genuine. Thank you.
So if I can indeed get XP on my new system I'll ask for it. If I don't like it I can always revert back to 2k.
So if I can indeed get XP on my new system I'll ask for it. If I don't like it I can always revert back to 2k.
Tarkus
Reply #54 Tuesday, August 14, 2001 3:20 AM
Reply #54 Tuesday, August 14, 2001 3:20 AM
Just turned on ClearType for the first time. Wow! What a difference! Looks almost like a I got a new monitor.
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 3 of 3 | |
|
|---|
Reply #41 Friday, August 10, 2001 9:45 PM