PC Technoids LLC

Windows Guide

To boot, DOS needs three core files and two configuration files, found in the root
directory, loaded by the boot sector. If any of the three core files are missing, you
will get the error "Missing operating system."

IO.SYS is a core, hidden file that contains basic I/O device drivers and
controls the boot process, including loading the files that follow it
MSDOS.SYS is a core, hidden file that contains the DOS kernel (the main
part of the OS) code. This file is the interface between applications and
hardware drivers held in IO.SYS. (**NOTE** in Windows, this file is a text
file, NOT the kernel of the Windows OS)
CONFIG.SYS is a configuration text file that contains commands to load
device drivers, memory managers, and system hardware configuration
settings. These include DEVICE= and DEVICEHIGH=, for example.
COMMAND.COM is a core file that provides the user interface, sometimes
called the shell or Dosshell. It interprets and executes what is entered at the
command prompt.
AUTOEXEC.BAT is a configuration text file that holds a list of boot DOS commands,
like PROMPT $P$G, some TSRs, and the MSCDEX drive label to read the CD-ROM.

DOS needs only:
IO.SYS
MSDOS.SYS
COMMAND.COM

Additional Driver Files in DOS directory:
HIGHMEM.SYS - Makes extended memory available
EMM386.SYS - Simulates expanded memory, access to UMA for device
drivers and TSRs
MOUSE.SYS
SMARTDRV.EXE - Disk caching
ANSI.SYS - Display, cursor, and keyboard assignments
POWER.EXE - Power saving support
Command Prompt Commands and Syntax
Helpful to know first:
/? - Shows all the switches for any given command
Wildcards - asterisk and question mark
? - Replaces any single character (eg, ??.sys)
* - Replaces any number of characters (eg, *.* finds all files)
DIR - Shows the contents of a directory
/P - Pause after each screen
/W - Wide list format
CD - Changes directories
\ - Goes to root
MD - Make (create) a directory

RD - Remove directory/subdirectory
REN - Rename file [old name] [new name]
DEL - Delete files
DELTREE - Delete entire tree (including subdirectories, files, and directory)
TREE - display the directory structure with all subdirectories
| more - displays one screen at a time
MOVE - Move files
SYS - Copies the 3 DOS system files to a partition/drive, making it bootable
COPY - Copy files and directories [from] [to]
XCOPY - Directory-level copy (with extra switches)
/S - Copies system files
/E - Copies empty subdirectories as well
/H - Copies hidden files as well
/V - Verifies each file as it is written
DISKCOPY - Copies entire disk
ATTRIB - sets Attributes of a file
+/-R - Read Only
+/-A - Archive
+/-S - System
+/-H - Hidden
VER - Displays the MS-DOS version number
SETVER - Displays or updates the current version table
MEM - Displays the amount of used and free memory
/C - will show programs loaded into the first 1MB of memory (conventional,
upper, reserved, extended)

Checking Drives
CHKDSK - Checks the disk status and displays a status report (Can fix disk errors)
/F - Fixes/Repairs lost clusters/chains
SCANDISK - Starts Microsoft Scandisk, a disk analysis and repair tool, that checks a
drive for errors and corrects any problems it finds
Note: Key in troubleshooting
DEFRAG - defragmentation of a hard drive
EDIT - enables editing
UNFORMAT - unformats a disk
/TEST - Lists all the files/directories that would be recovered by UNFORMAT
UNDELETE - for recovering deleted files,
Only works if they havent been overwritten since their deletion
MSCDEX - CD ROM driver support
SCANREG - Scans registry
FORMAT - For (re) creating file systems
[drive letter] /S - makes the drive bootable (system)
FDISK - For (re) creating partitions (see below)
Failed Install
If for any reason the Windows Setup crashes and burns, you will need these three
files to recover from a failed install:
SETUPLOG.TXT
DETLOG.TXT
DETCRASH.LOG
Registry
The Registrys function is to store system PnP and hardware configuration
information and user-specific details. The Registry replaces the .INI files of Windows
3.x, and stores the system hardware and configuration information in the
/WINDOWS/ folder. The Registry is divided into two files, both read-only and hidden:
SYSTEM.DAT - system settings
USER.DAT - users settings

The Registry, though resembling a directory tree structure, is a database of keys:
each key has a value or set of subkeys. You can edit and access the Registry using
REGEDIT.EXE.

