One of the first things you notice when installing DirectX 5.0 is the amount of control you now have over installation. Check out the following dialog box (figure 2). It actually recommends that you don't install the new driver. You also get instructions on how to revert to the old driver should you install the new one and encounter problems. The user is put in control of the process, which is a refreshing change. (Now if they could only say it in fewer words).

Figure 2 (Click to enlarge)

This newfound user control continues after DirectX is installed. For example, the control panel for the joystick applet has been enhanced. It looks more like a standard Windows dialog box, and it's a little easier to navigate and understand (figure 3).

Figure 3 (Click to enlarge)

Getting a joystick to actually work - especially if you have a dedicated game controller card - is still something of a chore, but it's a definite improvement.

The big change, though, is the DirectX 5.0 control panel (figure 4). It gives you a host of new options, all of which you can tweak to your heart's content. Most users will probably just leave it alone, but at least it's a comfort knowing you can change things - and even easily revert back to older drivers.

Figure 4 (Click to enlarge) (Click here to get this control panel)

If nothing else, the increased user control makes DirectX 5.0 a must-have. But there's more...