Monday, May 14, 2001		Article

Experience from Microsoft

MICROSOFT is all set to come out with its latest operating system — the Windows XP, with which Microsoft plans to replace all the existing operating systems. Coupled with Office XP, Windows XP aims to provide a complete solution to most computer users. XP, which stands for experience is aimed at changing the manner which computing has so far been done.

"Windows XP, the new Windows with a new look, is built on an enhanced Windows 2000 engine that enables exciting new experiences, giving users the freedom to unlock the possibilities of the digital world", claims Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corporation. The new operating system that will be available later this year employees the Internet Explorer 6 technology that features a new visual design as well as innovative browser capabilities and enhanced support for the Internet industry standards.

Windows XP will mark an important step towards the Microsoft .NET vision, being the first available operating system that is fully optimized for the Web Services. The Windows XP-based PC will be at the centre of the .NET experience, empowering users to exploit the potential of the World Wide Web (WWW) in a much better way.

The new operating system will be available in two variants, one for the Home users and second for the professionals. Microsoft promises the Windows XP 64-bit edition to be much more stable than the currently available operating systems and will have enhanced features in the form of better security, more privacy, ease of use and flexibility.

A sign at the entrance to the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington, shows the sale date for the new Windows operating system called XP. Microsoft announced it would launch Windows XP, the highly anticipated next release of Windows, on Thursday, October 25, 2001. Windows XP will be available for purchase on new PCs and at retail locations and as a full or upgrade version. —Reuters photo

Some features of Windows XP as described by Microsoft are as follows:

Remote Assistance: Using Remote Assistance, you can turn over control of your computer to a friend or technician who can solve your technical problems—without visiting your home. Once you give permission, the other person can control your computer remotely, over a network. If you need help, you can ask a friend or expert via e-mail or instant messaging. Instructions on how to use remote assistance are automatically sent with the invitation, and you can limit the time in which your recipient may accept. For extra security, you can also set a password that the recipient must use to connect to your computer.

Internet Connection Firewall: Protects your computer from intrusion when you’re connected to the Internet. Windows XP Home Edition protects you from attacks over the Internet.

System Restore: This feature already available in Windows Me has been improved in Windows XP. If you experience system failure or another significant problem, you can use the System Restore feature to roll back your computer to a previous state when it was working normally.

Device Driver Rollback: When certain classes of new device drivers are installed, Windows XP Professional will automatically maintain a copy of the previously installed driver, which can be reinstalled if problems occur.

Increased Virus Protection: For greater protection from e-mail virus attacks, Windows XP Professional, by default, will not allow the execution of e-mail attachments. Also, a system administrator can remotely manage (via group policy) whether certain file types or applications should be allowed to execute on corporate PCs.

Internet Connection Firewall: Windows XP Professional offers a firewall client that can protect your computer from common Internet attacks.

Encrypting File System (EFS) with Multi-user Support: EFS offers the highest level of protection from malicious users and data theft by encrypting each file with a randomly generated key. In Windows XP Professional, EFS can allow multiple users access to an encrypted document.

Network Connections: The Network Connections folder provides convenient access to the connections between your computer and the Internet, a network, or another computer. With Network Connections, you can access network resources and functionality, whether you are in your office or a remote location. You can create, configure, store, and monitor your connections from within the Network Connections folder.

Remote Desktop: Remote Desktop lets you create a virtual session on your desktop computer using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). With Remote Desktop, you can access all of the data and applications stored on your desktop computer from virtually any network connection, including a dial-up or VPN connection.

Offline Files and Folders: You can work on your documents while you’re offline the same way you do when you’re connected. You specify which network-based files and folders you need when you disconnect from the network. With Windows XP Professional, offline folders can now be encrypted to provide the highest level of security.

Synchronisation Manager: Compare and update your offline files and folders with those on the network. When you’re finished working offline and you reconnect, your changes will be replicated back to the network, ensuring the latest versions are always available.

Improved Power Manage-ment: Windows XP Professional monitors the CPU state so it can extend battery life by reducing the amount of power it uses. It also provides more accurate data on the amount of power left, preventing the system from shutting down prematurely. Windows XP Professional allows for the system to wake up as the battery nears a drained state so you can save work in progress before losing power.

Hot Docking: Windows XP Professional lets you dock or undock your notebook computer without changing hardware configuration or rebooting.

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI):
ACPI provides the latest in power management and plug and play support.

Enhanced Online Conferenc-ing: Applications such as NetMeeting® 3.1 conferencing software will benefit from advances in audio and video streaming in Windows XP Professional, which improve capabilities for online training, conference calls, and video conferencing.

Fresh Visual Design:
While Windows XP Professional retains the core feel of Windows 2000, the new user interface consolidates and simplifies common tasks, and introduces new visual cues to help you navigate your computer. You can choose the updated user interface or the classic Windows 2000 interface with the click of a button.

Improved File Association Handling: Opening an unknown document or a file that has had its file association disturbed by another application can be confusing. Windows XP Professional reduces that confusion by prompting you when a file association is being taken over by a newly installed application. When a file association becomes corrupted, you can run a wizard to repair it.

Integrated CD Burning: With integrated support for burning CDs on CD-R and CD-RW drives, archiving data onto CD is now as easy as saving to a floppy disk, and does not require an expensive third-party solution.

DualView: Increase your productivity by working on multiple screens. With DualView, your computer desktop can be displayed on two monitors connected to a single display adapter, meaning you can attach two monitors to one computer. With a laptop, you 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.

Search Companion: It makes your task of searching for files, folders, etc much easier.

Troubleshooters: You can save time and be more productive by configuring, optimising, and troubleshooting Windows XP Professional functions on your own.

Source: Microsoft Web site