Top-level Keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - common hardware settings
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG - current config of hardware
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT - file associations
HKEY_DYN_DATA - hardware devices (info held in RAM)
HKEY_USERS - config information of all users ever logged into the system
HKEY_ CURRENT_USER - config information for current user

You can search, add a key, add or change a value, delete a key or value, or rename
keys and values.

Go to Start -> Run -> Regedit


Printers
To install a printer in Windows 2000, go to Setting -> Printers -> Add Printer, or
My Computer -> Printers, or Control Panel -> Printers, and walk through the
Print Wizard.

View Print Queue
Add Local/Network Printer
Port LPT1
Install Printer Drivers
Changing default printer and other printer settings Printers -> Properties
Note: If print jobs are garbled check Spool Settings:
Enhanced Metafile (EMF - independent of printer type) and RAW (printer-specific)
are file formats for print jobs sent to the spool. Printer Properties -> Spool
Settings -> Details
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 (Win2K for short) is another leap from the previous versions of
Windows in that it basically combines the best parts of all its predecessors.
Versions
There are four versions of Windows 2000 (though you really need only deal with
what is common to all of them, and the first one in particular):

Windows 2000 Professional - desktop/client OS ***
Windows 2000 Server - server platform
Windows 2000 Advanced Server - enterprise
edition
Windows 2000 Datacenter Server - most powerful server
Boot Sequence of Windows 2000
1. POST
2. PnP Devices
3. Locates MBR
4. NTLDR (Real mode to 32 bit memory model and then loads the drivers to read
the file system))
5. BOOT.INI (location of other OS files)
6. BOOTSECT.DOS (for multi-boot systems when another OS is detected)
7. NTDETECT.COM (hardware detection)
8. WINNT\SYSTEM32\NTOSKRNL.EXE (initialized ***Win2k kernel file***)
9. HAL.DLL (Hardware Abstraction Layer for hardware independence)
10. WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM key (the key
from the Registry for the device drivers to be initialized)
11. WINNT\SYSTEM32\drivers\*.SYS (low-level device drivers loaded)
Graphic Display...
12. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE key (the key from the Registry for
detecting hardware and settings)
13. Clone copy of control set is created (prior setup)
14. Device Drivers loaded
15. Windows 2000 services started
Logon prompt (after login, the clone control set is copied to the LastKnownGood
control set in case of a system boot failure)
Graphic Display...
16. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE key (the key from the Registry for
detecting hardware and settings)
17. Clone copy of control set is created (prior setup)
18. Device Drivers loaded
19. Windows 2000 services started
Logon prompt (after login, the clone control set is copied to the LastKnownGood
control set in case of a system boot failure)

Advanced Options Menu
In Windows 9x, this menu was called the Startup menu, but in Win2k, its called the
Advanced Options menu. Press F8 to access it as the system is booting:

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Enable Boot Logging (WINNT\NTBTLOG.TXT)
Enable VGA mode
Last Known good Configuration
Directory Services Restore Mode (Domain Controllers only)
Boot Normally
Windows 2000 Required Boot Files
NTLDR (loader file)
NTDETECT.COM (recognizes hardware)
BOOT.INI (OS menu)
BOOTSECT.DOS (alt boot sector)
NTOSKRNL.EXE (kernel)
HAL.DLL
SYSTEM32\CONFIG (registry)
SYSTEM\32\DRIVERS\*.SYS (drivers)

Below is information that is helpful when you use "msconfig.exe" program.

