Windows ME

By Paul D. Warner, PhD, CPA, Hofstra University

In Windows ME, Microsoft has released the latest update to Windows 95. That's correct-both Windows 98 and Windows ME are best considered updates to Windows 95. What CPAs need to know is that most of the enhancements that make up Windows ME are directed toward the home rather than business user. This reviewer's advice is to stick with Windows 98 or consider Windows 2000 (now that the service release has been issued); the benefits of ME for the business user are not worthwhile. If you need better security, reliability, and networking features than Windows 98 offers, 2000 is a better choice than ME. Still, those users that have bought a new computer with Windows ME preinstalled should keep it.

What does Windows ME provide? Some internal changes and extensive multimedia improvements aimed at the home user. Some of the internal improvements have been borrowed from Windows 2000.

PC Health

The improvements relating to protecting the Windows ME environment, referred to by Microsoft as PC Health, include-

System file protection (SFP). A significant portion of the problems encountered in Windows 95 and 98 result from system file version conflicts, which arise when applications overwrite or delete core system files (e.g., a dynamic-link library file, or DLL). Users are usually not responsible and are often unaware of a conflict until they run into a problem, which can worsen over time. Unfortunately, it is not easy to identify and fix a DLL version conflict.

SFP is designed to prevent the unauthorized deletion of a core system file or the overwriting of a current system file with an older version of the file or a version "tweaked" by a third party but not renamed. Frequently, the installation of a new application overwrites a current system file with an older version of the same system file (e.g., version 3.0 of a DLL is replaced by version 2.0), affecting applications requiring the current version. DLL that have been tweaked by one application may cause other applications to function erratically or crash.

To alleviate this problem, when the system file monitor detects an attempt to overwrite any system file that is designated as protected, Windows ME stores a copy of the original file and checks to determine whether the new version of the file is a valid replacement. If so, Windows ME allows the new file to replace the old version; if not, it restores the original version without preventing or interrupting the installation.

In most cases, the new application should install and run properly and the other applications relying on the protected version of the system file will also continue to work optimally. (Note: the replacement activity is logged in Windows\System\SFP\). Microsoft does admit that there are cases where the application attempting to install the modified file may not perform properly without its preferred version of the system file.

Which files are protected? Microsoft claims that almost 900 system files in Windows ME have been identified as critical (these are Windows files, not third-party files). Deleting or overwriting any of these files could adversely affect the functionality of the operating system. (A list of protected files is included on the Windows ME CD in Windows\System\Restore\).

Files that fall outside of the protected category are not monitored by SFP (some additional files are monitored by the system restore feature). Most of the unprotected files fall into one of the following general categories:

Support automation framework. The primary purpose of this feature is to provide a single place for users to go for all of their support needs, from basic information to serious problems. By consolidating help content and services from multiple sources, users don't have to guess where to go for help. User behavior will determine whether this feature works as claimed.

System restore. The system restore feature provides users with the ability to "roll back" the computer to a state of normal operation by installing a saved, properly operating version of the Windows ME system. Users can choose the restore point by date (i.e., before the installation of particular software) or by one of the predefined system checkpoints. In addition, system restore automatically backs up a compressed copy of any Windows or program files whenever they are deleted.

Other Features

Improved setup process. Fewer screens were required to install the Windows ME update. This reviewer's Windows 98 Internet setup was not affected by ME; upgrading to 98 had required reinstalling the Internet setup.

AutoUpdate. This feature recognizes when a user is online and uses moments when the modem is not active to download system updates unobtrusively. AutoUpdate stops the download whenever an application requires the modem and continues it whenever the modem becomes available. AutoUpdate informs the user when the download has finished so that the update can be installed.

Real Mode. Windows ME removed "Real Mode" legacy code, which was the older environment in which MS-DOS-based programs ran. That is, users can no longer boot into or restart in DOS, although the DOS prompt still exists in the Programs menu. Device drivers or memory-resident programs loaded by Autoexec.bat or Config.sys must be loaded in other ways. Microsoft claims that DOS-based programs will run more reliability than under Windows 98. Time will tell.

USB support. USB and Windows 98 did not get along well; Windows ME claims improved USB support. This reviewer uses a USB printer and had to allow the computer to boot up completely before turning on the printer; this is no longer necessary with ME.

