LOL...

I think it is not correct plce to discuss linux in this thread.
But in my opinion Linux need to work more harder after this sp2 release, because one of the bad factor in windows is reduced. (I know it is not eliminated)
What Linux need to do is:
- Start developments of kernel 3 (major upgrade from kernel 2.x)
Improve the security. and how about autopatch kernel ?
Reduce the hardware driver problems, how about creating base driver design which can be used by hardware developers to create drivers for their hardware faster and easier, compared if they created from zero?
Especially: VGA, Modem, Sound and Motherboard. Also please consider to create Linux drivers developments community.
- Start developments of KDE 4
- Support faster Openoffice.org 2.0 developments
- United the installer developmenst, so software developers did not need to create individual installer for different distros.
- It is also better if we also consider give option to use lighter x windows for old computer user (PI & PII), instead of use the command line. This also good if the Linux onl used for routre, firewall and simmiliar functions which did not need much x windows, and did not need fast hardware,

Just my2c, from non linux user

Freakin' Linux geeks. This is a Microsoft thread. All you guys wnt to do is praise Linux all the time. Go lose your virginity.

win xp sp2 2055 review

1. The copyright is wrong: in splash screen at booting still displaying 2001, instead of 2004.
2. At the system also wrong is displaying v2002 instead of version 2004
3. It did not correctly install well known hardware driver: soundblaster live and Dlink Network card
it must have default driver for well known hardware, I believe still many more.
4. Remote assistance still active as default.
5. Try : open IE, and go to windows update, it is wrong by giving active x warning.
6. it did not contain Java.
7. windows movie maker 1, still using old version. instead of version 2
8. Update schedule is wrong, using 3.00 am as default, as not all people will keep the computer on at that time. it must use other time which mostly people on the computer but not so much work maybe at lunch time ?.
9. It still using old window messenger 4.7 instead of version 5.

Other things which maybe forgotten: (if this not included it means not really reloaded :) )
1. Include the Platform SDK update.
http://www.microsoft.com...d/platformsdk/sdkupdate
2. Include .net Framework 2 (Not 1.1). so user will not facing same problems again with downloading big files when wants to use .net framework.

Also please consider to :
Include screen capture software simmiliar to snag-it.
Use Outlook express 7 instead of outlook express 6.
System restore need to be more smarter and powerful: we can keep some setting forever, by time, also able to exclude virus in email to be restored, we can delete some restore point to save space, etc.
Disabled the messenger as default.
The viewer need to improve alot. the best viewer is Quick view plus.
The windows explorer need to be improved, since long time ago still same. maybe microsoft need to see many other explorer such as powerdesk, and other explorer.
Internet explorer improvements: better download manager, and consider tabbed browsing (or use/buy MyIE2)
Tune the performance again.

Some software also did not work with win xp sp2 beta1.
as I need to do many things. I am back to sp1 for work, and did not test sp2 more :(

After all of this, release again the public beta version& public beta sp2 for testing to make sure everything is OK.

Most of your review lists NON-BUGS...

1. All the new benefits and potential problems in this upgrade, and your analysis includes 2 items relating to DATES being wrong?! Let me know when a copyright date affects anything whatsoever.

2. Windows XP detects my SB Live just fine... and I doubt seriously that the SP2 update would decide to exclude that driver. Can't speak of DLink since I don't have one of their cards. This could be a bug I suppose, since MS's hardware detection has always needed improvement.

3. If you don't use Remote Assistance, disable it... that's hardly a bug. In the environments I've supported, it is a valuable asset on end-user systems, and is disabled on more "critical" systems.

4. ActiveX warnings are based on YOUR SYSTEMS Security settings. Perhaps Tools > Internet Options > Security tab and resetting the Zones to default levels will correct for you... but quite frankly, most people WANT to be warned when ActiveX apps are trying to install, so that we can approve them.

5. Of course it no longer has Java... you can thank SUN for that. They sued MS for not including their Java runtime in favor of MS's customized version. As a result, MS removed support for it and if you want Sun's Java support, go to java.com and get it yourself.