Msdos.sys
The Msdos.sys file contains basic information about the location of the Windows
folder, startup files, and other options. You can edit some of these options on the
Advanced Troubleshooting Settings tab in System Configuration Utility.
Config.sys
The Config.sys file is provided for backwards compatibility with MS-DOS- based and
earlier Windows-based programs. The Config.sys file may not be present on your
computer. The Config.sys file loads low-level MS-DOS-based drivers, and many of
the files have a .sys file extension.
Autoexec.bat
The Autoexec.bat file is also provided for backwards compatibility with MS-DOS-
based and older Windows-based programs. The Autoexec.bat file may not be present
on your computer. The Autoexec.bat file loads MS-DOS-based programs, and many
of the files have either a .com or .exe file extension.
Winboot.ini
The Winboot.ini file is a temporary version of the Msdos.sys file that may be present
on your computer if a program is making changes to your computer that may affect
the boot process. Typically, the Winboot.ini file is deleted after the program is
complete, resides in the root folder, and overrides settings in the Msdos.sys file.
Winstart.bat
The Winstart.bat file may not be available as a check box on the General tab in
System Configuration Utility. The Winstart.bat file is created for programs that need
to run an MS-DOS-based program to enable functionality of a Windows-based
program. Most users do not have this program.
System.ini
The System.ini file contains information about your computer's settings for specific
hardware. This file must be present in the Windows folder for Windows to start. The
System.ini file is used to load various drivers including sound and video adapter
drivers. The System.ini file may also contain additional 16-bit drivers for hardware
does not use 32-bit drivers.

When you click to clear the Process System.ini File check box in System
Configuration Utility and restart your computer, the following changes occur:
Your display is set to a resolution of 640 X 480 pixels with 16 colors. If you
had the display set to a higher resolution, program shortcuts on your desktop
may overlap.
Your sound card no longer works correctly.
Win.ini
The Win.ini file contains information that is specific to the overall appearance of
Windows. The Win.ini file must be present in the Windows folder or it is re-created
by Windows, is read at startup for backwards-compatibility with Windows 3.x, and
many of the settings are duplicated in the registry. When you click to clear the
Process Win.ini File check box in System Configuration Utility, a generic version of
the Win.ini file is created.
Wininit.ini
The Wininit.ini file is used to complete the installation of various components for
Windows and third-party products. Each time that a program needs to copy or
remove a file that is in use, instructions are written to the Wininit.ini file. Windows
checks for the presence of the Wininit.ini file during the boot process and, if found,
performs the instructions. Rename the Wininit.ini file with a .old file extension to
troubleshoot behaviors, if the Wininit.ini file is present.
System.dat
The System.dat file is one of two registry files that are required to start Windows.
The System.dat file is similar to the System.ini file, and contains computer and
software settings. The Load Startup Group option contains the entries that are
loaded from the System.dat portion of the registry.
User.dat
The User.dat file is the second of two registry files that are required to start
Windows. The User.dat file is similar to the Win.ini file because it contains
information about how to run specific programs and information about the overall
appearance of Windows.
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. 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.
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 licenses 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:
Microsoft Windows XP is available in two different editions:
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.
Actual requirements will vary based on your system configuration and the
applications and features you choose to install.
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.
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.

