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Window Manager
Brian Livingston
A few more eXPeriences

MY READERS HAVE flooded me with their findings about Microsoft's new Windows XP ever since I recommended in a recent column that companies and individuals avoid buying it due to numerous drawbacks (see "There'll be no XP for me," Oct. 8). I'll print here as many comments as I can.

Some of my readers are pleased with Windows XP. One of them, Sam Magruder, says, "Bottom line: I like XP; I have not had a Blue Screen of Death or any problems at all. My programs work really smoothly -- except for Norton Utilities and Norton AntiVirus, [about] which I was told before loading the program."

But he warns users that installing XP over Windows Me trashed the files in his My Documents folder (in XP, Documents and Settings). "All of my documents, photos, and downloaded files were gone!" Magruder reports. "Thank goodness I backed them up. When I called Microsoft, they had no idea where to look. I did a search and I can tell you [those files] have disappeared. I am writing to strongly suggest that everything that is of value be backed up before starting any upgrade."

Other readers were, shall I say, less effusive in their praise of XP. "Bravo! Your article on 'No XP' is the first public acknowledgement of the erroneous path that Microsoft is taking with its operating system technology development," writes Mark Sanderson. "Yes, I'm 'in bed' big time with Microsoft products and Win 2000 is my current flagship operating system, though I do have a VMWare virtual instance of Linux on board that I use as often as possible and I believe I'll ultimately transfer my technical skills to that nonentrapping system as soon as possible."

"It's about time the tech community voted against the ridiculous, repressive agreements that Microsoft is requiring by not buying the product," Will Ward says. "I was not going to upgrade for the same reasons you list, plus the activation scheme, but I figured my nonpurchase wouldn't matter. But if other PC professionals follow your example, it will make a difference."

"I believe Microsoft is more likely to clean up its act in light of unfavorable consumer response than it is from government legal action," writes Andrew Keller, a professional engineer. "It is as much for that reason, as for the problems stemming from Passport, that I just canceled my XP preorders after reading your latest column."

"I am flabbergasted at XP and its monopolistic and intrusive nature. I decided before I read your column that I would not run XP unless I absolutely had to," writes Steve Clover, a senior technician for a city engineering agency. "It reflects well on your publication that you do not simply promote your advertisers at the expense of your readership. I appreciate it, as I'm sure most do."

I appreciate your input, too. Keep it coming.


Brian Livingston's latest book is Windows Me Secrets. Send tips to tips@brianlivingston.com. Go to www.iwsubscribe.com/newsletters to get Window Manager and E-Business Secrets free each week via e-mail.



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