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At long last, the retail CDs are being delivered: The beta speculation can end, and reality testing of the shipping code can start. In short, it's time to call the shot on Windows 2000.

In two previous columns, I discussed the things I liked best and least about the new operating system. I give it high marks for these improvements:

1) Speed and stability. Windows 2000 is noticeably faster than NT, and it seems significantly faster than Windows 98, too: In fact, Microsoft claims it's up to 40% faster than Windows 98. In any case, Windows 2000 performs admirably on relatively inexpensive Celeron-class systems with 64 Mbytes or RAM or more.
2) Better hardware support. Windows 2000 ships with a wide range of drivers and should install on a huge range of hardware of reasonably recent vintage.
3) Software support. There's a ton of Windows 2000 software in the pipeline, and most NT-based software runs just fine on it, too.
4) Easier setup. Windows 2000 installs and works easily on a wide range of existing systems--even if Microsoft's claim of a "three-click upgrade" is perhaps somewhat exaggerated.
5) User interface improvements. Five magic words: reduced training and support costs.

1) It's too expensive. A full copy of the professional version costs $319.
2) It's not a giant step above its siblings. Windows 2000 is better, but I don't know if it's enough of a step up to warrant an immediate upgrade for in-place and up-to-date Windows 98 or NT4 installations, especially at the prices Microsoft is demanding.
3) It's too big for many notebooks and some desktops. RAM may be an especially thorny issue, as you need 128 Mbytes of RAM to really let Windows 2000 run well.
4) It still has many hardware compatibility issues. BIOS and driver problems are still around.
5) It still has myriad little "gotchas."

But now it's your turn: After all, it's your opinion (and the opinions of others like you) that will determine the fate of Windows 2000 and whether or not Microsoft's bet-the-business gamble will pay off.

Please cast your vote below. When you submit your vote, you'll be able to see where it falls in the range of responses collected to date. Then please click over to the discussion area to talk about whether it's yea or nay for Win2K!

Win2K Pro (workstation)