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.
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:
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.
Remotely Access Help:
Provides a mechanism to easily view server Help content from a desktop computer.
Windows Update:
Windows Update provides new device drivers in addition to application compatibility
fixes so you'll have more support than ever before for your devices and applications.
Updates downloaded from Windows Update can also be applied to all users on a
computer at one time. Windows Update is now integrated with the Help and Support
Center in Windows XP Home Edition. The Device Manager will also search Windows
Update for new drivers when you insert a new device.
Device Driver Rollback:
Provides the capability of replacing an unstable device driver (does not include
printer drivers) with a previously installed version that you knew was working. This
helps you focus on a particular device that is causing you problems rather than
dealing with your entire system.
Microsoft Incident Submission:
You can automatically submit a report over the Internet on an issue you are
encountering so that Microsoft can work on developing a software fix for it. When it's
ready, a Microsoft support engineer will contact you.
Windows Messenger:
The easy way to communicate with your friends, family, and colleagues in real time.
Can keep you updated with your buddies' online status. Choose text, voice, and
video and experience high quality online voice and video quality. Collaborate with
your buddies, transfer files, and share applications and whiteboard drawings.
Home Networking:
Allows you to set up a home network, including physical connections such as for
printers or faxes, installing protocols and bridging. Share an Internet connection with
all computers on a network and Share resources on a computer.
Home networking is enhanced with the Internet Connection Firewall to help protect
your home network from unauthorized access while you're connected to the Internet.
Network Bridge:
Simplifies the configuration and setup of home networks that use mixed connections
by linking the different types of networks together.
Internet Connection Sharing:
Allows multiple computers in your home to access the Internet at the same time
using the same broadband or dial-up connection. Windows XP Home Edition is now
available with the option to remotely disconnect your dial-up connection to use your
telephone line and easily resume the connection again.
Internet Explorer:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 is the next major update to the award-winning Internet
Explorer technologies and provides the most private, reliable, and flexible Internet
browsing experience. Internet Explorer 6 includes many new and enhanced features
that can simplify the daily tasks that you perform while helping you to maintain the
privacy of your personal information on the Web.
Internet-Enabled Games:
Sing the Internet, you can be matched with players from around the world on games
like Internet Backgammon, Internet Checkers, Internet Hearts, Internet Reversi, and
Internet Spades, or you can invite your friends to play against you in other Internet-
based games.
Windows Media Player for Windows XP:
Windows MediaTM Player for Windows XP brings together all of your most common
digital media activities in a single, easy-to-access place. Windows Media Player for
Windows XP provides you with new features such as: DVD playback, native CD
burning, and the ability to export video to portable devices. Also included are new
and improved video controls, offline metadata support (for enhanced DVD viewing),
and a more streamlined and flexible user interface.
My Music:
Enables you to quickly view a list of music files in a folder and perform basic
management tasks such as retrieving, adding, sorting, and deleting music files. My
Music is now task-based to help you work more efficiently.
Auto-Recognition:
If you insert a CD, ZIP or JAZ disk, or compact flash card, Windows will automatically
recognize it and launch the corresponding application. For example, your CDs will
begin playing on Windows Media Player for Windows XP.
My Pictures:
Enables you to quickly view a list of photos in a folder and perform basic
management tasks like adding, sorting, and deleting picture files.
You have the ability to order prints directly from the Internet:
Link to Scanner and Camera Wizard for fast access
Look at images sequentially in a large, easy-to-view size
Publish pictures to the Internet
Compress pictures for easier e-mail distribution
Optimize printing your pictures to make the best use of high-quality photo paper
Scanner and Camera Wizard:
Provides you with the ability to:
Scan a single image from a flatbed scanner
Scan images from a scanner based on a scanner event
Scan a collection of images
Scan multiple-page documents or images from a scanner into a single image
file
Scan multiple-page documents or images from a scanner into separate image
files
Web Publishing Wizard:
The Web Publishing Wizard walks you through publishing your pictures to the Web
quickly and easily so you can share them with others.
Order Photo Prints From the Internet:
With My Pictures, you can order your digital pictures directly over the Internet and
have them delivered right to your door.
Windows Movie Maker:
Provides the ability to easily capture, edit, organize, and share home movies. Just
plug your analog or digital camera into your PC to get started. Add music, narration,
and title cards. Once you're done, e-mail or post your video to a Web site to share
