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Introduction:
The launch of the new Microsoft Windows XP operating system on October 25, 2001, was a major event for the computing industry. Windows XP's robust, easy-to-use operating system and new usability enhancements are changing the way home and office user's computer.Microsoft Windows XP is the first operating system to combine the advantages of the Windows NT core with the ease of use and flexibility of the Windows 9x series. Windows XP was internally referred by Microsoft as Neptune at first and later renamed Whistler before finally becoming 'XP'.
"Whistler Embedded" delivers all the richness, innovation and reliability of the next generation of Windows in a componentized version, enabling embedded developers to select specific technology components required for a wide range of unique Windows Powered devices. Beta 1 is focused on delivering embedded client scenarios, including Windows-based terminals, advanced set-top boxes and retail point-of-sale kiosks.
Microsoft called the release its most important product since Windows 95. Along with a redesigned look and feel to the user interface, the new operating system is built on the Windows 2000 kernel, giving the user a more stable and reliable environment than previous versions of Windows. The operating system also utilizes the 802.11x wireless security standard.
Windows XP offers dramatically faster startup and resume times, highly responsive applications, and other new features such as Fast User Switching and an enhanced user interface. Windows XP is on average 34% faster than Windows 2000 and 27% faster than Windows 98 SE. Improvements in Windows XP runtime performance are evident in application startup and time and resource management. For example, average application startup on Windows XP is 25% faster than Windows 98 SE and equivalent to Windows 2000 Professional.
With the strengths of Windows 2000 Professional and the best business features of Windows 98 and Windows Me, Windows XP Professional is the best desktop operating system for business.
Core of Windows XP:
Microsoft Windows XP is based on the acclaimed Windows 2000 core that has proven an unrivalled level of dependability and reliability since its availability. So basically we can say Windows XP is what Windows 3.1 was to Windows 3.0. Microsoft Windows XP is a 32 bit operating system that doesn't use a mixed 16-32 bit core like Windows 9x does (only to support old Windows 3.1 applications) providing the ultimate rock solid platform for home users and workstations.Just like Windows 2000 the architecture of Windows XP offers a fully protected memory model. Each application runs in its own dedicated memory space that way if an application crashes the rest of the system isn't affected since only the allocated memory space is reinitialized. Microsoft Windows XP is a real pre-emptive multitasking operating system letting users run several applications at the same time while ensuring a reliable system response. Windows XP core is much more protected than the one of Windows 2000, so essential system data isn't overwritten by drivers or software you'll install. Plus DLL are now stored side by side on the hard disk so each program will use its own DLLs. It ensures a widely enhanced reliability over Windows 2000.
Microsoft Windows XP supports modest PCs as well as high-end workstations since the system is designed to run with multiprocessor configurations (two dual CPUs can be handled by the Professional version). It can also manage memory up to 4GB for the most exigent users. One of the main reproaches frequently addressed about computers is the fact they take an incredible long time to start.
The Fastest OS of World:
Windows XP is probably the fastest booting OS of the world. Compared to previous Windows versions the boot time of Windows XP has been dramatically reduced. Before a regular system would take two minutes to load, now Windows XP will be loaded in less than 1 minute. Obviously those times depend on the configuration you have since SCSI cards and other devices which can lengthen those delays.The 64-bit versions will only work on newer Intel Itanium based hardware. The 32-bit versions will work on all x86 compatible hardware (such a Pentium III, 4,etc...).
What is New in Windows XP?
Microsoft is aiming to combine the features of Windows Me for the consumer, and reliability of Windows 2000 for businesses and power users into one new operating system. This operating system in its' different flavors will have new features for gaming, multimedia applications, audio, etc. in addition to features for networking, development, etc. for businesses and power users.WPA (Windows Product Activation) Technology:
As you know, Microsoft Windows XP is the first operating system to feature the WPA (Windows Product Activation) technology. The activation process is supposed to reduce piracy since the activation will create a unique ID for your machine (based on a savant combination of the hardware you have) that matches your product key. That way, Windows XP will only work with your computer. It'll be locked if you install it on another computer thus ensuring the strict respect of the licensing terms. You have 30 days to activate Windows XP, and after this grace period the system won't be usable anymore and you'll be forced to activate. Activating the OS over the Internet is quite simple: in a few seconds your licence's authenticity is checked and your copy of XP is unlocked. For users with no internet connection, it remains possible to activate Windows XP by phone.Flavors of Windows XP:
TMicrosoft Windows XP is available in two different flavours:- Windows XP Home Edition
- Windows XP Professional Edition
Windows XP comes in two versions, Home and Professional. The company has focused on mobility for both editions; the features of Windows XP Home and Pro are very similar. Windows XP Home Edition is a smarter, simplified operating system that lets you stay connected to what's important to you, from friends and family to the Internet. With the new Windows engine, Windows XP Home Edition offers greater reliability and dependability than ever before in a home operating system.
Most home users have no need to the Professional version. Windows XP Pro has support for multiple processors and an encrypted file system. The professional edition adds some extra business oriented features over the Home edition with the support of SMP systems, Active Directory and IIS Web server.
