Microsoft Windows XP Tips
HOME EDITION OR PROFESSIONAL?
Microsoft ships two versions of Windows XP--Home Edition and
Professional. Even though they are based on the same code, they are
very different. Home Edition targets less experienced home users, and
Professional calls for usage by businesses and advanced users.
Here is a list of some features that are in Professional but NOT in
Home Edition (note that this list is not exhaustive) that will help you
decide which version to buy:
* Support for two CPUs (HE supports only one CPU.)
* Remote Desktop (HE includes Remote Assistance but not RD.)
* Domain support (HE cannot join a domain, but it can still access the
resources in the domain.)
* Group Policy
* Roaming User Profiles
* Offline files and folders
* IPSecurity
* Remote Installation Services (RIS)
* Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
* Encrypting File System (EFS)
* Indexing Service
* Backup tool (HE includes the backup tool only on the CD.)
* Automated System Recovery (ASR)
* Dynamic Disk Support
* Internet Information Services (IIS)
* Fax support
Most of the features that are missing in the Home Edition are used by
corporations and are not needed by home users who are not connected to
a larger network--for instance Group Policy, joining a domain, RIS,
IPSec, EFS, and SNMP. But some other Pro-only features might interest
you. For instance, if you have a dual-processor machine or want a simple
Web service, you'll have to pick Professional version.
WHAT'S NEW IN WINDOWS XP, PART 1
The first thing you'll notice about Windows XP is an improved user
interface that supports skinning. This means that you can use special
files, called skins, to change the look of the operating system.
Windows XP ships with two skins: the classic Windows 2000 look and the
new Windows XP style that comes in blue, olive green,
and silver.
Another improvement in the user interface is the Start menu. It is much
bigger now and more intelligent. The Start menu will now automatically
place the programs you use most often at the top of the so-called
dynamic section. The more often you run a program, the higher it is
placed on the menu. A completely new feature targeted at home users is
integrated CD burning. This engine allows users to burn files directly
onto a CD-R/RW from within their programs or by using drag and drop in
Windows Explorer.
Beyond the interface improvements, XP includes a host of features
designed to ensure that each user is offered a consistent, customized
operating environment. The new Welcome Screen interface, which is
displayed after boot up, lists all local user accounts on the machine
and can additionally display users' pictures. The Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard can pack your settings and documents into a file that
can be later restored on the same or another computer. You can even run
this program directly from the CD, which allows you to back up all of
your settings and documents on your existing operating system (Windows
9x, Windows NT 4, Windows 2000, or Windows XP) and migrate to the new
system.
One of the best new XP features, Fast User Switching, allows other users
to log on to the machine while your programs continue running. This is
a major improvement over the Windows 2000 locking feature, which
prevented all other users from using the computer.
Windows XP includes several other new features that might interest you.
Stay tuned for the next part with a short introduction to some of the
new features for advanced users and corporations.
BEFORE YOU INSTALL WINDOWS XP. . .
Today is release day for the Windows XP operating system, which means
that nonpreinstalled versions of this software will begin hitting hard
drives as we speak. Microsoft is known for user-friendly software that
makes installing programs very easy--you just have to follow the
wizard. While this is true, many users forget something very important,
especially with operating systems: planning. Many users don't like this
word, but planning is an essential part of installation. Below is a
checklist of things you should do before you ever put that Windows XP
installation disk into your CD-ROM drive:
* Check that your hardware meets the minimum hardware requirements.
Actually, make sure it exceeds them.
* Check that all your hardware is on the Windows Hardware Compatibility
List (HCL).
* Download the newest drivers for your hardware.
* Check for any updates for your software--especially for antivirus
software and personal firewalls.
* If you're going to upgrade rather than perform a fresh install,
remove personal firewalls and antivirus software before installation.
* Suspend overclocking during the setup process.
* Read the documentation on last-minute issues. Check the docs folder
on the Windows XP CD.
* Make a backup of all important data.
* If you have problems during installation, remove all nonessential
hardware, like TV cards, sound cards, and CD-R/RW drives, and replace
them after the installation is complete.
* If you have a problem, don't be afraid to ask or search for
information on your problem. The best source of information is The
Windows XP Expert Zone.
MEET THE WELCOME SCREEN
Windows XP is built on Windows NT/2000 kernel, which means it's quite
secure. Every user must have a username and a password. While security
is very important in corporations, home users usually don't need a
strict security policy. A typical home user needs moderate security but
with a simplified interface; it is precisely this balance that Windows
XP attempts to strike with the Welcome Screen.
The Welcome Screen, which appears at start-up, lists all user accounts
defined on the local machine. To make the user interface more
appealing, Microsoft has added a small picture to each account (which
you can change, of course). When users want to log on, they simply have
to click on their account. If they have a password defined, the
operating system will ask for it and then log the user in upon
authentication.
This Welcome Screen is so useful that many administrators wanted to
deploy it in their networks. Unfortunately, this isn't possible as the
Welcome Screen is available only on the machines that are part of a
workgroup. When they join a domain, the Welcome Screen is automatically
disabled.
You can also manually disable the Welcome Screen by going to the User
Accounts in the Control Panel and selecting "Change The Way Users Log
On Or Off." You'll find an option to disable the Welcome Screen in the
next dialog box. Note that you need administrative privileges to
disable the Welcome Screen feature.
CONJURING THE WELCOME SCREEN ADMINISTRATOR ACCOUNT
The Windows XP Welcome Screen is useful and looks very nice, but it is
not perfect. There are several hidden side effects to this feature that
you need to be aware of. First among these quirks is that the default
Administrator account will not be displayed on the screen if you have
defined another user account with admin privileges. Since the account
you can create during Windows XP setup adds the user to the
Administrators group, the original Administrator account is not visible
by default. If you want to log on with the original Administrator
account, you have a choice of three options.
The first option is to press [Ctrl][Alt][Delete] at the Welcome Screen
twice. A new dialog box will appear where you'll be able to enter any
username and password, including the original Administrator account.
The second option is to boot in safe mode, under which the Welcome
Screen will display only accounts with Administrator privileges,
including the original Administrator account. The third option is to
make the Administrator account the only user account with the
administrative privileges. This means that you'll have to remove all
other users from the Administrators group with the help of the Computer
Management console.
Some users might have just the opposite problem: they might want to
prevent an account from appearing on the Welcome Screen. This can also
be done but only by editing the registry.
You'll have to add the user account to the list at
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList
and assign it the value of 0.
NOTE: As always, we'll remind you that registry editing can be risky,
so be sure you have a verified backup before making any changes.