WHAT'S NEW IN XP?

Among the new features available in Windows XP, there are new security tools that you can use to keep your computer more secure, and new technologies that run in the background, making your computer run more efficiently and reliably.

1.Security

Windows XP has new Security Center, which allows you to check the status of the important security elements on your computer viz., Windows Firewall, Automatic Updates, and virus protection software, making it easier for you to understand how to keep your computer better protected against viruses and other security threats.

2. User Accounts and Startup

Windows XP Professional makes it easy to set up and manage computer accounts for everyone who uses your computer. Multiple users can now switch between accounts without having to restart the computer. You can also get help remembering a forgotten password, store multiple user names and passwords, and protect your copy of Windows XP Professional against piracy.

3. Digital Media

With Windows XP, you can play music, view and print pictures, and copy information to a CD. You can even make movies.

4. Home Networking

You can use the Network Setup Wizard to quickly set up your own network. You can share your Internet connection with all the computers on your network, and feel comfortable knowing Windows Firewall helps protect your computer.

5. Other areas of XP

• Remote Desktop allows you to access your Windows session from another computer, just as if you were in front of your computer.
• The Search Companion has been enhanced to help you find what you're looking for more quickly.
• Features like Windows File Protection and System Restore will keep you from accidentally deleting important files, and will return your computer to its previous state if something goes wrong.
• You can use NetMeeting for virtual meetings with anyone, anywhere.
• If you use a flat computer screen, you can choose to display your screen fonts with ClearType, the latest breakthrough technology in font clarity from Microsoft.
• The Dualview feature enables you to use a separate monitor with your laptop computer.

6. Browsing the Net

Windows XP includes the newest version of MSN Explorer, with its full package of Microsoft services, and the most recent release of Internet Explorer. You also get more control over privacy and security when browsing the Web.

7. Personalizing your workspace

You have a wide range of choices for customizing your computer environment to suit your personal preferences. You can change the way things look on the screen and change the behavior of the mouse and keyboard. For example, you can change the Windows color scheme or set the mouse to open files with a single click instead of a double click.

You can also add/remove items from the desktop and Start menu. You can put shortcuts on the desktop for quick access to the files and programs you use most often. Depending on your country, you can install additional languages, add and switch between keyboard layouts, and choose formats for displaying times, dates, numbers, and currency.

If your computer is used by more than one person, each person can customize the computer without erasing another person's settings. Windows automatically saves the settings for each user and activates that user's settings when the user logs on.

8. Desktop

Windows XP combines a bright, fresh new look with a simple-to-use design. The desktop and taskbar are less cluttered. The Start menu provides easier access to your programs. And there are more options for customizing your desktop environment.

9. Help and Support

You can get help online from a Microsoft support professional, talk with other users and experts on Windows newsgroups, or use Remote Assistance to have a friend or co-worker help you.

10. Files and Folders

You can perform tasks with a more intuitive Web page interface, and you can view your file and folder details in new and helpful ways. You now have more options to associate certain file types with specific programs. You can also compress your files and folders quickly and easily, so they take up less space on your computer.