Microsoft Windows XP - Home Edition
Manufacturer: Microsoft Part number: N0900048
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- XP is a worthwhile upgrade from 95/98 or Windows 2000. Unless you need corporate administration tools, XP Home Edition should suffice for most--even for small businesses.
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CNET editors' review
Microsoft Windows XP - Home Edition price range: $139.97 - $180.73
- Reviewed by: Matt Lake
- Reviewed on: 09/03/2001
- Updated on:11/14/2002
The good: Streamlined interface; better performance on many systems; easier and more capable networking; integrated CD-R/RW playback and burn features.
The bad: You can install XP on only one machine; piddling discounts for additional PC licenses; nags you to sign up for Passport Web account; multiple-user login screens are often redundant; heavy system requirements.
The bottom line: XP is a worthwhile upgrade from 95/98 or Windows 2000. Unless you need corporate administration tools, XP Home Edition should suffice for most--even for small businesses.
 Editors' note:
On September 9, Microsoft released Windows XP Service Pack 1, a collection of bug fixes and security updates. The service pack also includes a feature that lets you hide some bundled Microsoft applications. Read our full review of SP1 here. |
After a buildup of Hollywood proportions, Microsoft released its final cut of Windows XP, promising that the "biggest release since Windows 95" would end the stability woes of Windows 95 and temper the unfriendly interface of Windows 2000. So is XP worth all the hype? Grudgingly, we say yes. This major upgrade at long last ends the distinction between the corporate (and more stable) NT/2000 Windows and the consumer-oriented Windows 95/98/Millennium. It's spiffier, with both aesthetic and functional redesigns, and features login screens for home and corporate systems alike--something many Windows 95/98 users have never seen. Like any radical overhaul, XP takes some getting used to, but it's hard not to like over time. Microsoft has managed to create an OS that works equally well for novices, corporate users, and enthusiasts.After a buildup of Hollywood proportions, Microsoft released its final cut of Windows XP, promising that the "biggest release since Windows 95" would end the stability woes of Windows 95 and temper the unfriendly interface of Windows 2000. We found the first release of XP expensive and occasionally annoying--nagging screens and pop-up bubbles galore--and chafed at the new license restrictions. But XP Pro offers powerful Remote Assistance tools, administrative controls, and security, and it wraps up the best features of Windows 2000 in an easier-to-navigate package. It's a must-have upgrade from Windows 95/98, but even stolid NT/2000 admins should give the new order a try.
This major upgrade at long last ends the distinction between the corporate (and more stable) NT/2000 Windows and the consumer-oriented Windows 95/98/Millennium. XP provides similar variations of the same OS for both home and business: XP Home and XP Professional editions. On the outside, XP looks radically different from any previous Windows version. It's spiffier, with both aesthetic and functional redesigns, and features login screens for home and corporate systems alike--something many Windows 95/98 users have never seen.
Like any radical overhaul, XP takes some getting used to--we often lost patience with it--but, after time, it's hard not to like the new design. While its new, hand-holding "task-oriented" design may annoy experienced users, Microsoft nevertheless managed to create an OS that works equally well for novices, corporate users, and enthusiasts. Despite hefty system requirements (a Pentium II-300 or faster, 128MB of RAM, and 1.5GB of free disk space), onerous product activation, and some not-so-obvious touting of Microsoft's business partners, you'll want to consider an upgrade--if not immediately, certainly the next time you buy a PC.
User reviews
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The most stable Operating System ever
by trompfy on April 24, 2011
Pros: It has lots of good features
Cons: It isn't compatitable with 64 bit processors or with 4GB of RAM.
Summary: I bought this for my old Dell Inspiron 1501 Laptop because I had Windows Vista on my laptop but it was running very slowly but I don't have that ...
Summary: I bought this for my old Dell Inspiron 1501 Laptop because I had Windows Vista on my laptop but it was running very slowly but I don't have that laptop anymore as it died.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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My primary OS for 7 Years
by techseeker2000 on November 13, 2010
Pros: Fast, Friendly, Easy to use
Cons: Prone to getting viruses
Summary: Ok, in 2004, (at that time i was 4) my dad had a gateway 400sd4 laptop with xp home. He had an older gateway laptop (from 2002) that he used ...
Summary: Ok, in 2004, (at that time i was 4) my dad had a gateway 400sd4 laptop with xp home. He had an older gateway laptop (from 2002) that he used as a backup. He surprisingly gave his backup to me and he told me how to use it. It took me about a half hour to get used to it. I was addicted to windows xp. It was like a game to me. For another 2-3 years i used the gateway when my dad got an hp pavilion dv4000 which 2 years later became mine. I've been using this fine OS for 7 years. Is easy and fun to use. i recommend this os to anyone who needs a basic platform to do web surfing, email, and such.
I've been using this fine OS for 7 years. Is easy and fun to use. i recommend this os to anyone who needs a basic platform to do web surfing, email, and such.
Updated on Jan 23, 2011
Updated on Apr 18, 2011ignore the summary1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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One of the best OS Ever but it's time to move on
by darekg34 on May 23, 2010
Pros: Very stable, easy to use, reliable, lots of support and programs
Cons: Doesn't have all the features as windows 7 and the appearance got boring so its time to move on and switch to windows 7. Still is considered one of the best OS ever in my opinion.
