The Reading Room is a selection of articles, commentaries, viewpoints and news from across the web recommended by FJB for your entertainment and education.

Windows XP ~ Yes, No, or Maybe

Microsoft has finally unveiled Windows XP with all of the hoopla that's come to be associated with a Microsoft product introduction. Bill says it's a painless upgrade (if your computer is less than two years old).
We all believe Bill, don't we?
Columnist Fred Langa shares his upgrade experience at http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2001/2001-10-29.htm

Find out the differences between Home and professional then check the upgrade requirements for XP Pro or XP Home

To check your system's potential go to PC Pitstop for a quick check or to Microsoft (note: this is a 32Mb download and it calls home for more.)

If you've decided that XP is the way to go then check out the Ease into XP article in PC Magazine. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,2217,00.asp

Also of interest is this recently posted article on the Microsoft KnowledgeBase: "How to Manually Remove Windows 2000 and Windows XP and Restore Windows 95/98" at http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q250/4/56.ASP


Online Security

Online Privacy - What they Know (PC Magazine)
You may be surprised to learn that your personal information is generally safer online than it is offline.
http://eletters1.ziffdavis.com/cgi-bin10/flo?y=eMIi0DMpDJ0EvR0bBZ0A3

Related article on 9 common sense ways to protect your privacy
http://www.pcmag.com/article/0,2997,s%253D1590%2526a%253D16661,00.asp