Prologue:

My boss: Eli we need you to do a review of Windows ME
Me: But...it sucks...there's no way I can say anything positive about it. I don't even want to use it long enough to review it.
My boss: Great, I knew we could count on you - try to have it done by 4:00.
Me: ...
My boss: *leaves*

Product Review: Windows ME

For a time before Windows 2000 was released, Microsoft said that it would be the operating system that would bring together the stability of its server OS – WindowsNT – and the compatibility and ease of use of its home systems – the Windows 9x line. Unfortunately it didn’t work that way. At roughly the same time that Windows 2000 was released, Microsoft also released an update to the Windows 9x line – Windows Millennium Edition. Which, when shortened to a two-letter acronym was “ME.” Cute. So Windows ME became the update to the home operating system, and Windows 2000 was the server/workstation upgrade. They share some cosmetic similarities, but underneath, they are really very different operating systems.

Requirements.
Windows ME’s official requirements are as follows:
Pentium 150mhz or better processor
32mb of RAM
Approximately 295mb of hard drive space
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
VGA or higher-resolution monitor
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

These are Microsoft’s absolute minimum system requirements. For Windows ME to perform well though, we recommend at least a 300mhz processor, 128mb of RAM, and more hard drive space than that.

Features.
People have said that the upgrades that ME provides are all cosmetic. They said the same thing about Windows 98, but who uses 95 anymore?

The truth is, Windows ME has some great new features that are not ground breaking, but can make your computer experience much easier.

Built-in decompression software: A lot of files that are available for download on the Internet are “zipped” or compressed. This can reduce the file size, and package multiple files together into one, but it makes it so that to use the files you need a program that will decompress them. Usually, you can just go online and download a decompression program for free, but including it in the operating system saves an extra step.

Enhanced media support: It seems like nearly every computer a software maker these days is advertising thing as being ‘multimedia’ capable. Windows ME is no exception. It has numerous features that make it more friendly towards making your own digital photo albums and home movies. Its thumbnail feature allows you to preview image files easily, and organize them. It also comes with Windows Movie Maker, a program that allows you to easily edit your own movies on your computer. It also includes the latest version of Windows Media Player.

General GUI updates: Of course ME also has some general functionality updates, and improvements to the interface. It has many handy functions that weren’t in Windows 95/98, and also integrates more smoothly with the Internet.

Overall
Windows Millennium Edition is a good upgrade if your system can support it, and if you can use the features it offers. It won’t be absolutely necessary to upgrade it for awhile though, so take your time and think about it. As always, if you have any questions about upgrading, feel free to call us.