Summary: A very good, easy to use operating system. I didn't have much problems with it. I used it for about 3 years and enjoyed it. The only thing I ...
Summary: A very good, easy to use operating system. I didn't have much problems with it. I used it for about 3 years and enjoyed it. The only thing I got tired of was the boring appearance and less newer programs. The time to switch over to windows 7 has come and it is much nicer and has more newer technology.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fixed Annoying Problems
Pros: Once upgraded, ALL Windows 98 lock-up problems went aways and have never came back (2 years now). Very easy to use. Faster cable internet performance. Compatable with all my hardware in a built pc. Boot time went down about 40%. Well worth the money
Cons: ----Product Activation---- It really makes formatting a pain. I was forced into upgrading Norton AV and Easy CD Creator(hated the built in cd burner) which was for the best because I was running older versions anyway. Have seen some wierd problems when
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Switching to XP was the worst computer decision I ever made
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: XP refuses to allow me to install programs I need to conduct business, even after following all supplied instructions.
Summary: XP refuses to allow me to install programs I need to conduct business, even after following all supplied instructions.
3 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great operating system well worth getting!!!
by jimbo2793 on June 10, 2009
Pros: if your looking for a fast and stable windows system xp seems to be the best yet ..xp takes away complications with 2000 98 and 95 if you have xp already you should stick with it its not worth upgrading to vista its way to slow compared to xp..
Cons: none at all except when upgrading to xp sp3 it crashed the system which was a bit of a downside could be just microsoft trying to makes more money!!by getting you to buy a repair disc (if you dont have 1)
Summary: well worth buying great computer experiance with windows xp!!!
Summary: well worth buying great computer experiance with windows xp!!!
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One Of The Best Operation Systems
by Ironrocker69 on October 29, 2008
Pros: Stable, Fast Easy To use low system requierments
Cons: Lack Of Some Of the tools that are on Windows 2000 Professional Or Windows XP Professional.
Summary: I put Windows XP Home edition on an old crusty dust moldy oldy crappy Compaq 5bW250 PC( It's basic Specs Are: Intel Celeron 700/128/66, 192 MB Ram ,...
Summary: I put Windows XP Home edition on an old crusty dust moldy oldy crappy Compaq 5bW250 PC( It's basic Specs Are: Intel Celeron 700/128/66, 192 MB Ram ,12GB hard drive (it had Windows 2000 Professional on it) I use for internet surfing. It runs as fast as Windows 2000 Professional and is more multimedia capable (thus the decision to upgrade it ) I run Windows XP Professional on another machine and get Dynamite performance there (not that I wasn't from Windows 2000 Professional) No wonder this Operation system is way more popular than Windows Vista. (yes I used PCs with Windows Vista on them) Way kick but OS!
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Very good operating system.
by domenicofavotto on March 8, 2008
Pros: windows xp is the best os
Cons: nothing nothing nothin
Summary: the best os ever
Summary: the best os ever
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Can't find anything
by rampfod27 on December 16, 2007
Pros: Looks cool
Cons: Can't find anything, far from simple
Summary: Frustrating does not begin to describe the system. Upgrades in standby programs make using them impossible, hard to understand, obviously developed by a computer dweeb who spends too much time ...
Summary: Frustrating does not begin to describe the system. Upgrades in standby programs make using them impossible, hard to understand, obviously developed by a computer dweeb who spends too much time worrying how this system will work with the most recent edition of Warcraft and how he can fathom moving out of his parent's basement and eventually speak to a woman. Sadly, an example of nerds in control.
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I can see if you have 2000 or 98.
by gilgo09 on July 3, 2007
Pros: Better then previous versions
Cons: Out of date even for its time.
Summary: All it did was fix a few minor things and give you an ugly interface.
Summary: All it did was fix a few minor things and give you an ugly interface.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Microsoft
- Part number: N0900048
- Description: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition is the next version of the Windows operating system, which is designed exclusively for home computing. Windows XP Home Edition puts the exciting experiences of the digital age at your fingertips. From digital photos, music, and video to building a home network, Windows XP Home Edition brings you into the digital age with ease. Built on the solid foundation of Windows 2000, Windows XP Home Edition also sets the new standard in efficient and dependable computing. A new visual design, reliable Windows engine, and new Internet security features combine with capabilities for sharing your computer to give you the most dependable Windows operating system yet.
General
- Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
- Language(s) English
- Localization United States,
Canada - License pricing Standard
- Localization English
Operating System
- License Type Complete package
- License Qty 1 user
- License Pricing Standard
- Media CD-ROM
- Package Type Retail
System Requirements
- Min Processor Type Intel Pentium - 233 MHz
- Min RAM Size 64 MB
- Min Hard Drive Space 1.5 GB
- Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM,
SVGA monitor,
Mouse or compatible device
Product series
-
Microsoft Windows XP - Home Edition
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: 1 user,
Complete package,
1.5 GB,
CD-ROM,
SVGA monitor,
Mouse or compatible device,
64 MB -
Microsoft Windows XP - Home Edition Upgrade
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: 1 user,
Upgrade package,
1.5 GB,
SVGA monitor,
Mouse or compatible device,
CD-ROM,
64 MB
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Microsoft products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Microsoft
- Address:
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 - Phone: 1-425-882-8080
- Fax: 1-425-706-7329
