Analysts and users angry over Windows XP

Microsoft's move to kick-start demand for new hardware by increasing the system specification for its next operating system, Windows XP, has been met with scepticism by analysts and users.

Minimum hardware requirements for the second beta version of XP demand a 300Mhz Pentium II processor and 128Mb of Ram as base specifications for PCs running the operating system.

In comparison, Windows 2000 Professional, the current version of the operating system, requires a 133Mhz Pentium processor and 64Mb of Ram.

"I can see no reason why we should upgrade to XP. Most PCs are already too highly powered for day-to-day office activities, and it's annoying when we're forced into an upgrade for no benefit," said Ian Fearing, IT co-ordinator at car parts supplier Kaulex Textron.

Nick McGrath, lead Windows product manger at Microsoft, said that the specifications for XP had yet to be finalised. He admitted that earlier operating systems had required increased performance, but said that it was too early to specify minimum memory and processor requirements for PCs running XP.

The merits of XP over previous operating systems have already proved to be a bone of contention for Microsoft. Many users remain unconvinced that XP will offer them any real benefits over their current systems, and suggestions of a need for simultaneous hardware and software upgrades will only deepen their doubts.

"It's a great idea for trying to sell hardware, but if the uptake is as slow as 2000, XP may be one to three years out," said Brian Gammage, principal analyst at Gartner Dataquest.

"The operating system is important, but without the applications it's nothing. I don't see the current range of applications requiring me to have higher performance," he added.

"Microsoft has created a situation where upgrading isn't an option, it's unavoidable. It's very frustrating," said Fearing.

Also published in Computing