I run Windows XP on my MacBook using Parallels Desktop.
I arrived at the University of Haifa yesterday and started using the local wireless network with Mac OS. Today I thought I could try it with Windows as well.
I started up Windows XP which was configured to use my home network, of course. I use fixed IPs at home. In Mac OS I can change the network location and leave my home network configuration alone. So I figured I could set up a new connection in Windows to avoid having to modify my finely tuned existing network connection.
I disabled the network connection and started the "Create a new connection" wizard.
The wizard asked me some questions and then claimed that it needed a reboot to set up the connection. (Why?)
After the reboot the only connection object I found was the disabled existing connection object. The wizard hadn't done anything, o so it seemed. Still unable to connect to the Internet Windows XP announced that the computer's hardware had changed considerably (and this is Windows running in a VIRTUAL MACHINE that certainly didn't change) and needed to be re-activated.
I believe the wizard made Windows believe that the hardware changed, although it left the network settings alone.
After a few reboots I convinced Windows to connect to the Internet using my (now modified) existing network connection object. My home network settings are lost, but at least I could activate Windows over the Internet.
Windows annoying features:
1. No network locations and the ability to switch between them.
2. Network connection wizard does not create a new connection object.
3. Windows needs to be activates and re-activated, which, since it tracks hardware changes will always add itself as one further problem to whatever existing problem caused the hardware change.
Mac OS advantages:
1. Supports network locations.
2. Does not requir a network connection wizard. A new location will always default to DHCP and existing network locations keep their settings.
3. Does not require activation, not even when the system thinks that the user doesn't have enough annoying problems to deal with.
I know, I know, Windows is great and has so many advantages over Mac OS, but none of Windows' advantages are particularly helpful if one simply wants to connect to the Internet and read email.