What about "Me"?
Windows Millennium Operating System: A Summer Update

By Jeff van de Pol

 
With the release of the business-focused Windows 2000 operating system in February, Microsoft promised another new Windows operating system aimed at home computer users -- Windows "Me" (short for Millennium Edition) -- originally slated for release in May 2000.

However, a recent detailed search of Microsoft's Web site turned up not a single mention of Windows Me, and developers and industry analysts are now pointing to fall 2000 as the earliest possible release date for the new software (see referenced articles below).

In the unlikely event that Microsoft releases Windows Me before the beginning of the 2000-2001 academic year, your best move could be to just skip this one.

The Division of Information Technology (IT) in consultation with campus departmental technology support representatives recommends that campus users hold off on upgrading their existing machines with Windows Me or ordering Windows Me on new machines for six to eight months following the software's release. During this waiting period, evaluations of the software will be published and Microsoft is expected to correct many first-release defects.

For more information on Windows Me, follow these links:

• "Can Windows ME Get Down to Business?" PC World.Com, March 13, 2000.

• "Microsoft Delivers 'Fast Boot' Support for Partners in Windows Millennium Edition." Microsoft Press Release announcing partnership with Dell to include Windows ME on home computers in fall 2000.

• Check the "What's new" section of IT's Web site for updates and new announcements over the summer.