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Windows XP is the newest operating system from Microsoft. The release of XP means that all the desktop versions are now built on the Windows NT/2000 codebase (rather than the shakier foundation of Windows 95/98/ME). This has vastly simplified the range, as well as bringing the stability of this codebase to home users for the first time. For anyone who runs Windows 3.1, 95, 98 or ME, it is strongly recommended as the benefits of XP will be huge. As an upgrade from Windows 2000/NT 4, it is an attractive rather than compelling option, as XP is built on the NT/2000 codebase.
New Features at a Glance
Interface: Windows XP has been extensively redesigned, with a sleek and clean new interface that is more customisable than previously, including visual themes that let you change the whole appearance in an instant.. It looks great, with rounded window corners, larger and more detailed icons, and a clean-look desktop that on first installation shows only the taskbar and recycle bin.
Performance: the dreaded Windows crash and reboot cycle really is much less common with XP. Provided the hardware is up to scratch, XP's performance and multi-tasking functionality is better too, and the new fast boot means you can get to work quicker after switching on.
Sharing a PC: fast "user switching" means that each user has their own special folders which cannot be seen by other users, and in addition multiple users can be logged on at once, without killing the other user's session.
Internet: XP has a built-in, basic firewall which is sufficient to ward off most forms of attack. It also has a revamped Messenger, which has evolved from a real-time chat program into a collaboration tool that allows video conferencing and application sharing in real-time, over an Internet connection. XP of course comes with the option of using Internet Explorer as your browser.
Remote Control: XP also has "remote" technology, taken from Microsoft's Terminal Server technology, with variations of it being included in both Home and Professional editions. The user can allow a remote helper to view their desktop, or optionally gain control of the keyboard and mouse, in order to troubleshoot a problem (this option can also be disabled).
Users
Windows XP Professional (available as upgrade) is aimed at companies of all sizes, as well as people who work from home, and need to connect to their company's network. Pro contains all the features of the Home edition, plus some very sleek features unique to this edition.
Remote Desktop is not just file access, but lets you run applications remotely as if you were sitting at your desk. It is very stable, mature technology, which is eminently useful--for example you could be sitting in your office and realise you have left your important document at home. With XP, you can connect to your home PC and print from your home PC to the printer next to you in your office. Alternatively, if you travel with a laptop, your IT support teams can remotely fix your PC, wherever you are, if you can connect via dial up.
Pro also supports dual or multi-processor computers, which the home edition does not. Laptop users benefit from enhanced power management, with options to extend battery life by reducing CPU speed and display brightness. Modems in mobile telephones can now be connected via infra-red, as XP offers IrDA support.
A new screen font ClearType improves legibility for laptop or other flat screens, and there is built-in support for wireless networking using the popular 802.11 standard. A great feature of XP, also found in Windows 2000, is the ability to synchronise network files with offline copies. Previously these files could not be stored securely, but now they can be encrypted.
Windows Messenger, originally a chat client, has evolved into a collaboration tool which allows video conferencing and application sharing in real-time. And of course, XP comes with the option of using Internet Explorer 6 as your browser. (Although Java is not installed by default, it is not difficult to download a JVM--Java Virtual Machine).
Features of Professional, not available in the Home edition:
- Connecting to a Windows server as a full user
- Support for dual and multi-processors
- Remote Desktop
- Encryptable File System (EFS)
- Offline Folders
Can I Upgrade?
- Windows 3.1 and 95, NT 3.51 or any Server Version: These cannot be upgraded, and will need the full copy of Home or Professional
- Windows 98, SE or ME These can be upgraded to either the Home or Professional editions.
- Windows NT 4 or 2000 Professional These can be upgraded to the Professional edition (not Home).
System Requirements
If your PC has less than Microsoft's recommended minimum requirements, you could consider upgrading to a new PC--Microsoft has worked with PC manufacturers to produce "XP Ready" machines, which are optimised for this new operating system. Alternatively, you can purchase and add new memory, and a larger internal or external hard drive.
XP is demanding on hardware, and it would be a mistake to install it on less than Microsoft's recommended minimum, as functionality would be affected, as well as performance. To use Windows XP, you need:
- PC with 300 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 MB of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
- 1.5 GB of available hard disk space
- Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
- CD-ROM or DVD drive
- Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
Actual requirements will vary based on your system configuration and the applications and features you choose to install. Additional available hard-disk space may be required if you are installing over a network.
What Else Do I Need?
For those wanting to make full use of all that Windows XP offers, listed below are the additional items or services required to use certain Windows XP features.
For networking:
- network adapter appropriate for the type of local-area, wide-area, wireless or home network you wish to connect to, and access to an appropriate network infrastructure; access to third-party networks may require additional charges
For instant messaging, voice and video conferencing, and application sharing, both parties need:
- Microsoft .NET Passport account and Internet access
For voice and video conferencing, both parties also need:
- 33.6 Kbps or higher-speed modem, or a network connection
- microphone and sound card with speakers or headset
For video conferencing, both parties also need:
- video conferencing camera
- Windows XP
For application sharing, both parties also need:
- 33.6 Kbps or higher speed modem, or a Network connection
- Windows XP
For remote assistance:
- both parties must be running Windows XP and be connected by a network
For sound:
- sound card and speakers or headphones
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 analog video capture device
- 400 MHz or higher processor for digital video camera capture
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