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It's the end of an era. Microsoft says that Windows Me--its cutesy abbreviation for Millennium Edition--is the last member of the product line that conquered the world's desktops five years ago with the release of Windows 95. (Yes, Microsoft said the same of Windows 98, but this time they seem serious.)

This final installment in the Windows 9x family is aimed at device-happy consumers who like multimedia tools and long for a more crash-resistant PC. Businesses using Windows 95 or 98 will also find things to like about Me (see "The Business Side of Me"). In particular, its recovery capabilities could entice systems administrators beset by users who crash machines after installing unauthorized software. But companies that prize stability, networking capabilities, and security features are far better off migrating to Windows 2000 Professional.

Home is where the heart is for Me. An enhanced digital video and audio player, a new digital camera and scanner interface, and a basic video editor make Me the most thoroughly multimedia-enabled Windows yet. In addition, the OS comes with a new Home Networking Wizard, online games, and the long-awaited shipping version of Internet Explorer 5.5 (see "It's New to Me").

Two powerful system-safety features--which Microsoft has grouped under the general heading of PC Health--are among Me's best innovations. One is an invisible watchdog that prevents disastrous alterations to system files. Even better is a rollback tool that lets you revert to an earlier system configuration--a godsend to anyone who has ever tried to revive a PC torpedoed by crummy software.

We put the final shipping code of Windows Me to the test, working with its system recovery, file protection, Internet sharing, and digital media doodads. We also gauged Me's start-up, shutdown, and overall speeds in comparison to the performance speeds of Windows 98 SE.

Our conclusion: The Me-exclusive PC Health features are the best reason to invest in the $109 upgrade. But if you aren't pining for recovery features, you don't really need Me. Instead, wait for Microsoft to fix bugs and incompatibilities (we spotted a few), or hold out for the next Windows (see "Beyond Me"). Meanwhile, take advantage of the various new features that you can download independently of the OS.