Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Windows XP is the operating system of choice these days and that ends the Microsoft era, and previous buggy operating systems, plus with all the different versions now built on the NT/2000 code rather than the unstable foundation of forever dealing with the blue screen of death by Windows 95, 98, and Me. That makes XP a great upgrade for all users of the now obsolete 98x and Me line, but for those already on Windows 2000 Professional, and server edition it is a closer call. Despite the similar name, there is no special relationship between Windows XP and Office XP, which works fine on Windows 2000.
Windows XP certainly does look different, with the rounded window corners, larger and more detailed icons, and a clean-looking desktop that on first installation shows only the taskbar and recycle bin.
XP is also more customizable than other versions of Windows, and includes visual themes that let you change the whole appearance of Windows, but underneath are some much needed improvements.
One of the new features is the Remote Desktop. This is a standard XP feature, this uses the Microsoft Terminal Server to enable users to access their computer over any internet connection; for example, by dialing into the office from home, enabling the user to access important files and documents they may have forgotten.
This is not just file access though it will also let you run applications remotely as if you were sitting at your computer.
This Remote Desktop is stable and was carefully thought-out, for example, you can print from a remote computer to the local printer.
Remote Desktop also has a cousin; Remote Assistance, where the user can allow another user to help or view their desktop, this allowing the other user to gain control of the keyboard and mouse. This is very beneficial as now you can have someone show you or help fix, or troubleshoot a problem. This feature can also be disabled to ease your security concerns.
Web browsing, XP comes with Internet Explorer 6.0. The enhancements in IE 6.0 are mainly of interest to developers, and in any case Microsoft makes IE freely available to all Windows users.
XP doesn't include Java by default; but it's not difficult to download, Java Virtual Machine (JVM). from Sun Microsystems.
The most significant new feature for Internet users is the built-in firewall. XP's built-in firewall is a simple and doesn't require allot of settings or adjustments, but does prevent most types of unauthorized connection.
Windows XP Professional overall includes all the features of Windows XP Home, and adds support for dual processors, offline folders, the Remote Desktop as described above, and extra administration features that come into play when connected to a Windows server.
XP is demanding on hardware however, and it would be a mistake to install it on less than Microsoft's recommended requirements.
There is also activation to consider, as Microsoft requires you to connect or call them to continue using XP, this is to prevent anti-piracy, and requires all users to obtain a code from Microsoft for full installation, and in the future if you reinstall or make major system changes.
Overall, This is a big move forward for Microsoft, and of course those who were using Windows 98x or even the unpopular Me, this version is more attractive rather than continuing with the annoyances of crashes and the blue screen of death.
