I have a question for those of you who have
made the switch to Windows XP.

But first some background information. I am
currently running under Windows ME. It came
with my computer. When I purchased my
computer, I wanted to have Windows 2000,
because I imagined that I would primarily be
using it for running high-end design software
and not for games. However, I talked myself
into accepting ME, mainly because 1)
store-bought computers simply don't come
with 2000 on them, 2) Upgrading to 2000 was
too pricey for me, and 3) Everyone I talked to
about it said it would be stupid to get 2000
when XP was coming out later in the year.

Now I'm glad I went with ME, because even
though it's incredibly buggy and my computer
crashes a lot, I was used to that (being a
former Windows 95 user) and I can play
games *and* use my high-end graphics
software under ME. All of my old Windows 95
games will run in it, and so will all the new
stuff that's coming out.

My friend The Scotsman went with Windows
2000 when he upgraded his computer last
spring. He upgraded from 98 because it
would not utilize the new memory he put in his
machine. He and I have essentially the same
hardware, only he has more memory and is
running 2000 while I'm running ME. Now he
wishes he had gone to ME, because 2000
won't run many of his games, and a lot of the
ones it will run are buggy. Since he primarily
uses his computer for gaming, he's not a
happy camper right now.

Now, what I'm wondering is, what will happen
if he upgrades to XP? From what I understand,
XP is supposed to be the culmination of
Microsoft's efforts; the final merger of the best
features of both the Windows 95-98-Me line
and the Windows NT-2000 line. But if he
upgrades to XP, will he have the same
problems? Will he have to throw out all his old
software and forget about ever using it again?

And what about me? I'm using my PC for both
sides (business uses and gaming) about
equally. Is XP for me? Or should I stick with
ME?

Gri"'Any help here would be hot.' Ranters need
not apply."shny