Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition - Software Review - Evaluation

Home Office Computing, Oct, 2000 by Eric Grevstad

One Internet-related warning is that, since Windows Me contains Win 2000's more capable TCP/IP plumbing, some Win 95/98 communications software may need upgrading. At press time, for example, Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2000 firewall wasn't compatible with Millennium, though a new release of Network Ice's BlackIce Defender was, and the new OS uninstalled the diagnostic module of our Dell's 3Com network adapter.

But Windows' most common install/ uninstall blues are greatly reduced, thanks to System Restore and System File Protection. The latter monitors many dynamic link libraries (DLLs) and other key system files; if a misguided user or ill-behaved software setup routine overwrites or deletes them, Win Me instantly restores them. (Microsoft's own software, of course, is exempt from such strictures--a more uppity Windows Update has gained the ability to download patches and upgrades automatically during idle Internet time, then notify you that they're ready to install.)

If installing something really messes up your PC, System Restore reverts your Windows and Program Files folders and Registry to a previous state or checkpoint recorded periodically or manually as you prefer. The feature is far less capable than our favorite disaster eraser, Adaptec's GoBack 2.2, which lets you revert your entire PC or choose among past versions of data files, and System File Protection undid only part of our vandalism when we went on a DLL-deleting spree. But the new tools will still get a lot of users out of a lot of trouble.

The Bottom Line If you're still running Windows 95, it's time you stepped up to the USB and home networking support and extra features of Windows Me. If you're running the original Win 98, your decision will depend on your craving for specific features; if you're running the nearly new Second Edition, we'd opt for GoBack over the upgrade.

If you're buying a speedy new PC that'll be used strictly for business, Windows 2000 should be your default choice. But if you spend leisure as well as work time at your computer, or want to take advantage of today's nifty digital cameras and home networks, Windows Me is a surprisingly strong temptation.

[pros] Starts faster; backs out of common jams; nice image and video support

[cons] Still far from crash-proof; snubs popular media formats

RATINGS

HOME OFFICE COMPUTING rates products on a scale of 1 to 10--with few 9's or 10's--based on value, performance, innovation (medals go to rare standouts in these areas), ease of use, and suitability for home offices. The [pros] and [cons] symbols indicate pros and cons.