Windows Me is the state-of-the-art Microsoft operating system. PC makers plan to offer Windows Me on new home computers but it is hardly a crucial upgrade for Windows 98. Factory-installed Windows Me will very likely make the computer boot up faster, be more reliable and make it easier to connect to other computers and to the Internet. Video and music will be more entertaining and more visible.
However, the arrival of Windows Me is a great reminder that an operating system upgrade is not to be taken casually. "An operating system has powerful juju, and running afoul of it calls down the wrath of the computer spirits."
Windows Me makes it easier to work with digital picture and music files. It is also network friendly and makes sharing files, printers and Internet connections easier. It improves support for instant messaging and streaming audio and video. Windows Me does a better job of handling cable and D.S.L. Internet connections.
Another category it provides is PC Health. It makes the operating system more stable and reliable and able to fix its own technical problems.
One new feature is System File Protection which keeps newly-installed applications from either accidentally or deliberately messing around with system files, including the treacherous little rascals known as DLLs or dynamic link l libraries. Conversely, another feature System Restore allows the user to beat a hasty retreat in case something goes awry during the installation of new software or hardware.
The Help system is redesigned and expanded. If you are courageous enough to attempt an upgrade to Windows Me, do not proceed without first making a backup of important files. Also be certain to click "Yes" when the installation routine asks if the user wants to squirrel away a copy of the computer's existing Windows configuration and "Yes" again to make an emergency boot diskette. The only way to regain use of the computer is to uninstall Windows Me if your upgrade fails.
Unless you have a pressing need for the new features in Windows Me, it is probably wise to wait until Microsoft finds and fixes potential software conflicts.
Peter H. Lewis - NYT

Protect Your Laptop
Especially if you travel by plane

Hold On To It
Never check your laptop as baggage. Baggage handlers are reputed to have contests to see who can throw the farthest.

Insure It
Safeware www.safeware.com specializes in coverage of laptops.

Be Prepared
Anticipate the worst scenario. Your laptop is stolen. Do you have a backup copy of your data? Grifters work in pairs. They cause a distraction and snatch the bag when a laptop goes through security. More than 300,000 laptops were stolen last year. To reduce theft, ask for a hand check. But allow enough time at check-in as the guard will ask you to boot up to be certain it is not a bomb.

Don't Forget It - Don't Be Obvious
Cases labeled IBM, Dell or other obvious computer names might as well say "Steal me!" A padded backpack is less conspicuous.

Go Wireless
Wayport, Inc. www.wayport.com has unwired the airport in Austin, TX. LGA, JFK and NWK airports will be wireless by the end of the year. There are cards and fees involved in this service.

BYO Movies
Great option if your laptop has a DVD drive and a 15-inch TFT matrix screen.