AJCrowley AJCrowley

WindowsXP

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WindowsXP

from WinCustomize Forums
Hey, Just thought I'd share with the group on this matter. Well, I installed my RC1 of WinXP a couple of weeks ago, and must say that it was very stable for a release candidate. That's where the good parts stop though. It was basically windows ME on an NTFS drive, and while it offers increased stability (from ME/98), it is horribly resitrictive, not allowing me to share "protected" folders, such as my documents, program files and windows across my LAN, with no way around this. The networking interface has also changed a lot, and while there are some good concepts in there, it assumes a zero level of intelligence in the user and forces you to go through a wizard for everything. For the average home user, XP is definitely a step up from 98 or ME, but to anyone already using 2k, this is definitely not worth the bother. You will find the interface restrictive, difficult to acheieve what you want (eg you can't uninstall ms instant messenger, and requires regediting to stop it from loading at startup). The only feature that might interest anyone already on 2k is the Luna skinning engine, which allows users to do exactly what they already do with Stardock's range of products. So, my advice to anyone running 98/ME, if you're a computer novice, XP is a definite worthwhile upgrade, if not, install 2k, it's all lies about problems with games. If you're already using win2k, forget XP, it is a total waste of time.

Hope you find this helpful if you're considering upgrading in October.

Cheers,

AJ/Kris.
16,137 views 32 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I hear XP has an integrated Firewall. Can it be disabled and another third party Firewall used instead? For some reason I don't trust a Firewall built in the system, something in me tells me MS left a backdoor to snoop on you...
Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top
berzerka: WPA isn't going anywhere (at least not yet). They've simply relaxed the rules a bit. I wouldn't be surprised if it's gone by RTM, though.

http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-200-6607026.html?tag=lh

Serge: Tweaking is fun, especially with a new OS, so I don't mind that at all. It gives you a good opportunity to see what it's all about. It also means people have more options, instead of being stuck with the default.

Those icons are awesome! I especially like the eggs and the burger. Or maybe I'm just hungry.

Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top
AJCrowley: Yeah, I understood what you were saying with the folder sharing. I thought you were also complaining about the warning, though. That's why I said you only get it once.

paxx: Yeah, you can disable the built-in firewall. From what I understand, it does a great job of inbound filtering, passing all the popular scan sites. However, it doesn't do any outbound filtering at all. Personally, I'm using Tiny Personal Firewall, which works great in WXP.
Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Serge: If you're using the free version of Zone Alarm, you're still using the MS firewall. That or you don't have any inbound protection, because that's broken in ZA. (Confirmed by Zone Labs.)
Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Tarkus: Yes, I use the free version. I didn't know about this outbound filtering thing Ack! Is this specific to WinXP? I had ZA on my Win2k work partition for months...
Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Serge: Yes, it's specific to WXP. Make sure you have the WXP firewall enabled if you're going to use ZA. That's the only way you'll get inbound protection until ZL fixes it.