Requirements:
According to Microsoft the minimum requirements for using/Installing Windows XP are:- PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233-MHz minimum required;* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended.
- 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
- 1.5 gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space.
- Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
- CD-ROM or DVD drive
- Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
- Network adapter (required for network installation)
Additional Requirements:
For videoconferencing, both parties also need:- Windows XP.
- Video conferencing camera.
For Remote Assistance:
- Both parties must be running Windows XP and be connected by a network.
For Remote Desktop:
- A Windows 95 or later-based computer, and the two machines must be connected by a network.
For DVD Video Playback:
- DVD drive and DVD decoder card or DVD decoder software.
- 8 MB of video RAM.
For Windows Movie Maker:
- Video capture feature requires appropriate digital or analogvideo capture device.
- 400 MHz or higher processor for digital video camera capture.
Manufacture's Price:
- Microsoft Windows XP Home OEM (Full version) $199.
- Microsoft Windows XP Pro OEM (Full version) $ 299.
Windows XP Compatibility:
Windows XP delivers a host of great features, including improved reliability and security, along with great experiences in real-time communications, mobile support, home networking, digital photos, digital video, and digital music. The new Windows Catalog will showcase thousands of products that make the Windows XP experiences even better, and Windows XP is also driving new standards in software and hardware quality.As a result of these higher standards, you may see some compatibility issues with your computer systems and software programs. In most cases, however, you can expect those problems to be at an absolute minimum. Here'swhy!
How Does Windows XP Help?
Windows XP includes these features to help you resolve quickly any compatibility problems that you might encounter:The Program Compatibility Wizard gives you an easy tool to run software programs built for earlier versions of Windows. The built-in Windows XP Help and Support Center provides several Hardware Troubleshooters to help you with your computer systems.
At the How to Build Quality Software and How to Build Hardware that Qualifies Web sites, developers can find numerous tools and advice to help write quality applications and drivers for Windows XP.
Windows Update is a built-in Windows XP tool that regularly prompts you to download updates, patches, and drivers. To access Windows Update, click Start, point to All Programs, and click Windows Update.
You can use the Windows Upgrade Advisor to check your system hardware and software to see if it is ready for upgrade to Windows XP.
When launched later this year, the Windows Catalog will showcase thousands of applications, devices, and computers that provide the best Windows XP experiences.
Hardware Devices:
Windows XP is compatible with the majority of computer systems released in the past two years. In addition, Windows XP supports 12,000 devices (before any updates), including over 5,900 new devices released since the launch of Windows 2000.There are, however, a great many devices, and many more are being released all the time. In balance, Windows XP offers good device compatibility, but individual user experiences will vary depending on the different kinds of devices.
The built-in Windows XP Help and Support Center provides several Hardware Troubleshooters to help users. To access Hardware Troubleshooters, click Start, click Help and Support, click Hardware, click fixing a hardware problem, and then, under Fix a problem, click Hardware Troubleshooter.
Vendors may elect to provide Microsoft with driver redistribution rights to post drivers on Windows Update for easy user access. Driver availability on Windows Update and the Automatic Update capability in Windows XP ensures that users quickly receive fixes.
Windows Update is a built-in Windows XP tool that regularly prompts you to download updates, patches, and drivers. To access Windows Update, click Start, point to All Programs, and click Windows Update.
You can use the Windows Upgrade Advisor to check your system hardware and software to see if it is ready for upgrade to Windows XP.
When launched later this year, the Windows Catalog will showcase thousands of applications, devices, and computers that provide the best Windows XP experiences.
Software Programs:
Microsoft estimates that over 90 percent of software programs written for Windows 2000 or Windows NT™, and about 90 percent of the most popular software programs distributed in the last three years, will be compatible with Windows XP.Most customers will be satisfied with the compatibility of popular software programs, but there will be some issues. Some programs will be incompatible because they were written for a specific operating system, such as Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0. In these cases, a new version of the program is likely to be released.
The Program Compatibility Wizard gives users an easy tool with which to run programs that were built for earlier versions of Windows. To access the Program Compatibility Wizard, click Start, click Help and Support, click fixing a problem, click Application and software problems, under fix a problem click getting older programs to run on Windows XP, and then click the Program Compatibility Wizard link in the instructions.
Built-in Windows Error Reporting offers users an easy way to report problems with applications and devices to Microsoft.Windows Update is a built-in Windows XP tool that regularly prompts you to download updates, patches, and drivers. To access Windows Update, click Start, point to All Programs, and click Windows Update.
You can use the Windows Upgrade Advisor to check your system hardware and software to see if it is ready for upgrade to Windows XP.
When launched later this year, the Windows Catalog will showcase thousands of applications, devices, and computers that provide the best Windows XP experiences.
