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February
2002 - Volume 1, Issue 1
Windows
XP
While maintaining
the core of Windows 2000, Windows XP features a fresh new visual
design. Common tasks have been consolidated, and simplified, and
new visual cues have been added to help you navigate your computer
more easily.
Windows XP comes
with the following advantages: Streamlined interface; better performance
on many systems; easier and more capable networking; integrated
CD-R/RW playback and burn features; Pro version's Remote Assistance
tool aids troubleshooting and control of remote PCs.Despite its
many advantages, some older software may not run on Windows XP .
Prepare your
software
Since Windows XP is based on the Windows 2000 kernel, your 32-bit
Windows 98 and Me software should run on the new OS. Even with newly
developed compatibility and DOS Virtual Machine features, however,
you may have trouble with older games, 16-bit Windows apps, and
software that runs older peripherals such as scanners and external
disk drives.
Microsoft has
tested more than 1,200 popular applications under Windows XP. Plus,
the OS automatically configures itself with specific compatibility
parameters so that it can run older apps that haven't been tested.
If Microsoft hasn't tested the specific older applications you need
to run, such as an old Windows 3.x version of Peachtree accounting
software or something your IT department wrote back in 1996, XP
prompts you to select a compatibility mode (specifically, which
version of Windows) you think the program will run under; check
the product requirements to know which mode to choose.
Many utilities
and virus-protection apps won't run correctly or at all until patched.
For example, Norton SystemWorks 2001 requires that you install a
Windows 2000 patch before its automatic monitoring and event-scheduling
features work under XP.
XP will not allow you to install software that runs background operations
that could interfere with the operating system's own built-in, system-file-protection
features. This means that hackers trying to replace your TCP/IP
Internet communications drivers should fail. XP also warns you if
you are about to install drivers not authenticated with a Microsoft
digital signature. Some users have installed unsigned drivers that
work fine, but expect driver signing to become the norm.
Microsoft's
application compatibility tests
Microsoft plans to post its Upgrade Advisor compatibility tool on
the Windows XP Web site; it will let you check your present system
and software for incompatible devices or applications. The tool
should check your hardware as well, and, unlike the old Windows
2000 compatibility program, this one dynamically updates itself
over the Internet each time you start it up on a Net-connected machine
(so that if, for instance, Microsoft adds driver support, the checker
will know). So far, Microsoft hasn't posted a list of troublesome
applications or notes about specific software.
What if the
software you use is not in the list of compatible software?
Even if your software doesn't appear in Microsoft's list of compatible
software, it may still run under XP. If XP compatibility isn't discussed
anywhere on the vendor's Web site or on FAQ lists, you should check
for any information concerning Windows 2000 that may also apply
to XP. If the application causes problems on 2000, it will likely
stumble with XP as well.
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