• PCWorld
• » Software
• » Operating Systems

All Systems Go?: PC Vendors' Plans for Windows 2000

D-Day for Windows 2000 is February 17--the day that Microsoft officially launches the new operating system. And all the top-tier PC companies we talked to--such as Compaq, Dell, Gateway, and IBM--plan to begin shipping systems with the new OS on or before the launch date. Windows 2000 will be available on both desktop and mobile product lines targeting business users (rather than home users). However, some vendors, including Gateway, will also install Windows 2000 on certain home PCs if customers request it.

But what if you've recently bought a PC, and you now want Windows 2000? If your new PC runs Windows 98, you'll have to shell out for the Windows 2000 upgrade ($219 list). If your almost-new system runs Windows NT 4.0, however, you may qualify for a free upgrade.

Who Qualifies?

The fine print on these free upgrade offers for Windows 2000 varies from company to company. For instance, customers who bought Gateway business systems (such as a GP desktop, E-Series desktop or workstation, or a Profile or Solo notebook) with Windows NT 4.0 between September 1, 1999, and February 16, 2000, are entitled to a coupon for a free upgrade to Windows 2000. Dell's offer has similar dates, and if you qualify, either company will ship you the Windows 2000 CD-ROM for free.

Compaq widens the net--from June 15, 1999, until March 31, 2000--and offers free Windows 2000 upgrade kits on its NT 4.0 systems (although it will charge for shipping and handling). IBM's eligibility dates fall between September 1, 1999, and March 31, 2000, and it also charges a shipping fee. In addition, Big Blue will provide upgraders with 30 days of free installation support. The Quantex upgrade period opened September 1, 1999, and ends April 30, 2000. Quantex will also charge you shipping and handling costs.

In Case of Emergency

A word of caution: If you buy Windows 2000 at your local retail store and anything goes wrong after the upgrade, you may be kissing some aspects of the PC's support warranty goodbye. For example, if you run into conflicts with a Dell system after you install a retail version of the new OS, Dell will only troubleshoot the hardware; you have to contact Microsoft for software questions. (However, Dell reports that all its customers can access updated drivers and BIOS information from Toshiba no matter where they purchased the Windows 2000 upgrade.)

All things considered, it behooves you to do the upgrade through your PC maker. That way, you can rely on the company for both hardware and software support during the PC's warranty period.