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1. Comment - With HailStorm Brewing, AOL Readies 'Magic Carpet'

   (Jul 26, 2001 - 1:49 PM)

   You are able to turn off the desktop cleaning feature by going to display properties, clicking the desktop tab, clicking the 'customize desktop' button and removing the checkmark from the Run desktop cleaup wizard every 60 days.

2. Comment - With HailStorm Brewing, AOL Readies 'Magic Carpet'

   (Jul 24, 2001 - 4:45 PM)

   Well, after the third time the little notice popped up on my screen I just entered my passport information. I'm on dsl so I guess all broadband users aren't all safe from the pop-ups.

3. Comment - Microsoft Loosens Grip on OEMs

   (Jul 17, 2001 - 10:55 PM)

   The first point I want to make is that PA is not a big concern as I have until Oct 25 before I have even the ability to decide whether to buy it. That means I have quite a bit of time do tinker with all the pieces of my frigging system to see how much I can change before it craps on me. I've heard/read that you can only change 3 parts before it needs to be re-activated. I haven't tested it as my primary concern is to see if all of my software works, it doesnt. I'll test it when I have the time, probably this weekend. Plus, I have to make a couple of purchases. I like to use all of my available hardware, not just leave it lying around.

4. Comment - Microsoft Loosens Grip on OEMs

   (Jul 17, 2001 - 4:51 PM)

   I'm well aware that you can hack an .inf file to add the ability to remove it. I'm suggesting that they make able to be removed with out having to do that. An average user wouldn't know where to find this information. Honestly though, I doubt the average user would remove it even given the option but it's always nice to have the option to remove it. Oh, and why did they take the ability to select what components you want installed out of the setup program?

5. Comment - Microsoft Loosens Grip on OEMs

   (Jul 17, 2001 - 5:26 AM)

   I've downloaded the preview version since everyone tells me not to bad mouth Windows XP until I've tried it. Having downloaded, installed, and activated it, I am mildly impressed. The setup still has a problem that was in Win2k pro: it will hang if you have a usb zip drive connected to it. Minor and easily resolved since I knew what was causing it. The drivers that they have included with it suck for having cleared their hardware quality labs testing. An ATI Radeon DDR driver will not allow me to start the system unless I specify VGA mode. (It resets repeatedly) I'm using the win2k driver from ATI currently. It works, but not without occasional graphical errors.
   
   Those couple of things and PA are my current turn-offs for WinXP. It runs most of my non-DOS non-WinG games just fine. A little slow for some 3D games but I'm gonna blame the drivers for that right now.
   
   Everything else makes this an upgrade that I'm going to have to flip a coin to decide. If they fix the zip drive thing and have a stable video driver for my card on release then my decision is going to be whether all of the new enhancements and the slightly more stable environment make up for the demon that is PA.
   
   I call PA a demon, not because it impairs my ability to install it on more than one system, but because it is just another possible headache for the end user to deal with. The initial activation is easy and painless. I havent had the opportunity to change my hardware yet but I will format and re-install probably next weekend. That's what I'm most concerned about. If I can re-install it to the same system after formatting then not have to worry about calling microsoft it'll be okay. I still won't love it.
   
   These new OEM license changes are really only a first step. They need to allow you to remove Messenger and Media Player as well.