with friends and family.
Windows XP Professional Features:
Built on the New Windows Engine:
Windows XP Professional is built on the proven code base of Windows NT and
Windows 2000, which features a 32-bit computing architecture and a fully protected
memory model.
Enhanced Device Driver Verifier:
Building on the device driver verifier found in Windows 2000, the Windows XP
Professional will provide even greater stress tests for device drivers.
Dramatically Reduced Reboot Scenarios:
Eliminates most scenarios that force end users to reboot in Windows NT 4.0 and
Windows 95/98/Me. Also, many software installations will not require reboots.
Improved Code Protection:
Improved Critical kernel data structures are read-only, so that drivers and
applications cannot corrupt them. All device driver code is read-only and page
protected.
Side-By-Side DLL Support:
Provides a mechanism for multiple versions of individual Windows components to be
installed and run "side by side."
Windows File Protection:
Protects core system files from being overwritten by application installations. If a file
is overwritten, Windows File Protection will restore the correct version.
Windows Installer:
A system service that helps users installs, configure, track, upgrade, and remove
software programs correctly.
Enhanced Software Restriction Policies:
Provide administrators a policy-driven mechanism to identify software running in
their environment and control its ability to execute. This facility can be used in virus
and Trojan horse prevention and software lockdown.
Preemptive multitasking architecture:
Designed to allow multiple applications to run simultaneously, while ensuring great
system response and stability.
Scalable memory and processor support:
Supports up to 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and up to two symmetric multiprocessors.
Encrypting File System (EFS) with multi-user support:
Encrypts each file with a randomly generated key. The encryption and decryption
processes are transparent to the user. In Windows XP Professional, EFS can provide
multiple users access to an encrypted document.
IP Security (IPSec):
Helps protect data transmitted across a network. IPSec is an important part of
providing security for virtual private networks (VPNs), which allow organizations to
transmit data securely over the Internet.
Kerberos Support:
Provides industry-standard and high-strength authentication with fast, single logon
to Windows 2000-based enterprise resources. Kerberos is an Internet standard,
which makes it especially effective for networks that include different operating
systems such as UNIX.
Smart Card Support:
Smart card capabilities are integrated into the operating system, including support
for smart card logon to terminal server sessions hosted on Windows .NET Server-
based (the next-generation server platform) terminal servers.
Fresh Visual Design:
While maintaining the core of Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional has a fresh
visual design. Common tasks have been consolidated and simplified, and new visual
cues have been added to help users navigate their computers more easily.
Administrators or end users can choose this updated user interface or the classic
Windows 2000 interface with the click of a button.
Adaptive User Environment:
Adapts to the way an individual user works. With a redesigned Start menu, the most
frequently used applications are shown first. When you open multiple files in the
same application, (such as multiple e-mail messages in the Microsoft Outlook?
messaging and collaboration client) the open windows will be consolidated under a
single task bar button. To remove some of the clutter from the notification area,
items that are not being used will be hidden. All of these features can be set using
Group Policy.
Working with Windows Media Player:
Windows Media? Player for Windows XP is the first player to combine all of your
common digital media activities into a single, easy-to-use player. The player makes
it easy for you to:
View rich media information, for example, virtual company meetings or "just-
in-time" learning.
Receive the best-possible audio and video quality, because the player adapts
to network conditions.
Tune in to nearly 3,000 Internet radio stations.
Create custom CDs up to 700 percent faster than other solutions.
View DVD movies.
Context-Sensitive Task Menus:
When a file is selected in Windows Explorer, a dynamic menu appears. This menu
lists tasks that are appropriate for the type of file selected.
Easily Publish Information to the Web:
Files and folders can be easily published to any Web service that uses the WebDAV
protocol.
Dualview:
A single computer desktop can be displayed on two monitors driven off of a single
display adapter. With a laptop computer, a user could run the internal LCD display as
well as an external monitor. A variety of high-end display adapters will support this
functionality for desktops.
Remote Desktop:
Allows users to create a virtual session onto their desktop computers using the
Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
Credential Manager:
A secured store for password information. It allows users to input user names and
passwords once, and then have the system automatically supply that information for
subsequent visits.
Offline Files and Folders:
A user can specify which network-based files and folders she needs when she
disconnects from the network. Offline folders can now be encrypted to provide the
highest level of security.
ClearType:
A new text display technology that triples the horizontal resolution available for