6. MovieMaker... NOT A BUG, but MS should take their own advice and always include latest releases.

7. If you don't like 3AM updates, change it yourself. This isn't a bug.

8. Windows Messenger... See Number 6.

9. Not everyone wants the .NET Framework taking up resources or the SDK's... if you want it, get it yourself.

In regards to other statements:
1. Ever heard of Print Screen, and Copy/Paste into Paint/Image software?
2. There's an OE7?!?! News to me... hook me up!
3. Don't give Roxio an excuse to sue them because System Restore blocked GoBack out of the market, lol.
4. Yep, Messenger should be enabled by choice.
5. Viewers always seem fine to me, but QuickView is nice.
6. Explorer is fine... if you want an alternative, get it yourself.
7. IE improvements: Tabbed IE would be kinda spiffy, but on XP, you have taskbar grouping which technically gives the same effect.
8. Performance is too subjective... based on software installed, apps running, configuration, and hardware, so blaming your performance woes on MS is pretty absurd.
9. Compatibility seems pretty big issue, but let's face it... MS and 3rd party vendors will release patches and updates to fix them, so stop complaining and update.

One other comment regarding the Automatic Update schedules...

Your argument is that not everyone leaves their computers on when not in use... like at 3AM.

However, the fact is that the people who shut off their machines rather than run them 24/7 are always going to shut them down when not in use regardless of 3AM versus leaving for lunch. Also, Lunch is relative... Some eat at 11:00 while others eat at 2:00.

MS picked a time when updating would not interfere with a majority of users that run their systems constantly. Also, Auto-Updates runs many more times per day than just 3AM... the 3AM schedule time is that optional auto-install time. If that time fails, it will prompt you when it runs again to say "Hey I have updates to install, do it now?"

additiona review
Windows update comments:
1. It is become better as this update did not fill the add remove program list.
2. Still not good, as there is not clear info about system versions change after update.
better if windows version number changed when we update.
3. The download size still big enough, I read that microsoft promise the update will be small enough. but since december til now, I need to download more than 10MB update, it is still considered as too big.
It need to be slimmed down more.
4. and I try windows update yesterday, but it did not find new software version available, example for messenger, movie maker, etc.

Security:
- The outlook express security setting is not enough. we need advanced setting to configure level1 and level 2 for each extention.
- Firewall setting is too basic/low. we need more setting to allow/disallow somethings, based on many criteria, IP, applications, ETC.
Microsoft need to learn many more from firewall software such as zone alarm. or buy it and put the technology on the windows xp sp2.

Others:
System info is not giving enough info, it need to add many more info such as version of: .net framework installed, odbc, xml parser, win media, direct x
Explorer serach function need to be improved. it still not yet powerfull enough. need to add many more advanced options to make searching things easier.
Win XP sp2 still did not have many simple features which n, etc.eeded by many people, example: Timer: shutdown, restart, run any task.
The restore functions also not good enough: it cannot restore with easy without going to windows first so it is not always help.
Troubleshooting help also sometimes not clear enough, it still need to be improved.
more voice on narator, and better support for third party software.
It need more better system maintenance: temp, registry, defrag, ETC
It need to make it clear different looking that it is xp reloaded. now people little bit difficult to see it, and also win xp sp2 beta can be look like final product if user did not look at explorer > Help > about Windows. because in other parts did not mention about beta version.
Explorer Toolbars is too poor, better to add some other button, such as: cut, copy, paste, undo and new folder too.
When we open explorer, better if the my computer tree showed as expanded by default.(so we can see all drives)

It also did not open tar .gz compression
It also did not have Flash player 7 installed.
I try to update win xp sp2, it did not correctly display all update available and install it correctly. I need 3 times to go to windows update and finish the update.

Hi GoodThings2Life,

I think you did not test win xp sp2 beta/you did not have it. I suggest you test it first and then reply.

I did not say that all is bugs, what I say it is a review and fact.

First please remember the idea of this reload version. read the press.
and also this version must be using the easiet way for user to keep all things best. no need to change setting, no need to manually update, and other things. otherwise please keep using current win xp, and update it manually and set the things manually. it is almost same conditions with the new reloaded version.

Regarding print screen: can you printscreen an active window only, can you print screen a scroll window, etc?. That what I suggest. look at the snagit and comment back.
Outlook Express 7 beta is available in Longhorn 4053.

Other comments is try it first and then make comments.

I suggest to wait if microsoft implement this suggestions or not.

I think I will stop the review after my new review post today. I did not want to 'work' for micosoft for free :(
and I have other things to do

We need volunteer to test OpenOffice.org 1.1.1rc with Win XP SP2. is that a problems or not. theoritically it is OK now. if you have problems please email me at utomo99(at)openoffice.org Thanks

I read in http://www.neowin.net/co...18059&category=main
http://makeashorterlink.com/?G150221A7

http://msdn.microsoft.co...info/XPSP2/default.aspx

It say
Windows XP SP2 could break existing apps.

