Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
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CNET editors' review
CNET editors' rating
Reviewed by:
Christopher Lindquist
Reviewed: 12/16/99
, Updated: 12/16/99
Editorial policies
Read CNET editors' review
The good:
Stable; easy to install; runs better on laptops than Windows NT does; powerful, sophisticated server; excellent help files; its improved interface is easier to use than NT's.
The bad:
Mediocre peripheral support; slow boot times; expensive server.
The bottom line:
Windows 2000 isn't for the gamer or the casual surfer, but if you have a yen for speed, stability, and some serious server tools, this business-class OS will do you right.
Specs:
License qty:
1 user;
License type:
Complete package;
Min hard drive space:
2 GB
See full specs >>
Price range:
$94.97 - $203.22
License qty:
1 user
License type:
Complete package
Min hard drive space:
2 GB
Min processor type:
Intel Pentium 133 MHz
Min RAM size:
64 MB
Peripheral / Interface devices:
Mouse or compatible device
Min processor type:
Intel Pentium
Min processor speed:
133 MHz
CNET editors' review
On Wednesday, Microsoft shipped its next-generation business operating system, Windows 2000, to manufacturers. It's been a long, strange trip to final code--fraught with delays and strategy shifts--but after an in-depth look at this new OS, we say it's worth the wait.
Full review of Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
On Wednesday, Microsoft shipped its next-generation business operating system, Windows 2000, to manufacturers. It's been a long, strange trip to final code--fraught with delays and strategy shifts--but after an in-depth look at this new OS, we say it's worth the wait.
For any size of business, Windows 2000 has the right stuff, both as a workstation and as a server. It's stable, easy to install, and packs in enough new features to make it a must-have upgrade from Windows NT 4.0. It's even easier to run on most laptops (an area where NT 4.0 fell short). Windows 2000's dizzying array of new server tools will keep larger businesses busy deciding which ones to deploy, and the server is sophisticated enough to make it worth the extra effort.
Windows 2000 isn't for everyone, however. If you want a new OS for gaming or surfing the Net, you'll be better off with Windows Millennium, the Windows 98 replacement due out the second half of next year. And even if Windows 2000 is up your alley, you still have to wait a couple of months to get your hands on a copy. If Microsoft doesn't run into any snags, the boxed version of Windows 2000 will hit store shelves and start shipping with PCs on February 17, 2000, two months later than Microsoft had originally promised.
What should I expect when I install Windows 2000?
