 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Windows XP "A Worthy Upgrade" Daniel Martini |
Microsoft's next iteration of Windows is here and as far as I'm concerned my
expectations with regard to the new and improved features, better look and feel and increased performance
have been exceeded by Windows XP and I believe, all those who set eyes on it will agree.
Windows XP needs to run on at least a 300 MHz CPU with 128 MB RAM and 2 GB hard disk should be under the
bonnet. XP veraciously utilises any available resources for both visual effects as well as a lot of behind
the scenes monitoring. Fresh new 32 bit icons and effects as well as a more refined and subtle 3D rounded
appearance is more impressive and friendlier than previous Windows interfaces.
Windows XP regularly monitors task usage and automatically clears the shortcuts from the desktop, the start
menu and taskbar if they are not used often enough. The redesigned start menu (see Figure 1) has a listing of
programs that are prioritized according to their usage with Internet Explorer and Outlook Express of course
placed at the top. All of the customisations within Windows XP can be disabled including visual styles and
effects. In fact with the "classic view" enabled we could almost be fooled into thinking it is Windows
2000.
Amongst XP's multitude of welcome new features Fast User Switching enables multiple users to use the same
computer without having to close applications or reboot (see Figure 2). Speaking of reboot, XP also boots
faster than ever. The My Documents, My Pictures and new My Music folders have been beefed up with enhanced
options, preview, and file arrangement capabilities. Media Player has been given a face lift. CD Burning is
now built in.
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Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop can enable a user to remotely connect
to control one's desktop. The revised taskbar has more settings and clutter can be reduced by grouping
currently running tasks of the same program into a single expanding button. An Application Compatibility Tool
has been included that will run any application in a mimicked environment of a previous version of Windows.
System Restore is improved and works well by actively monitoring system files to allow the rollback of the
system to a previous state if something goes wrong. Basic incoming Firewall capabilities have also been added
to XP's many new networking features.
As time goes by, Microsoft has listened to the consumers and experts of its products and has been
consistently satisfying desires by implementing changes and improvements. This has been done with Windows XP
and it is built on the proven stability and performance of the robust Windows 2000. Taking into consideration
this convergence of friendliness, usability and reliability there should be enough reason for Windows 9x
users to upgrade.
Windows XP takes the PC to new heights and I quote Bill Gates "Simply put, Windows XP is the best operating
system Microsoft has ever built" Windows XP will be a worthy upgrade for PC users of all levels.
About the Author
Daniel Martini is a Microsoft Certified Professional Systems Engineer + Internet and member of the
Windows XP Expert Zone,
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/.
Reprinted from the November 2001 issue of PC Update, the
magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