Some software developers may find their applications no longer work on machines using Microsoft Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, which will be released later this year.

You can get openoffice.org 1.1.1rc here
http://fileforum.betanew...ail.php3?fid=1009574294

Thanks. I test OOo 1.1.1rc with win xp sp2. It is working correctly.

Microsoft funnels money to SCO to waste my tax dollars filling frivolous lawsuits, and sends IT jobs to India. I'm tired of supporting these scumbags. No more MS products for me.

This is a useless post. Keep your whining to yourself, no one cares.

WTH is your point?

With SP2 so close and Longhorn hopefully around the corner what is the motives for a modified XP release?? XP is still the best MS has given us even with all the bugs, hopefully SP2 will fix most of the dangerous issues. Who are they targeting with this modified XP? Sometimes I just dont understand Microsofts logio except for squeezing every dollar they can while providing the bare minimum in assistance they can get away with.

Lets not jump to conclusions people! Windows XP reloaded, or whatever it will be called will not be another Windows ME! XP is already a proven code base off of 2000. Besides, as other people have mentioned they are not going to charge for this, it will just include SP2 with some updated software.

So it is actually free? Is that form Microsoft? Or what people are saying?

Of course it's free. When was the last time you paid for a Service Pack release?

All I have to say is what ever floats your boat. I have never bought a product from MS and never will. Linux all the way. GOD SAVE THE LINUX!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do people go on and on about Linux. Just face it. LINUX IS CRAP. IS IS THE CRAPPEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!

I have recently had the experience of being a long-time Windows user trying LINUX for the first time. It has been an interesting experience and LINUX offers many tools (at no extrs cost) that are useful for the technical user as well as anyone who just wants basic office apps and internet access. I think the Open Source community has done some excellent work.

Having said that, I found the Operating System (Red Hat's offering) to be less user friendly than Windows XP. Installing new software was a harrowing experience any time I had to venture beyond Red Hat's RPM packages. The concept of an application seems to be less developed in the LINUX world. There seems to be a delicate balance between file sets (inc revision levels), that are not always all included when you obtain a new software package, to get the functionality to work. You often seem to need to get the correct revisions of several packages to get a successful install and documentation is spotty. Dependancies force files to be installed in a particular sequence to avoid a failed installation. Graphical user interfaces are available but the command line is still very important in getting things done. LINUX is young and still has a lot of growing to do.

Red Hat is making strides to improve the user installation experience with their RPM packages but (partially due to limited product availability in this form) the result does not seem to be on a par with Windows at this point. I hope RPMs (or an equivalent) become a LINUX standard means of application delivery. I am a LINUX newbe and some of my opinions undoubtedly are the result of limited understanding of the product. I am excited about the potential of LINUX and wish them well. Competition will help everyone in the long run. Ultimately, people buy operating systems for the applications they can run and, at this point, Windows wins this race by a wide margin. The LINUX niche, currently, is that you can obtain substantial functionality at a bargain basement price and they are getting better every day. I will continue to use both operating systems and look forward to each reaching its' potential.

If you are looking for a first step away from Windows, give Xandros Desktop 2.0 a whirl. The only catch is it's not a free download. It's based on Debian, very nice UI and it's extremely user friendly. I Installed it on my laptop (Compaq Presario 900) and *everything* worked right out of the box. Hooked into my Windows network, allowed me to use Windows shared printers and access all my shared drives via Samba. Heck it even configured the winmodem. JMHO, but I really enjoy the distro.

I am speculating that you failed at trying to install Linux? It's not a crime to be a slower learner ... we understand.

Linux is fine, but if we all had Linux then Windows would be the "cool" thing to have. Remember that Windows is only popular because of us and no one else.

Maybe you should switch to another distro like debian? Their software databases are the best i've ever seen, installation is really just a point and click

To all: How would it look if Bill Gates was not the riches man in the world, How dare any of us not be willing to pay extra for their inadequate software that we payed top dollar for. Please send me the new updates. Even willing to pay for Beta, if I can help Mr. Gates stay top dog.Am forwarding a blank check.

