Home Reviews HowTo	XP Home Edition Review By Dorene Stalter I had been hesitant to try XP with all the hype I had heard about XP causing problems and errors. XP was easy! Everything about XP Home edition is easy. Installing it was easier than I expected. After installation, I expected all sorts of problems. I had none.  After installation, you are required to 'activate' the product. I had heard that it would be a hassle. It wasn't. You can choose to activate it via the Internet (easier) or by calling a toll-free number and giving them a code. They will give you another code to type into the activation screen and you are done. They don't ask your name or any other information.
	When you turn on your computer, XP presents you with a vaguely familiar desktop. It hasn't changed enough to scare you, yet, it has a definite different look. Although I have never been impressed with pretty desktops, I really like some that are included with XP. It's hard to decide what the best new features of XP are. I like all of them.
The new start menu is easier for newbies to understand and makes accessing programs faster for everyone. The control panel is more powerful, once you get used to it. The Start menu is more user friendly. When you click the start button, you have two columns. On the left is your internet browser and your email program along with a list of your most often used applications. At the bottom of the left column is the Programs button. It displays all your programs. On the right is often used folders including MyDocuments, MyPictures, MyMusic. Easy access for whatever your needs. I think that my favorite feature is the "Individual User Accounts". They keep the kids out of my files - and out of each other's. Fast User Switching allows you leave accounts logged on, with the applications running, and switch to another user. Home users will enjoy how easy XP is to use. The wizards are much easier to follow. Want to send a picture via email? XP will even help you resize it so you do not send huge files to your friends. Business users will appreciate the ability to integrate data between programs. Everyone will appreciate System Restore which allows you to return your system to an earlier date without losing recent files like email or documents. The bottom line: XP is more powerful than any of the previous Windows versions and they have made it easier for even a beginner to start computing without many problems.   If you would like to post a Book Review on our site, send me the review using the Contact link. You can set the topic if you like, or just let me set it when I go to approve it.