ACPI device bay. Users with an ACPI-compliant computer can add new ACPI devices such as a CD-ROM drive or hard drive without opening the computer case. The device can be added by simply plugging it in. Neither manual detection nor configuration is required.

Device installation. Windows ME simplifies the process of adding peripherals and devices by automatically searching all directories on an installation CD until it identifies and installs the correct driver. In addition, it automatically loads all USB and IEEE-1394 drivers when ME is originally installed, reducing the likelihood that a user would need to reinsert the installation CD.

Improved ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter. Microsoft claims that both of these utilities have been improved to support new, larger hard drives. Microsoft also claims that performance has been improved, reducing the time needed to defragment a hard drive.

Hibernate and resume. This feature enables users to stop and start PCs faster and return instantly to where they left off by "hibernating," rather than shutting down. The hibernate feature takes a snapshot of the current state of the PC, recording open applications and documents, and powers off. When the user next uses the PC, its previous state will be restored to the state saved on the hard disk.

Digital media and entertainment. This is where most of the Windows ME improvements have been made; however, few if any of these features will be of use to CPAs, at least while in the office.

Networking and Online Improvements

Internet Explorer 5.5. This reviewer found that Internet Explorer (IE) 5.5 slowed down system performance and returned to 5.0, despite Microsoft's claim of enhanced printing capabilities and a preview. It is interesting to note that IE 5.5 runs faster under Windows 98 SE than it does under Windows ME. Windows ME also features support for broadband connections, Microsoft's NetMeeting software, and improved performance sending e-mail with Outlook Express.

Network configuration. Windows ME preinstalls all the core networking software and includes support for the remote network driver interface specification (NDIS) and native driver support for USB networking.

Dial-up. Auto-dial capability now integrates dial-up, Internet connection sharing, and Internet Explorer, as well as support for virtual private networking through a new point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP) stack.

Internet Connection Sharing. ICS for Windows ME allows users to create private networks and connect them to the Internet through a single, shared connection. The ICS component in ME incorporates several new features, including multiple subnet support and enhanced support for DirectPlay games, instant messaging, and streaming media.

New kinds of networks. Support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) allows automatic networking of UPnP devices and web-based control. ICS improvements include support for DirectX and DirectPlay, instant messaging and streaming media, and IP telephony through an ICS link to the Internet. The IEEE-1394 networking with TCP/IP allows Windows ME-based PCs to connect to each other.

TCP/IP core stack. In order to deliver corporate-level network reliability, the TCP/IP networking stack from the Windows 2000 family was ported to the code base of Windows ME.

Connection Manager. To improve dial-up networking, Windows ME includes built-in support for the Connection Manager dial-up client, which is the same core component that shipped as part of Windows 2000.

Networking wizard and diagnostics. This wizard allows users to manage and configure ICS, file and printer sharing, and network settings in one centralized location. The network diagnostics tool reports on networking components (such as modems and network adapters) and provides other vital pieces of information, such as ping and connectivity tests. Additionally, through the new Windows management instrumentation (WMI) technologies, the diagnostics offer an interface for developers to use the ping and connectivity methods provided in their own Java or Visual Basic scripts.

Infrared data association (IrDA) support. Windows ME supports IrDA standards, providing a fast and inexpensive way to connect computers together. This technology also allows ME-based computers to transfer information back and forth between infrared devices, such as IrDA-enabled printers, personal organizers, and phones.

Network driver interface specification (NDIS). NDIS is a basic Windows component that manages network device drivers and their communication with network protocol stacks such as TCP/IP. NDIS version 5.0 for Windows ME was enhanced to provide programming interface parity with NDIS version 5.0 in Windows 2000. It is now simpler to write and support cross-platform network drivers and to make use of corporate-level testing methods, assuring a more stable and reliable networking platform for the user.

Reliability

Microsoft's past record on initial releases has left much to be desired: Windows 98 was not reliable until the service pack was released; neither were Office 2000 or Windows 2000. For those tempted to upgrade because of Windows ME's superior networking capabilities, it is probably advisable to wait until the service pack has been released, or until it is confirmed that one is not required.

Editors:
Paul D. Warner, PhD, CPA
Hofstra University

L.Murphy Smith, DBA, CPA
Texas A&M University

©2009 The New York State Society of CPAs. Legal Notices