Microsoft Windows XP Support
System Requirements:
Processor: Intel Pentium 233 mhz or better.
Memory: 64 MB or better.
Hard Drive Space: Typical Installation is 1.5 GB.
Display: VGA 800x600 or better.
Keyboard: 101 keys or better.
Mouse: Yes.
Drives: CD-ROM and 3.5 inch floppy drive.
Welcome to Windows XP:
When you first boot your computer, you see a new Windows XP logo screen and then the Welcome Screen. If in Setup you chose one user for the computer, you wont see and welcome screen and you will just arrive at the new Windows desktop. Green Start button and blue taskbar. On the desktop, you only see the Recycle Bin. Thats ok, just click and drag the My Documents, My Computer icons to the desktop. Now right click on the desktop and click Auto Arrange and select By Type. The Start Menu is new too. At the top of the Start Menu, it displays the User Name and a picture on the left of it. Of couse you can change the picture by right clicking on it. You could also use any other picture you want. Anyway, below the User Name on the left it displays Internet-which is Internet Explorer 6.0 and Email is Outlook Express. You can add programs to that part of the Start Menu by clicking and dragging an icon. Or right click and select Create a Shortcut and follow the directions. To delete a shortcut, just right click and select Delete-simple as that. Now on to the list of icons below that part of the Start Menu. It shows your most recently used programs. So if you used America Online just now, an AOL icon would be there. On the right part of the Start Menu, you see My Music, My Pictures, My Documents, My Computer and Control Panel, Search, Help & Support, and Run.
Whats new?
1. Side by Side DLLs: This provide you with a way 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.
2. Personized 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 want.
3. Desktop Clean Up Wizard: Desktop Clean Up wizard checks on your desktop and gives you the opportunity to clean out your unused shortcuts.
4. File & Settings Transfer Wizard: No more Laplink. This wizard allows you to move or copy your older files and settings from your old computer to your new Windows XP computer. It walks you through the copying and moving process.
5. Compatibility Mode: Allows your older applications to run in an envirorment that mimics older versions of Windows.
6. ClearType: Supports Microsoft ClearTypeŽ, a text display technology that gives you enhanced screen resolution, making it easier for you to read text on your computer screen.
7. Uninstall: Provides you with the option of uninstalling Windows XP and returning to your previous operating system such as Windows 98.
8. 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.
9. 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.
How to...:
1. How to switch to Windows Classic Taskbar and Start Menu: Right click on anywhere on the taskbar and select Properties. Now you are in Properties now click the Start Menu tab. Now you can choose if you want the XP Start Menu or Classic Windows Start Menu. Note: In properties, you have a lot of optios there to help you set your taskbar or Start Menu to meet your preferences.
2. How do I change a theme?: Right click anywhere on the desktop amd select Properties, in properties, select the Themes tab and you can pick a theme from the drop down menu or you can browse for one.
3. How to make a boot disk: Click My Computer on the desktop and right click over the A:\ drive and select Format.. then select Create an MS-DOS boot disk-Wow! MS-DOS! Surprise Surprise! then click Ok or Format and your disk will be formatted (deleted) and a boot disk will be created so you can boot your computer. Now you can start your computer with a boot disk but get this. When you use the boot disk and you get to the prompt, type "ver" without the quotes and press the Enter key.
4. How to move the taskbar: Left click on it and drag it anywhere. Note: It might not work because the lock taskbar option could be enabled. If this is the case, right click on the taskbar and select Lock Taskbar. If the Lock Taskbar option has a check next to it, then it means its enabled. So just click it again and its now you can move the taskbar anywhere.
5. How to display hidden files: Goto My Computer and select Tools and click Folder Options, now select the View tab. Now under Advanced Settings look for a title Hidden Files and Folders and select Show Hidden files and folders.
6. Change the date: Right click on the taskbar clock and select Adjust Date/Time. There you can choose settings for the time or date.
7. How to Activate Windows: In the Start Menu, click the shortcut to Activate Windows and follow the Activation Wizard which will lead you through the process.
FAQS:
1. What version of DirectX does Windows XP ship with?
Answer: Windows XP ships with DirectX 8.1.
2. What versions of Windows XP are availible?
Answer: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional Edition. Windows XP Home Edition is more for the home PC user and the small busniess user. Windows XP Professional is for large corporations and businesses.
3. Is the Microsoft Management console included with Windows XP?
Answer: Yes, infact its Microsoft Management 2.0.
4. Will my older programs from Windows 95, 98, Me, NT and 2000 work?
Answer: Yes, also try the compatibitliy program with them for better performence. Some older programs such as DOS programs may have programs.
5. Is Program Manager included with Windows XP?
Answer: Another surprise, yes its included. Just click the Start Menu and select Run and type progman.exe and click OK. It has no program groups in it though. You have to make your own. Like for Microsoft Office and others.
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