Monday, October 16, 2000		On Hardware

Use Windows Me and play Solitaire with friends

IS it for me? This is the most common question being asked by a majority of the computer users about the Window’s new edition, Windows Me (Millennium edition). Since, this operating system has come in close succession to Windows 2000 from the Microsoft, it has left many persons confused.

Normally, in the past, the Microsoft Corporation came out with new operating systems within an interval of a few years. This time, both premium editions, i.e. Windows 2000 and Windows Me, have come during the same year. This has raised a lot of curiosity among the computer users. A brief introduction of MS Windows Me, would probably answer these general queries.

First of all, it is worth mentioning here that the Windows Me is the operating system built from the ground up for home PC users. It has retained all previous qualities of Windows operating system, which actually brought the PC revolution in the world. However, this edition is simpler, intuitive and easy to use.

Since this version of Windows is aimed at the home PC users, thus the user-friendly interface eliminates any requirement for proficiency and technical expertise in using this version of Windows. Moreover it also addresses the requirement of much needed reliability and thus has become the most reliable system from the Microsoft stable. The major factor, which has boosted the reliability of this new version, is system restore utility, which allows users to return to a point where the system was working properly, in case of breakdown.

So basically Windows Me is aimed at making the life of computer users easier. Moreover, since the Internet has come a long way in the past one decade and has touched almost every part of the life, thus there was a great necessity for an operating system, which incorporates the good points of the Internet without any more add-ons and software. Keeping these parameters in mind, the Windows Me has been made fully compatible with the Internet as the power of the Net is combined besides other features.

In the earlier editions of Windows, default game like Solitaire could be played against your computer only. This can now be played with your friends across the globe any time. You can also chat online with them at the same time.

The Windows Me has actually been developed on four major parameters like PC health, digital media, home networking and the online experience. The latest feature of this Windows edition, i.e. digital media makes it possible to edit, catalogue and e-mail home movies. Thus video editing, which used to be a domain area of technical people is very well within the reach as well. Therefore, movie making and digital picture capabilities in Windows Me are a big plus.

Another great features of Me edition is the multi-media enhancements tools, which allows the use of scanners and digital cameras to take pictures, upload and file them, and use pictures. Using this version of Windows, you can store, manipulate, and organise pictures on the computer. You can also play favourite music on computer as well as on any online radio station. The sound impact is also much better in Me as it has incorporated dynamic 3-D and surround-sound system, which would further enhance the experience of listening to music on the computer.

Moreover, the overall system utilities in the Windows Me edition have also improved to a great extent as mentioned earlier. In case of any problem, the system not only restores it to the previous correct levels but also keeps the critical files safe. Now you can leave your worries about losing your critical data with the Windows Me.

Furthermore, the Me has a support for a majority of hardware and thus it installs easily and quickly. It also assures that the drivers will work fine with new hardware and get the latest system updates delivered to the desktop. The accessibility features of the Windows Me are another value-added features, which makes it easier for anybody to use computer. Moreover, you can also quickly find what you need on every menu in the Me.

In the wish list of Windows, a good and intuitive help file was long overdue, which has now been incorporated in the Windows Me edition.

Apart from the easy and highly intuitive help files, Windows Me also has advanced features like home networking that enables the PC to interact with any number and variety of devices. What once seemed confined to the realm of science fiction like alarm clocks "talking" to coffee makers, thermostats and water heaters, for example, are now within the reach of a common man.

And at the helm of it all is the PC smart device. Smart device is a device that can communicate with one another. Moreover, now it is easy to create a home network, using which you can share the resources on the computer. The Windows Me also addresses the growing demand of PC users to share the Internet connection as it allows user to share a single Net connection.

Moreover, the use of latest technology in Me also allows the user to connect to the Internet securely. However, the best part of the Windows Me networking feature is its multiple networking technologies, which makes networking a great experience. It also incorporates Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) devices, which further adds to its claim of being a very user-friendly system.

As the Internet is gaining prominence in everyone’s life, there was a need to have a system, which incorporates the best of the Internet technologies. With Windows Me, you can have rich Internet experience and browse the Net quickly and easily and can also communicate using Web-integrated e-mail, messaging, and news. This edition of Windows is good for Internet-based operating system requirements as it supports a majority of the Net-based activities like sending instant messages, video conferencing, and also online chatting and playing games.