I am what is known in the PC world as a "system builder". I build and maintain my own PC for my own use. Since the time I was aged in my late 50's I had been operating my desktop with Windows 2000Pro. I calculated that I'll upgrade the Win OS in every "new" decade of my life.....to the "next" OS..not necessarily the current model. I am now 64 years old (in my "next" decade of life) so I decided to upgrade to Windows XP ( I know it's kinda behind the times ain't it...however there are rewards...for example a person like me on just a Pension from Centrelink finds the cost of this OS is more reasonable than the current which is 3 times more in price). Of course this upgrade had to include as well new hardware....new motherboard...new CPU..and new RAM (before 512MB...now 1GB..double!). Someone had warned me that WIN XP is not the same as WIN 2000Pro..it required more "fiddling" about....I was told. And how right they were! Win XP....in addition to the 54 numbered and lettered Product Key number (as similiar to WIN 2000 Pro) where you have to type this in when installing the OS.....this OS requires what is called "activation codes" which is obtained from Microsoft.And you are only given 30 days to do so...otherwise zilch OS. This company here in Australia claims that this process, by telephone, will only take 5 minutes. It took me...all day!
In the morning...the first time I tried...the 100 plus numbers and letters....on the OS..the disk....and the PK..one number had not coincided and I was refused activation. Thank you for nothin'..I said!. Let it go....I'll try later. That same afternoon I tried once again and this time my OS was considered "legal".....and success...it was activated...and was given the 54 numbered activation code. Phew! Glad that's over. Lucky I only do this every "decade" or so..where the next time will be (should I still be alive & hovering) in the "next decade" of life, when I am in my 70"s. I wonder what the activation codes will be then...I will probably have to post my whole desktop (by registered post) to Microsoft for it's perusal.
P.S....And whilst I was on the phone with Microsoft I enquired as to "when will Win XP lose it's support by Microsoft". I was told the end of this year (2009). I never use an OS which is supported by Microsoft...as they are always "older"..and I do not actually need it's support anyway as I do my own maintenance and repair.
By the way if you are using Firefox and you are finding it hard to "save" your password for internet connection (i.e. you have to type it in every time you have to log in to the internet) try the following:
On the Log In box where you see "Save this user name and password" for : Me Only.....or.....Anyone who uses this computer...make sure that ONLY the "anyone who uses the computer" box is ticked. If "Me Only" is ticked..change it to the other prior to logging on.