Bill

why can't people stop b****ing about billy and MS? what's "inadequate software" supposed to mean? winXP is the best OS ever created. and this update probably won't cost you anything. you get a virus scanner, a player, and a firewall for free. just think how much you'd pay for all this if you bought 3rd party soft that is waaaay slower and unstable than MS windows components (because everything MS develops works as an windows component, which means less cpu usage and better intergration into the system, as opposed to 3rd party soft, my sygate firewall pro eats 15 percent cpu and my former firewall, zonealarm pro, had killed my registry. So ph*** all this expensive nonworking 3rd party crap, I am staying with the native MS products. Don't listen to these b****ing morons, Billy!

Yup okay no more b****ing. I feel so bad about only paying 299.00 canadian plus 15% tax for xp pro. I will stop and be grateful from here on in and pay anything else they want to keep my system up to date.

You have converted me to a staunch Bill Gates supporter

Bill

What some of you are saying doesn't make sense to me. I only use MS products and since xp have been very satisfied.I have also used the third party stuff, but it seems to me right now MS offers the best os available and is planning to clean up most of the bugs in a future criticle update.......but thats not enough for some. Give'em a break.

Virus Scanner - AVG from Grisoft FREE
Firewall Sygate Personalt Firewall FREE
Player - Winamp 2.X, 3.X FREE.
I would pay nothing for the extras they added in.

Hmmm.. let me see... XP is the best OS ever eh??? Ever heard of linux???? Gnome and KDE, can both kick XP's ass, and then bite it in the balls. Where else can i get these stuff for free???? Last time i checked, there is a s***load of free utilities for linux (stuff that you can't even find for windows (icluding 3rd party software)..... hmm... let me guess.. linux sucks.. right?

I'm sure it will turn out to be another ME; not only a waste of money with no substance, as has been said, but also a mostly unusable and completely bug ridden version like ME. Microsoft sometimes likes to test the "sucker born every minute" theory with releases like this one.

It's not going to be an ME. It's Windows XP 'Reloaded'. Based off of Windows XP.

This will included a version of SP2, and 'some other extras' only in this version. ME turn out to be much of a downfall until Microsoft soon unveiled the Windows XP software. Since this software included a newly revamped version of Windows, many people turned yet again to put their money where there heart is. By releasing Windows codename 'Longhorn' in Alpha/Beta stages, Microsoft already stood up and said they were not going back and were going to continue to stick with the Windows XP baseline.

We don't even know what's going to be in it. How can you say it will suck? I'm sure it will be a minor upgrade, or like Windows ME as someone said but you never know. It will be nice to see what they take from Longhorn.

Does this interim money spinner release without substance sound familiar?

Its purpose would be to replace the shelf product of XP to include all current updates, which can be downloaded for free (think Windows98 Seccond Edition) for existing XP users. If you already have Windows XP there would simply be no need to buy it. This is no "money spinner", it justs a good idea for people in the market for a new PC or a copy of Windows XP.

There will be some new features not included with SP2 in this reloaded version, though. I think Microsoft should provide a dirt cheap upgrade version for existing XP users (but I'm sure they won't, they'll charge another 150 dollars for it probably).

They offered a "step-up" upgrade package for Win98 users who wanted 98SE.

I believe it was in the price range of $20.

I really don't think you can compare it to Windows ME, since Windows XP is based on an entirely different architecture, Windows NT. It may not be that much worth it feature-wise, but I doubt it will be as problematic as Windows ME. How can you break Windows NT/XP?

Please DO NOT talk and put biased opinions here. That is your opinion only, not the view of a group. Also, by the way you put it, you are NOT a Microsoft developer, or in marketing. I doubt you are in with Microsoft at all. As said before by several users (Quoting one in particular)

"Microsoft has advised it will NOT charge for the "Reloaded" update. It will include Windows Media Player (WMP) 10 and update kit apparently will include a Web-based installer application that will let users choose optional features."

It will not be a ME. It will consist of nothing but the Windows XP baseline and a preview of Windows codename 'Longhorn'. As Microsoft has spent the last 3-4 years since there last release of a Windows software, they are sending out this new version, free or not, to give people a taste of Longhorn. This is only to boost sales when Longhorn is released.

ME was supposedly an upgrade of Windows 98, but nearly nothing was implemented into that new version. This could lower groups rating of Microsoft. Whatever the reason, Microsoft may be trying to 'redeem' themselves in the public eye by showing off this 'new version' to let us know that they are doing something, and to make up for last time.

Another money maker or will this be free?

