Windows XP is a major overhaul of the operating system. It is downward compatible with older Windows software and has some additional features that are beneficial to users.
For example, XP allows everyone who uses the computer to have his or her own computer account that keeps track of individual settings and documents. This feature is particularly useful for families or workplaces with multiple users.
User Accounts
Using the User Accounts tool, you can configure and change user accounts. Whenever you run a program, it asks which user account you want to run it as.
You can create new user accounts, giving other people access to your computer without sharing your password. You can also switch users quickly by using the Fast User Switching feature.
Administrators have full access to every setting on your computer and can do anything they like to it, including installing hardware and software. Creating a new account type is as simple as clicking the Add Account button in the User Accounts window and choosing a name for the account.
Limited users have fewer privileges. They can run already installed programs, create files and folders, delete them, upgrade programs that do not impact operating system files, and surf the Internet. You can create a Guest account that lets others use your computer, but they cannot read your password-protected files or make changes to your system.
Compact Disk Writers
When you insert a blank CD in the drive that can record CDs, Windows automatically opens a special CD-burning window. Here, you’ll see a progress window as your files and folders are copied to the CD (Figure 4-13).
When copying pictures and music files to CD, you might be warned that the extra information that Windows attaches to these types of files (such as the pixel dimensions of picture files and the band name for music files) won’t survive the transfer to a CD. This information won’t be lost from your hard drive, however.
The built-in CD recording function in Windows XP only allows you to create common data CDs and music CDs. To make more complex CDs, you’ll need to use more specialized software. This software is often included with the CD burner, or can be downloaded from the Internet. Depending on the computer model, this software may not work with DVD recordable drives.
Remote Assistance
When a computer expert tries to help a hapless neophyte over the phone, things can get very stressful for both parties. The expert might have trouble describing what is happening on the screen, while the beginner may feel he’s being watched by invisible hands, rummaging through his private files and reading his innermost thoughts.
With remote assistance (part of the Help and Support Center), both sides can avoid these pitfalls. The person who wants help first sends an invitation via Windows Messenger or email or saves the invitation as a file and transfers it.
When the person on the receiving end receives an invitation, a dialog box appears asking for permission to connect to the computer. The requester must agree and then a session is established. During the connection all personalization settings are temporarily disabled to optimize connection speed. Both sides can pause the session or close it. In addition to the standard Remote Assistance option, a version called Easy Connect is available.
Security
Windows XP supports a number of security features including Windows Update, which can install security patches on a regular basis and a built-in firewall. Those who use a home version of XP can also encrypt files to protect them from being stolen if they should ever lose their computer.
Despite its age, many people who are reluctant to abandon XP continue to use it for everyday activities such as web browsing and email. The apocalyptic predictions of a deluge of attacks on XP users once Microsoft ends extended support in April are likely overblown.
Microsoft offers XP in two versions: XP Home and XP Professional. XP Home is designed for household users and can be used on a peer-to-peer home network, while XP Professional can log in to client-server networks and has increased security features. The minimum system requirements for XP include a 233MHz processor and 64MB of RAM. XP can run most previous versions of Windows, but not all programs are compatible.