Windows ME is just being moved from beta version ( RC0 ) to a bona-fide release candidate ( RC1 ). As I get used to what is being called the "quickest starting OS in Microsoft's line-up", I will use this page to share my experiences and opinions.
From what I understand now, Windows Millennium Edition is designed to replace the previous versions of Windows 9x. This OS is promised to be the fastest booting OS to date and features a Hibernation mode that makes it almost unnecessary to ever shut your PC down. It is also rumored that Microsoft intends for this version to be a more stable, full featured
replacement for Windows 9x. However, it remains to be seen if Microsoft has responded in making WinME more stable and user friendly
than it's predecessors. Since it is based on the 9x architecture, we shall wait and see.
My biggest complaint ( and many others also ), was the serious time it takes Windows 9x to Startup and Shut Down my computer. I mean, I can just turn my
TV on and off...why not have my PC be that easy?!?
But, why shut down your computer when you can just have it go into Hibernation? WinME supports this new feature as it saves the entire state of
the computer and cuts off the power. This will make the computer seem and look as if it's actually off. According to Microsoft, this is the lowest power sleeping
state available and is also safe from power outages. By using this mode, you can start your PC and go right in and start your work, project or dial-up your connection. As such, you would not need to wait for the computer to boot up and restart all of
your applications. With the previous Win98 Sleep Mode, you could not save your work to the hard drive so you were at risk of losing it if
there were a power outage or another problem. As I discover more features in Windows Millennium Edition, I will add them and try to provide Tips when available.
