Introduction

Windows 2000 was released on February 17, 2000, as the successor to Windows ME (Millennium Edition) and as a part of the Windows NT line of operating systems. It was developed by Microsoft and was aimed at both home and business users. In this article, we will look at the improvements that Windows 2000 offered over Windows ME, its sales figures, user base, and the move to the Windows NT line.

Improvements Over Windows ME

Windows 2000 offered several significant improvements over Windows ME, which was widely criticized for its instability and lack of features. Some of the key improvements in Windows 2000 include:

1. Stability: Windows 2000 was much more stable than Windows ME, and it was designed to be more reliable, especially for business users. It was built on the Windows NT architecture, which was known for its stability, and it had a more robust driver model, which reduced the number of system crashes and errors.
2. Performance: Windows 2000 was also faster than Windows ME, thanks to its better hardware support and improved memory management. It also had a more efficient file system, which improved the speed of file operations.
3. Security: Windows 2000 introduced several security features, such as improved password protection and support for encryption, that made it more secure than Windows ME. It also had better support for firewalls, which helped to prevent unauthorized access to the system.
4. Networking: Windows 2000 introduced several improvements in networking, such as the ability to create virtual private networks (VPNs) and better support for wireless networking.

Sales Figures and User Base

Windows 2000 was well received by both business and home users, and it quickly became one of the most widely used operating systems. According to Microsoft, it sold over 1 million copies in its first two weeks of availability, and over 20 million copies within its first year.

The majority of Windows 2000 users were businesses, as the operating system was designed to meet the needs of large organizations. However, it was also popular with home users, who appreciated its improved performance and stability compared to Windows ME.

Move to the Windows NT Line

Windows 2000 marked a significant change in Microsoft’s approach to operating systems, as it marked the transition from the consumer-oriented Windows 9x line to the more enterprise-oriented Windows NT line. This change was driven by the growing demand for more reliable and secure operating systems in business environments, and Microsoft’s recognition of the need to develop operating systems that could meet these demands.

Conclusion

Windows 2000 was a major step forward for Microsoft, as it marked the company’s transition from the consumer-oriented Windows 9x line to the enterprise-oriented Windows NT line. Its improvements over Windows ME, including its stability, performance, security, and networking features, made it a popular choice for both business and home users. With over 20 million copies sold in its first year, Windows 2000 became one of the most widely used operating systems of its time.

Here are some books that can provide further information on Windows 2000:

1. “Windows 2000 Professional For Dummies” by Andy Rathbone. This book provides a beginner-friendly guide to Windows 2000 and covers topics such as installation, using the desktop, working with files and folders, and connecting to the Internet.
2. “Windows 2000 Professional Bible” by Jim Boyce. This book provides a comprehensive guide to Windows 2000, including in-depth coverage of topics such as installation, configuration, networking, security, and troubleshooting.
3. “Windows 2000 Server Survival Guide” by Mark Minasi. This book is aimed at system administrators and IT professionals, and provides detailed information on Windows 2000 Server, including installation, configuration, networking, and security.
4. “Windows 2000 Server Administrator’s Companion” by Sharon Crawford and Charlie Russel. This book is a comprehensive guide to Windows 2000 Server and provides detailed information on administration, security, and network management.
5. “Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional: Step by Step” by ActiveEducation. This book provides a step-by-step guide to Windows 2000 and covers topics such as installation, using the desktop, working with files and folders, and connecting to the Internet.

These books can provide more in-depth information on Windows 2000 and can be used as a reference for further learning.