XP is a complete overhaul of the Windows operating system. It comes bundled with Internet connection software, an e-mail program, a word processing program, local are network support, utilities that help with hard disk housekeeping and dozens of other programs.
If more than one person uses your computer, XP allows each user to have their own computer account. This helps keep their personal settings, documents and applications separate.
System Requirements
Microsoft created windows xp in order to update the user interface, add new features and unify the code base between the separate families of Windows. It remains one of the most popular versions of windows to date.
Upon its release, windows xp received critical acclaim, with critics noting increased performance and stability (especially in comparison to Windows Me), improved hardware support and expanded multimedia capabilities. It has also been a stable platform for gaming, and supports the majority of modern programming languages.
Microsoft set minimum requirements for hardware performance and capabilities, and XP will not install on a machine that does not meet these specifications. However, there are a number of factors that can improve the experience and performance of XP significantly. These include: a hard drive with a high spin speed, a fast processor and plenty of RAM. Boosting these specifications will result in a system that is more responsive and stable. This can be seen in a dramatic improvement in boot times and in the way that XP handles memory.
The Desktop
The desktop is the area on a computer screen where programs are located. It can be customized with various backgrounds (wallpaper), icons and shortcuts to files, folders and applications. It is also where the start menu and taskbar are found.
The taskbar is a bar that runs at one edge of the screen, almost always the bottom. It shows recently used and currently running programs, and is very customizable. It can contain a variety of buttons that interact with programs, including minimize, maximize/resize and close. Minimizing a program hides it away into the taskbar, where it is still accessible but no longer visible on the screen.
The desktop is a very useful place to have shortcuts, especially if you frequently switch between applications and windows. It can help you quickly get to the program you want without having to open up the start menu. For aesthetic reasons, it is also nice to have a desktop image that you like.
The Start Menu
The start menu is a GUI element that offers an intuitive way to access applications, files, folders, and system settings. It also keeps a list of frequently used software so that when you need the program you can easily access it without having to navigate to the file or directory where it is stored in your computer’s OS.
Depending on the configuration of your Windows XP installation, the left side of the menu contains programs and the right side provides access to common folders (like My Documents) and features such as Help and Support. In addition, many items in the start menu are graced with arrows that indicate they have submenus; as your mouse passes over these, the additional options appear.
Moving your mouse pointer over these reveals a brief description of the program; for example, pointing to the calculator displays this message: “Performs basic arithmetic tasks with an on-screen calculator.” Clicking on any of the programs opens it.
The Taskbar
The taskbar is a blue bar at the bottom of your screen. It displays a list of open windows and programs. Click a button to switch between applications. You can also lock the taskbar (a feature that’s enabled by default) to prevent it from being accidentally resized or moved. See the Locking the Taskbar lesson for more information.
Desktop icons are graphical pictures that represent programs or files. When you move your mouse over an icon, text appears that identifies its name or contents. You can create shortcut icons to quickly open applications. You can also use the Show Desktop button to quickly view your desktop without closing any applications or windows. Practice using these features. Also, learn how to properly shut down or restart your computer.