by Andy Rathbone, author of Windows XP For Dummies, 2nd Edition
Question: Should I upgrade to Windows XP?
Answer: Each time Microsoft releases a new
operating system, it releases a big blast of fireworks, too. This month,
Microsoft is spending millions of dollars to convince you that Windows XP
will solve your computer problems. But will it? Before automatically
opening your wallet, think about whether you really need Windows XP by considering the following questions:
- Is your computer currently running well? Plenty of
computers still run strong. Their owners run only a few pieces of
time-proven software, and they rarely install new hardware or programs.
Many never even bothered to upgrade to Windows Millennium or Windows 98.
If your old computer still meets your needs, skip Windows XP. You don't
need it.
- Is your current computer capable of running
Windows XP? If you're still running Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, you're out
of luck. Windows XP can't upgrade those older operating systems, so you
don't qualify for its $99 upgrade price. (The full-edition costs twice as
much.) Besides, those computers are probably too old to handle Windows XP.
To see if your computer can handle Windows XP, head to Microsoft's Windows XP site and download the Upgrade Advisor. A huge 50MB file, it analyzes your computer and says whether its parts and software can handle Windows XP. (The site also lists Windows XP's requirements, so you can see if your computer is up to the task.)
- Are you buying a new computer? If so, your decision
may already be made for you. Most manufacturers tend to place
Microsoft's latest operating system onto their computers, so you'll be
using Windows XP by default.
- Do you need any of Windows XP's features? Some
people may want Windows XP simply for its new features. People with
several computers may want its simplified networking. Households with
several members using one computer may enjoy its User Accounts
feature, where Windows XP treats each user as if they were using their
own computer. Most important, Windows XP simply doesn't crash as often
as its predecessors, which leads to the most important reason to
upgrade: the system's increased stability. If you're tired of the way a
single program's crash can bring your entire computer to a halt, Windows XP might be your ticket to a smoother ride.
Andy Rathbone can be reached at his Web site, www.andyrathbone.com.
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