/personal tech/All about MeGet to know the ins and outs of Microsoft's Windows Millennium EditionBY ERIC GRIFFITH |
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Two years ago, Microsoft gave the world Windows 98. It didn't look any different from Windows 95 outside of minor cosmetic changes, but it fixed a lot of bugs under the hood. Now, Windows 98 gets the makeover treatment with the release this summer of Windows Millennium Edition, or as Microsoft calls it, Windows Me (yes, it's pronounced "me," as in the opposite of you). What we've seen of Windows Me shows enormous promise, with both obvious and not-so-obvious improvements. Among the latter is less dependence on the underlying use of DOS (Microsoft's original operating system), which Windows has been built upon since version 1.0 in the late 1980s. This should mean fewer crashes. Without DOS holding it back, Windows should start up faster. With some new computer systems, booting with a clean install (meaning no other applications are launching at start-up time) of Windows Me is supposed to take less than 30 seconds. Microsoft has finally realized the error of obtuse warnings such as "illegal operation" and "fatal error." Windows Me testers are submitting opinions about what error messages should say and how these messages may be able to guide people out of a jam. More obvious improvements and additions take aim at fast-growing markets for home computing: DIGITAL MEDIA: The new Media Player 7.0 is more than just for video playback; it's now a full-fledged jukebox system for audio and video (see our cover story for more). You can edit videos easily with the included Movie Maker software, and digital photographs are also easy to download, manipulate and catalog. HOME NETWORKING: Sharing resources such as Internet connections and printers between two or more computers is improved. Microsoft is even including support for linking to the next generation of home appliances using the Universal Plug and Play standard. SYSTEM HEALTH: Using features like System Restore and System File Protection, it's almost impossible to accidentally mess up your system by deleting files the computer needs. Will you need Windows Me when it comes out? If your current setup works for you, don't spend the $100. But if you're thinking of getting a new system and it comes with Me, don't hesitate; you'll likely enjoy the experience.
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