Discussion on:

These XP features bring business value to remote workers

when you really compare 2000 to xp, there's VERY little difference. do we really need to shell out like $400+ for xp? not likely. the more exeriences I've had with xp, the less I think it is an OS i'd recommend. doubt me? read up at theregister.co.uk

thx

How true. Although I do think XP is worth it than W2K, the price is getting more ridiculous!

Microsoft should cut the price of their software. They already have (monopolized?) the market, high time that they give something back!

Remote access to or from a remote pc still requires static IPs and holes in the corp. firewall. All of the articles just assume that they already exist or that management will open the corporate firewalls on a wholesale basis. Aside from the rollback/recovery features many of the "extras" are just another IS support nightmare as many users will institute them with no knowledge of what needs to be configured.

My company recently installed XP desktops on 90% of our desktops. Overall, I love the new features (we were coming from NT), but I would like to see a remote administrator tool for windows updates. I like the corporate version of the windows update website, allowing me to select updates for multiple OS versions, and store them all in a network drive. But after that deploying them is up to me. I write batch programs that my users run to install updates, which works, but a nice GUI admin app would be invaluable. I have seen the 3rd party tool talked about on TR, but the price tag hardly justifies the value, IMO.

Check out the new (free!) Software Update Services at http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/windowsupdate/sus/default.asp

All you need to do is VPN in before using Remote Desktop. Don't tell me that most corporations don't have VPN set up. You are spreading FUD.

Anyone who is paying $400 for a copy of Windows XP must be shopping at the local black market. I paid $98 for a new copy of XP Pro and the server isn't much more than that. XP handles many things much better than any previous verison, including software updates and remote access. Of course if you think remote access requires open access to your firewall then you probably need to stay away from the network shop. I suggest that those with all these concerns spend a little time with the XP docs, which are much more detailed and instructive than previous systems. I too had a problem with XP in regards to equipment like CD roms. It wouldn't identify mine. I discovered after I got over my tantrum, that it was because my drive was so old nothing worked with it accept my PC. New systems require new equipment. At least sometimes you need to update your hardware. After I realized that, I was OK. The point is, XP does many things very nice and makes life for an administrator or even a user, muchnicer. Learn the system before you criticize so harshly.

I expect to get bashed for my comments but think about this: What other company has the resources to develop such a complicated system? Provide an alternative to Microsoft and stop buying their products if you are dissatisfied. Better yet, write to them and tell them what you don't like. They'll listen.

I have looked for XP Pro online, and everywhere from CompUSA to Walmart to Best Buy. I have never seen the upgrade for less than $99.98 and never seen the full install for less than $149.95. If you are going to brag about paying $98 dollars for it, please state when, where, and from who. Otherwise, its just more luke air amigo.
Also, if you think that Microsoft listens to you or me, or cares what you or I think, you are quite mistaken. They have repeatedly taken the same attitude that you proport; if you don't like it, do somethin else. But, there isn't anything else yet. You are a victim of your own arguments, but in a way, we all are.

Where is xp pro available for 149.95?

Bill Gates is evil like Georges Bush.
Do not buy his products. Buy good muslim products like al-jazwindow.
It will blow your PC.
And you.
Damned infidels.
Allah akbar