Is Windows Xp a Genuine Step Forward or Just a Pretty Face?

Windows XP comes in two versions: Home andIf you switch off all the annoying special effects - XP
Professional. Both versions use the same systemchugs along at a reasonable speed. For everyday
code, and Professional adds features such as bettertasks it isn't faster than either 2000 or Millennium, but
power management for mobile users and filedemanding tasks such as audio or video rendering are
encryption, for protecting confidential data.quicker.
After installation, you have to use the controversialTo address any problems, Microsoft has included
Product Activation system. This requires you tothree new features, two of which will be familiar to
register online or by phone to unlock Windows.Windows Millennium users: System Restore, System
Activation is a breeze but rather annoying.File Protection and Device Driver Rollback. System
XP boots more quickly than previous versions ofRestore enables you to take a snapshot of your
Windows, but takes longer to shut down. It's muchhard disk - if things go wrong, you can simply restore
easier on the eye than previous versions ofyour system from the snapshot.
Windows. XP can be skinned. ClearType technologyFile Protection prevents the accidental deletion of
uses anti-aliasing to smooth the appearance of fontsimportant system files, and Device Driver Rollback is
if you're using a LCD monitor, and you can customizedesigned to help you deal with device driver problems
almost anything. It's a big improvement over previousby giving you the option to return to an older driver
versions. The overall look is much friendlier thanif an updated one causes problems. However, XP also
before.includes a feature called Driver Blocking that may
Many of the enhancements are designed to makeprevent you from using older software such as
Windows easier to use. When you click on a file infirewalls or anti-virus software that isn't designed for
My Computer, a panel in the left of the windowXP.
gives you options such as printing the file, copying itBecause both XP Home and Professional use the
to CD and so on. The CD copying uses technologysame system code, the same hardware drivers will
from Roxio and enables you to use CD-R andwork on both systems. The included Internet
CD-RW discs as if they were giant floppy disks. TheExplorer 6.0 is prettier than on non-XP systems and
system also supports DVD-RAM drives.can be upgraded to Version 7 when installing updates.
Windows XP also includes a new version of MediaAn integrated Media Bar enables you to use Windows
Player, which will play DVD movies if you buy theMedia Player without leaving the browser windows.
additional Decoder Pack, and the useless WindowsXP includes a firewall that can protect your computer
Movie Maker returns with a slightly better interface.from online threats and two new features - Remote
Performance and StabilityAssistance and Remote Desktop - make it easier for
Every time Microsoft updates Windows it promisestech support to access your machine over a
better performance, but with Windows XP they arenetwork. Multiple computers can share an Internet
actually telling the truth. The system is based on theconnection.
rock-solid code of Windows 2000 rather than theOther changes are more subtle, and beyond the
unreliable Windows 9x, crashes are rare - and if onescope of this article. Windows XP is the best
program does pack up, it won't take your entireWindows yet and out performs its successor,
system down with it.Windows Vista.