I'm not sure, but in light of this, they are changing Longhorn's name...it's now going to be Windows Revolutions. :)

You misspelt revolting. ;->

There is no charge for service packs. The reloaded fee is probabbly going to be the cost of like windows XP plus. And no need to buy it because all it does is mask the gui with overlays, like Windowblinds and Style XP. My take why buy it, wait for Longhorn.

There is no charge for service packs. The reloaded fee is probabbly going to be the cost of like windows XP plus. And no need to buy it because all it does is mask the gui with overlays, like Windowblinds and Style XP. My take why buy it, wait for Longhorn.

LOL... that's funny ;-)

Huh? Where did you ever read that there were going to be new skins as a result of this?

"And no need to buy it because all it does is mask the gui with overlays"

Just where did you read that? I don't know what will be in this new version but I'm QUITE sure it will be more than a few new skins. There might be a new theme to replace Luna, maybe not. I would guess all of the components such as Media Player, Movie Maker, DirectX, etc will probably be updated though I'd guess some of these will be freely available for XP also. Also there will probably be some core updates to things like System Restore, maybe an all new version of Internet Explorer. Those are all just guesses though, since no one knows what this will be yet. True you won't HAVE to buy it, but I'm hoping it will worth buying just the same.

You state:
And no need to buy it because all it does is mask the gui with overlays, like Windowblinds and Style XP. My take why buy it, wait for Longhorn.

Where do you get this stuff or is it just in your mind. I have not read anything that says they are just changing the gui, in fact it mostly says they are making security changes and other internal memory protection.

Be more respondsible in your posts, get some facts and don't just make up crap.

dbarjim stfu, I'll post whatever I want. Second I know someone from Redmond and they told me don't buy it. Yes SP2 will be included with it so BFD. You will get SP2 for free. I was also told it would have some new theme's. So once again why buy a reloaded. It won't be a free download. Wait for longhorn with winfs!

That's odd.. people working at MS told you not to buy their product? LOL.. wow.. did they tell you to pirate it too?

I know a guy that works for HP that recommended any other brand of inkjet printer besides theirs, does that mean he wanted me to steal one?

You logic makes as much sense as my comment based upon it.

I'm sure that it will have a lot more than just SP2 and some new themes. I'm not saying it will be worth buying, I have no idea. At this point no one else does either. I'm just saying it would be really stupid for Microsoft to try and sell a new version of Windows that was just XP with SP2 and a few new themes added.

He is probably right. New skins are probably going to make their way in since a visual change is the first sign of something new.

what so weird about that? I went to a mercedes dealer and salesman told me straight up he doesn't like mercedes. he was a cool salesman though. So, i'm sure not all employees are gates wh***shipers and just work there but don't really love the products. verstehen Sie?

yeah hp went to crap.

Still a big fan of all their other wares. :-)

i'm just an hp printer hater :)

Well, seeing as this is the first time I've seen an speculation of a new skin, I'd like to know why he is stating it as if it is fact. The only information about it that is even suggested yet really just talks about the inclusion of Windows Media Player 10, virus scanning and improved security. It sounds a lot like SP2 with some extras.

Besides I'd take his claims with a little reservation. His claims that any skin upgrades are going to do the same thing that WindowBlinds and StyleXP do. If he knew what he was talking about, he would have known that StyleXP is already using the skinning capability built into XP by letting Windows load unsigned skins. WindowBlinds XP uses the same hooks that XP provides to improve the WindowBlinds architecture.

XP does more than just painting overtop the existing window, it actually takes over the drawing of those controls and non-client areas, rendering them in a new way.

/Ryan

They still make/made the only calculator worth a crud, the HP48GX... I've heard good things about their latest release, but if it isn't RPN by default, how can they claim it to be an HP calulator?

Hmmm, seems I remember the same scenario with Windows 98, was the release of Windows 98SE free too? Cause it sure wasn't free when it came time to getting it...
Well patches and fixes are normal in the world of Operating Systems and hats off to the developers who spend countless hours getting these patches out to us. I don't think there is 1 single OS and NOS out there that hasn't released a patch or security update. And if some of you nerds out there had experimented with other Operating Systems instead of playing mindless games on your PC, you would know that.
Quit whining about what it will cost or the weaknesses of an Operating System and start thanking the people that spend numerous hours trying to provide you with a better system.
That's all I have to say on this subject... we now resume to our regular b****ing period.