Are there new features of Windows 2000 Pro I need?
Windows 2000 Pro is packed with new features. A few of the
more commonly cited reasons for upgrading include better stability,
reliability, security, and support for mobile users. These
features translate into better ease of use.
Click
here to see Microsoft's feature list.
Why not Windows 98?
Microsoft has indicated it will consolidate its OS environments
into a single consumer version of Windows (based on Windows
9x) and an enterprise version (based on Windows 2000). Eventually,
a consumer edition of Windows 2000 will replace Windows 9x.
In the meantime, Windows 9x is still the right choice if you
require gaming DirectX, enhanced multimedia, 16 bit application
support and don't need the added security and networking features
of Windows 2000 Pro. You may opt for 98 or NT if you don't
have the hardware necessary to run Windows 2000 Pro or your
application software isn’t compatible with 2000 yet.
(See system requirements section).
From Microsoft:
WINDOWS
2000 OR WINDOWS 98: GET THE ONE THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
Windows(r) 2000 Professional is the upcoming Microsoft operating
system best for business users. And Windows 98 Second Edition
is the best system for home use. If you're not sure which one
is best suited for your needs, check out the top ten reasons
to upgrade to each one right here:
Does my computer meet the Windows 2000 Pro hardware
requirements?
Windows 2000 Pro has the following hardware requirements:
Is my system Windows 2000 compatible?
Your computer, hardware and software components should be
checked against Microsoft's compatibility lists. Components
that run on Windows NT or 9.x will not necessarily be compatible
with Windows 2000.
Click
here for compatibility lists.
In addition, Microsoft has a compatibility checker:
IS
YOUR SYSTEM READY FOR WINDOWS 2000? NEW TOOL HAS THE ANSWER
The Windows 2000 Readiness Analyzer tool checks out your system
and reports on what hardware devices and software applications
might not be compatible with Windows 2000. This check is also
run during Windows 2000 Setup. Download and run the tool before
installing Windows 2000 to learn if your installation will
succeed.
Should I upgrade to Windows 2000 now?
Eventually, a consumer edition of Windows 2000 will replace
Windows 9x. Therefore, for current Windows users, the upgrade
to some flavor of Windows based on 2000 is likely. However,
waiting to upgrade is prudent. It is unlikely that your system
will pass compatibility checks 100%. Vendors and technical
support staff need time to identify and resolve hardware and
software compatibility issues. Purchase of a new computer with
the hardware and software to support Windows 2000 reliably
is an attractive path to Windows 2000. Unless there's a feature
you don't want to wait for (like laptop support), come back
in a few months and reassess your situation.
If you’re still not sure whether to upgrade or not,
consider discussing your needs with DoIT Showroom staff at
265-SHOW.
So you've decided to upgrade....
You've reviewed your hardware and software components and
while not perfect, you want to go ahead with the upgrade to
Windows 2000. Here are a few resources to help:
How do I backup my current system?
As with any major operating system change, a complete system
backup should be done before the upgrade. If you don't have
a current method to do this, contact DoIT for assistance.
Should I do a clean install or an in-place upgrade?
Clean installs are likely to be less problematic in the long
run, but most folk’s cringe at the thought of reinstalling
all their applications. Here's an article examining why clean
installs are a good idea:
PITCHING
THE BENEFITS OF A "CLEAN" INSTALL
While "clean" install procedures may seem time consuming
at first, they will prevent much of the need for routine fix
work in the future. This process will ultimately increase your
firm's resource availability and decrease your clients' technology
budgets, so your staff can add value at a much higher level
and with substantially higher service margins.
How can I be sure things go relatively smoothly?
There are many "how to" articles and books for successful
Windows 2000 deployment. Here's a fairly concise one:
FOUR
STEPS TO A HASSLE-FREE TRANSITION TO MICROSOFT WINDOWS 2000
Whether you're performing an upgrade or a clean installation,
your customers depend on you for a smooth deployment with as
little downtime as possible. Help ensure that you provide a
timely and hassle-free migration with these four Windows 2000
deployment steps.
Microsoft has a more extensive deployment guide for IT professionals
as they plan for a Windows 2000 transition.
Click
here for the guide.
I’ve completed the upgrade but have some questions.
Who can I talk to?
Contact the DoIT HeLP desk (4-HELP) if you have questions
about Windows 2000 Professional.
