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For the vast majority of users, the added stability of Windows XP should be a real draw. And the host of features are the icing on the cake.

While its new, hand-holding "task-oriented" design may annoy experienced users, Microsoft nevertheless managed to create an OS that works equally well for novices, corporate users, and enthusiasts.

You'll hear few complaints about the operating system itself, especially when it's compared with previous versions. No matter what you think of Microsoft, using Windows XP on a new or very recent PC feels sure, swift and satisfying. And that's a big deal.

XP delivers a desktop OS that is as solid as Windows NT/2000 and as flexible as Windows 9x. It should go a long way toward maintaining Microsoft's dominance over the desktop.

All users of any operating system other than XP should be impressed with the high level of usability that the graphical user interface provides.