Before You Leap, Check the Views on Windows 2000

Even if you pay casual heed to news about technology, you're probably aware that Microsoft launched Windows 2000 last month.

In fact, the software giant was so successful in generating publicity for the launch, that many individual computer users believe Windows 2000 is the operating system (OS) upgrade that will help their Windows 98 systems transition into the 21st century.

Well, it's not. If that's what you're looking for, you'll have to wait a little longer for the promised release—probably later in the year—of what's currently referred to as Windows Millennium Edition.

Windows 2000 is actually being offered as a family of successors to Windows NT 4.0, the OS that drives many business systems and network servers. If your real estate office currently runs Windows NT, you'll likely find ample cause to trade up to Windows 2000 within the year.

Windows 2000 is targeted at the business and corporate users who now require more sophisticated features for the complex tasks involved in powering and managing Web sites and databases. Versions of the new operating system include Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows 2000 Advanced Server.

Some core featureseach of these versions share reportedly include

• Greater stability, reducing the likelihood and frequency of system crashes
• Security features for file encryption and to prevent unauthorized access
• Improved overall performance and faster multitasking
• The ability to personalize screen menus
• Built-in wizards to guide users through set-up tasks and troubleshooting
• Increased compatibility with peripherals and add-ons

If you link your laptop to your business network, you'll want to consider the features of Windows 2000 Professional. This version is said to reduce power consumption, allow users to swap PC cards without the need to reboot, as with Windows NT, and simplify synchronization between a desktop and laptop PC.

Every time there's a major OS upgrade, such as Windows 2000, computer users must grapple with whether they want to be there first or wait for pioneers to test and prove the technology. With about a month of availability, the marketplace trials of Windows 2000are still in swing. If you want to update a business network, consider waiting a little longer and track reports from the field.

There's a growing bank of information, reviews, and reports on Windows 2000 now available online that you can use to monitor the situation. Start with Microsoft's Web site devoted to Windows 2000 and C-Net's computer and technology resources Web site (click the Windows 2000 link at www.cnet.com). To evaluate whether your present system can even support Windows 2000 without a hardware upgrade, type in your system specifications at each site.

Windows 2000 may have much to offer your office, but look, thoroughly, before you leap.