rendering text through software.
Offline Viewing:
Makes entire Web pages with graphics available for viewing offline.
Synchronization Manager:
Lets users compare and update their offline files and folders with those on the
network.
Improved Power Management:
By intelligently monitoring CPU state, Windows XP Professional can reduce the
amount of power it is using. The operating system will provide more accurate data
on the amount of power left; this will prevent the system from shutting down
prematurely. Also, by allowing for the system to wake up as the battery nears a
drained state, the computer can be put into hibernation, and save work in progress.
Power management can now be set for each computer, or each user on a computer.
Docking:
Lets you dock or undock your notebook computer without changing hardware
configuration or rebooting.
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI):
Provides the latest in power management and Plug and Play support.
Wireless Networking Support:
Provides secured access, as well as performance improvements, for wireless
networks.
Network Location Awareness:
Provides an underlying service that allows the operating system and applications to
determine when a machine has changed network locations.
Easier Remote Access Configuration Wizards:
Guide users through the steps for setting up remote access to a network or virtual
private network (VPN).
Improved Help and Support Services:
The Help and Support Center combines features users are familiar with from
previous versions of Windows (such as Search, Index, and Favorites) with content
from the World Wide Web to give users more chances to get the help they need
when they need it. If the content in the Help and Support Center doesn't answer
their question, it can be used to contact a friend, a support community, or a
professional to get assistance.
Tools such as My Computer Information and System Restore are also available to
diagnose and fix common problems.
Remote Assistance:
Remote Assistance enables a user to share control of his or her computer with
someone on a network or the Internet. An administrator or friend can view the user's
screen, and control the pointer and keyboard to help solve a technical problem. IT
departments can build custom solutions, on top of published APIs using HTML, to
tailor Remote Assistance to their needs, and the feature can be centrally enabled or
disabled.
System Restore:
The System Restore feature enables users and administrators to restore a computer
to a previous state without losing data. System Restore automatically creates easily
identifiable restore points, which allow you to restore the system to a previous time.
Recovery Console:
Provides a command-line console for administrators to start and stop services,
format drives, read and write data on a local drive, and perform many other
administrative tasks.
Device Driver Rollback:
When certain classes of new device drivers are installed, Windows XP Professional
will maintain a copy of the previously installed driver, which can be reinstalled if
problems occur.
Windows Messenger:
The easy way to communicate with your customers, partners, friends, and family in
real time. Will keep you updated with your contacts' online status. Choose text,
voice, or video and experience the best online voice and video quality. Collaborate
with contacts, transfer files, and share applications and whiteboard drawings.
Internet Connection Firewall:
A firewall client that can protect small businesses from common Internet attacks.
Network Setup Wizard:
Makes it easy for a small business owner to set up and manage a network. The
wizard walks through key steps, such as sharing files and printers, sharing the
Internet connection, and configuring the Internet Connection Firewall.
Network Bridge:
Simplifies the setup and configuration of small networks that use mixed network
connections (such as Cat-5 Ethernet and wireless) by linking the different types of
networks together.
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS):
Connects a small office network to the Internet, using a dial-up or broadband
connection. Windows XP Professional can provide network address translation,
addressing, and name resolution services for all computers on a small business
network to share a single connection.
Peer-To-Peer Networking Support:
Enables Windows XP Professional to interoperate with earlier versions of Windows on
a peer-to-peer level, allowing the sharing of all resources, such as folders, printers,
and peripherals.
Application Compatibility:
We've provided fixes to hundreds of applications that didn't run on Windows 2000
Professional to run on Windows XP Professional. As new application fixes are
published, we will make them available via the Windows Update service.
In addition to the application fixes, Windows XP Professional has a mechanism that
allows the user or IT administrator to specify if an application needs to run in either
Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 95/98 or Windows Me compatibility mode. In this mode,
Windows XP Professional system DLLs provide appropriate responses to the running
application, allowing it to execute appropriately without a noticeable loss of
performance.
User State Migration Tool:
Helps administrators to migrate a user's data and application/operating system
settings from an old computer to a new Windows XP Professional desktop computer.
Automatic Updates:
With the user's permission, Windows XP Professional automatically downloads critical
and security updates in the background when the user is connected to the Internet.
