By Celery504 - MAIL THE AUTHOR

The Last Of 9x?

Well, that's what Windows 98 was supposed to be. But here we are again. Yet another version of Windows, based off of the 9x 16/32-bit hybrid. According to Microsoft, this version of Windows will be the last, based on the 9x 16/32-bit hybrid. Windows 2000, the latest version of Windows, code named Neptune, is based on the NT hybrid, which is strictly 32-bit. A long look down the road will reveal Janus, the 64-bit OS, which we won't see anytime soon.

So What Exactly Is Millennium?

Is it just another update for Windows 98 thrown in with a pretty name? Not really. Unlike the huge change which took place from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95, Millennium is more comparable to the jump which was made between Windows 95 and Windows 98. Many enhancements have been made deep with-in the architectural aspect of the operating system. The user interface has been improved. It strikingly resembles the user interface which is implemented into Windows 2000. Millennium's main focus is on home networking, and it also heavily emphasizes internet integration as well. Millennium will ship with either Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0, along with either DirectX 7.1, or 7.1a. It is still very early to tell what the final plans will be, so these specifications are subject to change.

Who Needs Millennium?

With so many different versions of Windows to choose from, how do you know if this is right for you? What fits your needs? Well for starters, Windows Millennium can be looked at as being one really big browser, containing many webpages from within. It was developed with simplicity in mind. Redesigned Help menus which resemble a simple web browser and newly featured programs such as PC Health create a sense of ease for inexperienced users.

Also, if you own a desktop computer which isn't exactly the most up to date hardware wise, stick with Millennium. Millennium has a wider range of support for older hardware, and software.

Here are the system requirements as of Beta 2:

- Pentium® or equivalent, 150 MHz or higher processor.

- 32 MB of RAM. (More memory improves performance.)

- Adequate free hard-disk space. A typical installation requires 320 MB to 420 MB, but can range between 200 MB and 550 MB, depending on your system configuration and the options you choose to install.

- VGA or higher resolution monitor.

- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

- Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.

Certain features have additional requirements:

- For Internet access, 14,400 modem or fax modem and a service provider, such as MSN. (The service provider may charge a fee.)

- For sound, a sound card and speakers; or headphones; or USB speakers (requires a computer with USB support).

- For DVD Video, a DVD-ROM drive and compatible DVD decoder card (or DVD decoder software).

- For broadcast reception, a Pentium® processor and compatible TV tuner card. (Reception depends on availability of broadcast sources within your area.)

Microsoft Windows Millennium Beta 2 Build 2149.5 Splash Screen.

Improved stability, performance, and memory management are the major differences which may get you to upgrade as well. Millennium is suprisingly efficent and more stable than any previous versions of 9x. It certainly sets itself aside. Interested? Read on ...

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