Windows XP Home edition features:
Built on New Windows Engine:
With Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft has merged the best features of its consumer operating systems with the power, security, and reliability of the Windows 2000 engine to create a new friendlier, more dependable operating system.Windows File Protection:
Prevents you or your applications from accidentally changing the core operating system files. This helps protect your system proactively and automatically.Protected Kernel Mode Architecture:
Your applications do not have access to the software code kernel upon which your operating system is based. This greatly improves the reliability of your system.Process Separation:
Errant applications will not cause your computer to crash. Each application is in a completely separate, protected memory space.Side-By-Side DLLs:
These provide you with a mechanism for multiple versions of individual Windows components to run "side by side." Now you won't have to worry that your applications will conflict with each other and cause application instability.System Monitor:
Analyzes hundreds of different system metrics, including memory, disk and network throughput for you.Task Manager:
Provides you with useful computer performance and allows you to terminate inactive programs. You can also opt for a reporting mechanism that best suits your specific requirements.Enhanced Battery Life
Enables you to improve the battery life of your mobile computer by conserving display power in two ways:Lid Power
When the lid of a mobile computer is closed, the display is powered off.
LCD Dimming
When
a mobile computer is running on battery power, the display is dimmed.
Upon reconnection to AC power, the original brightness is restored.
Internet Connection Firewall
The Internet Connection Firewall helps guard your computer from intrusion when you are connected to the Internet. Now you can rest assured that Windows XP Home Edition is working to protect you from unwanted attacks over the Internet.Credential Manager
Credential Manager is a secured store for password information. This feature allows you to input user name and passwords for various network resources and applications (such as e-mail) once, and then have the system automatically supply that information for subsequent visits to those resources without your intervention.Easy Setup Wizard
An easy to understand tutorial walks you through the installation process for the operating system, prompting you when necessary to enter information that will customize your PC.Dynamic Update
Provides you with different application and device compatibility updates, some driver updates, and emergency fixes for setup or security issues at operating system Setup to help you keep your operating system current and functioning smoothly.Personalized Welcome Screen:
The welcome screen can be personalized to allow you to share the same computer with your friends and family. Each individual can create his or her own unique account. These accounts are easily created during Setup or from the Control Panel. By default the accounts are not password protected but you have the option to set a password on your specific account if you desire.Fast User Switching:
This allows you and your family or friends the ability to share a single computer without having to close each other's applications each time you need to access your own account.Start Menu:
Organizes your programs. It is the primary way to access files, folders, and programs on your computer. Windows XP Home Edition offers an enhanced Start menu. Access to important and frequently used tasks and applications is made easier with a Frequently Used Programs list and prominent positioning of your most critical folders.Task-Focused Design:
Allows you to view your Windows options as associated with your current task. For example, if you are creating a Microsoft Word document, a dynamic menu appears that lists the appropriate tasks such as cut, paste, and copy for the Word document.Taskbar Grouping:
The different files that you have open group according to the type of application they are-keeping your taskbar clean and organized.Desktop Clean Up Wizard:
The Desktop Clean Up Wizard periodically checks your desktop and gives you the opportunity to move your unused shortcuts.Search Companion:
A search companion identifies what kind of help you need and retrieves search information relevant to the task at hand.File Management:
You can quickly find what you need by grouping files and folders and using enhanced thumbnail views and organization that makes sense to you. You can view files in alphabetical groups, by file type, size, or date modified.Indexed File System:
Provides you with the capability of indexing the contents of the file system; this allows you to locate files easily and quickly based on a file name or search string.Files and Settings Transfer Wizard:
Enables the convenient transfer of files, documents, and settings from one computer to another. The wizard walks you through migrating files, documents, or settings from an old computer to a new one.System Restore:
The System Restore feature of Windows XP Home Edition enables you to restore a PC, in the event of a problem, to a previous state without losing personal data files. System Restore actively monitors system file changes to record or store previous versions before the changes occurred. With System Restore, you never have to think about taking system snapshots as it automatically creates easily identifiable restore points, which allow you to restore the system to a previous point in time.Compatibility Mode:
You can enable an application to run within a compatibility mode that helps mimic older versions of Windows using the built-in compatibility technology.DualView:
DualView allows two monitors to host the Windows desktop while being driven off of a single display adapter. In the case of laptop computers this could be the internal LCD display as well as an external monitor. For desktops there are a variety of high-end display adapters that will support this functionality.ClearType:
Supports Microsoft ClearType®, a text display technology that gives you enhanced screen resolution, making it easier for you to read text on your computer screen.Uninstall:
Uninstall provides you with the ability to restore an upgrade to the previous Windows operating system you were using. This feature only applies if you are upgrading your computer from Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me). It provides you with the ability to uninstall at any point during Setup.Help and Support Center:
Your "one-stop" shop for any assistance with your Windows experience. Help has been enhanced for the Windows XP Home Edition. Help now features the ability to search across multiple information sources such as your OEM home page, Microsoft Knowledge Base, etc. In addition, you can now print a chapter from the online documentation. Windows XP Home Edition has also integrated the concept of "Favorites" into the Help subsystem, so you can easily find important passages.Remote Assistance:
Provides you with the ability to invite a trusted friend or support professional also running Windows XP to be your remote assistant. Through an Internet connection, your assistant can chat with you, observe your working screen, and, with your permission, remotely control your computer.Extensible Search:
Lets you search across multiple remote and online providers to get the most information for the topic you're investigating.
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