Upgrading from Win2K Preview Code
I've heard I can expect final shrink-wrapped Windows 2000 (Win2K) code in the next few days and that the code will include an upgrade procedure that removes the time bomb but retains all current settings. You don't have to uninstall the existing code.
This good news is consistent with Microsoft's insistence that the preview version is exactly the same code as the shrink-wrapped version. The upgrade probably only patches some Registry settings. It looks like those of us with preview code will be able to avoid another reinstall.
Workstation Problems
Now for the not-so-good news. The Windows 2000 Magazine Lab has been reviewing workstation-class systems and wanted to use Windows 2000 (Win2K) as the test OS. Unfortunately, they're finding that vendors—among them IBM, HP, and Dell—don't consider Win2K to be ready for prime-time on this class of system. Why not? Apparently, problems exist with the drivers for high-end graphic cards.
The problem isn't isolated to Windows 2000 Magazine. I learned yesterday that a competitor cancelled a workstation review because the company was unable to secure Win2K-compatible systems from key workstation vendors.
Experience Windows 2000
Windows 2000 Magazine has launched Windows 2000 Experience, its new Web site for IT professionals interested in evaluating and deploying Windows 2000 (Win2K). The site contains the latest Win2K news, how-to knowledge, product information, forums, and technical white papers—all in one convenient location. Check it out here.
That's all for this week. Next week—the launch!