These downloads are designed to minimize the impact on Internet browsing, and the
update automatically resumes upon reconnection if the computer is disconnected
before the download is complete. Once the update has been downloaded, the user
can choose to install it.
Windows Update Improvements:
As application compatibility updates, new device drivers, and other updates are
released for Windows XP Professional, they become available on the Windows Update
Web site. (Users can also find critical and security updates here, if they choose not to
use automatic updating.) Administrators can disable user access to Windows Update.
The Windows Update Catalog is provided for administrators to download updates and
deploy them as appropriate in their organizations.
Support for Latest Hardware Standards:
Windows XP Professional supports the latest hardware standards. It supports UDF
2.01, the latest standard for reading DVD discs. It also supports the formatting of
DVD-RAM drives with the FAT32 file system. Microsoft DirectX? 8 API support will be
included, and Windows XP Professional fully supports standards for Infrared Data
Association (IrDA), Universal Serial Bus (USB), and the high-speed bus known as
IEEE 1394.
Setup with Dynamic Update:
The Setup routine ensures that the operating system files are up to date. Before any
files are installed, Windows XP Professional checks the Web for critical system
updates and downloads them for installation.
Unattended Installation:
Provides the ability to specify a greater number of options than previous versions of
Windows, and allows for a greater degree of security by encrypting passwords in the
answer files.
Internet Explorer 6 Administration Kit:
Internet Explorer 6 is more customizable using the Internet Explorer Administration
Kit (IEAK 6), so it's easier to deploy and maintain the browser. Version 6 of the IEAK
adds control over new features such as the Media bar, Auto Image Resize, and the
Personal bar.
System Preparation Tool (SysPrep):
SysPrep helps administrators clone computer configurations, systems, and
applications. A single image, which includes the operating system and business
applications, can be restored to multiple different machine configurations.
Remote OS Installation:
Windows XP Professional can be installed across the network (including SysPrep
images).This feature requires the Active Directory? service.
Multilingual Support:
Allows users to easily create, read, and edit documents in many languages with the
English version of Windows XP Professional. The Multilingual User Interface Pack, an
add-on pack to the English version of Windows XP Professional, lets you change the
user interface language for each user.
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI):
Provides a standard infrastructure for monitoring and managing system resources.
Group Policy:
Group Policy settings simplify the administration of users and objects by letting
administrators organize them into logical units, such as departments or locations and
then assign the same settings, including security, appearance, and management
options, to all employees in that group. There are hundreds of new policies available
for Windows XP Professional, in addition to those provided for Windows 2000
Professional.
Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP):
Allows administrators to see the effect of Group Policy on a targeted user or
computer. With RSoP, administrators have a powerful and flexible base-level tool to
plan, monitor, and troubleshoot Group Policy.
Microsoft Management Console (MMC):
Provides a centralized and consistent environment for management tools
Windows XP Utilities:
Here are some useful utilities for Windows XP.
AceReader Pro:
AceReader Pro is productivity and self-improvement educational reading tool that can
help anyone become a more proficient reader.
Ad-aware 5.71:
Adware is known by many names--spyware, trackware, or even Big Brotherware. Ad-
aware identifies and removes these surreptitiously installed applications.
Backup Plus:
Backup Plus allows you to easily and quickly backup all of your important data.
Features include the ability to include files, full folders, wildcards and exclusions in
your backup set.
BlackHole Organizer:
Tired of losing your important notes? Have a task to complete? Reminder programs
too complicated? Get organized with BlackHole Organizer!
ClickBook:
Custom print brochures, day planner pages, greeting cards, and more with
ClickBook.
CursorXP 1.0:
Check out this cursor program that allows you to use the new video features of
Windows XP.
Edit Buddy 1.3:
This Windows add-on, which converts regular edit fields into drop-down combo
boxes, remembers the history of user input.
Emergency Recovery Utility NT 1.0:
Backup the Windows NT/2000/XP registry to a folder of your choice with this utility.
Express Assist:
For Outlook Express users, this backup and restore utility insulates you from
hardware failure, viruses, and more. Works with all versions of Outlook Express!
FreeRAM XP Lite 1.03:
Increase your system performance with this RAM cleanup utility.
HelioBar XP 1.5:
Use the full amount of your desktop space with the help of this software.
jv16 PowerTools:
jv16 PowerTools is basically the Tool to control your computer. Until now your
computer might had been the one who is in charge, but with jv16 PowerTools you
can take the control. The program contains all the tools needed for monitoring,
cleaning and controlling the registry, the file system and your Local Area Network.

Copyright2006 PC Technoids LLC All rights reserved.