Chapter WINDOWS XP
1 PLATFORM
SYS-ED/
COMPUTER
EDUCATION
TECHNIQUES, INC.
Windows XP Pro - Impl & Spt Windows XP Platform
Objectives
You will learn:
C Windows XP family.
C Performance statistics.
C User accounts and start up.
C New user interface.
C Multimedia.
C Hardware and software support.
C Application compatibility.
C Network enhancements.
C Universal plug and play.
C Remote assistance.
C Error reporting.
C Automatic updates.
C Troubleshooting tool.
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1 Windows XP Family
There are two versions of Windows XP:
Windows XP Home Edition An operating system for entertainment and home use; it’s facilities
integrate more tightly with the Internet.
Windows XP Professional Contains all the features of Windows XP Home Edition, plus extra
features for business and advanced home computing.
Windows XP’s technologies and features are built on an enhanced Windows 2000 code base.
Windows XP requires:
C a minimum of Pentium II processor running at 233 MHZ; a realistic minimum would be 600 MHz.
or faster processor.
C a minimum of 64 MB of RAM to install and run; a realistic minimum would be 256 MB of RAM.
C approximately 650 MB of free space to install on a 2GB hard drive.
C a video adapter and monitor of SVGA resolution (800 x 600) pixels.
1.1 Upgrading: Factors to Consider
Remote Desktop A feature found only in Windows XP Professional. This feature can be
used to set up a computer for connection from any other
Windows-based computer.
Domain Support Windows XP Professional is designed for connection/integration with
large networks and domain management/administration.
Encrypting File System EFS - Encrypting File System is found only in Windows XP
Professional. Provides the capability to encrypt files and folders for
securing sensitive data against theft or hackers.
Backup/Restore Features Windows XP Professional provides additional capabilities for backing
up and restoring data than Home Edition.
Windows XP Professional contains a number of incremental features.
C Support for multiple-processor systems.
C Support for multiple languages.
C Advanced networking for multiple PC environments.
Windows XP integrates Windows 2000 - standards-based security, manageability and reliability with the
features of Windows 98 and Windows Me - Plug and Play, user interface, and Internet support services.
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2 Performance
Performance Windows XP Performance
Measurement Enabling Feature(s) Improvement
Commercial Benchmarks Overall system improvements 36% faster than Windows 98 SE
(averaged) Equivalent to Windows 2000
System Startup Time Prefetching and elimination of 27% faster than Windows 98 SE
unnecessary network delays 34% faster than Windows 2000
Resume from Standby Overlap device initialization; 19% faster than Windows Me
maximizing parallelism 21% faster than Windows 2000
Resume from Hibernate Optimizations in the 13% faster than Windows Me
compression algorithms and 9% faster than Windows 2000
overlapping compression with
DMA (Direct Memory Access)
transfers to disk
Application Startup Prefetching 25% faster than Windows 98 SE
(averaged) Equivalent to Windows 2000
Statistics based on Windows XP performance study performed by eTesting Labs.
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3 User Accounts and Startup
Enhancements have been made in the Windows XP user management:
C Multiple users can switch between accounts without having to restart the computer.
C Help is available for remembering a forgotten password.
C Storage of multiple user names and passwords.
C Protecting Windows XP Professional against piracy.
Facility/Enhancement Explanation
Forgotten passwords If a password is forgotten, settings can be recovered with the User
Account with the Forgotten Password Wizard.
The wizard creates a Password Reset Disk to help in opening the account
and creating a new password. The Password Reset Wizard also enables
a password to be changed.
Sharing your computer Personalized settings and preferences are stored for each user such as
customizing screens and saving personalized choices, files protected with
a password, and lists of Web favorites and recently-viewed areas.
Switching quickly from Fast User Switching provides the capability for switching from one user to
one user to another another without logging off and on. Programs can be left open, a switch
made to another user, and then switched back again. Fast User Switching
is available on stand-alone computers and on computers connected in a
workgroup. It is not available if a computer is part of a domain.
.NET Passport Wizard With a .NET Passport, only one name and password has to be
remembered when shopping on the Web at .NET Passport-enabled sites.
A passport can also be used for storing personal information in order that it
will not be necessary to retype it when using .NET Passport-enabled
services. The personal information is protected and there is control over
which sites and services have access to this information. Passports are
also safe to use on shared or public computers.
Stored User Names Different user names and passwords can be stored for connecting to
and Passwords different sites and resources. User names and password from work can be
used on a home computer for connecting to work-related servers and
resources. Stored User Names and Passwords saves this information as
part of a user profile, which can then be taken to another computer.
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Facility/Enhancement Explanation
Windows Product Microsoft has implemented Windows Product Activation with Windows XP.
Activation During installation, there will be interaction regarding activating Windows
XP Professional. If the decision has been made not to activate Windows
XP Professional during installation, there will be a periodic reminder for a
set grace period.
Windows XP Professional can be activated by using an Internet
connection, modem, or by telephone.
If activation has not taken place by the end of the grace period, it will be
necessary to activate the copy of Windows XP Professional before it can
continue being used.
Files and Settings Personal settings and data files can be moved from an old computer to a
Transfer Wizard new one without having to go through much of the same configuration that
had been performed on the old computer. Internet browser and e-mail
settings, personalized display properties, and entire folders (such as My
Documents) can be moved from an old computer and quickly put on a new
one.
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4 New Facilities/Features
Facility/ Explanation
Enhancement
Windows Media Windows Media Player is a VCR, CD player, and radio combined into one
Player 8.0 device on your computer. Windows stores music in the My Music folder,
where the music can be managed.
Digital cameras Windows XP provides the capability for viewing pictures on a camera and
downloading them to a computer. In the My Pictures folder, pictures can be
viewed as a slideshow, filmstrip, or as thumbnails.
Personal screen saver Photographs can be used as a slideshow screen saver. Digital photographs
or scanned pictures can be saved in the My Pictures folder, and then My
Pictures Slideshow selected as the screen saver.
Web site creation Web Publishing Wizard can be used for creating a Web site. Pictures and
other documents can be posted to the Web. Decisions can then be made, on
how private the site should be.
Photos sent as e-mail A digital photo can be sent in e-mail in the same manner as any other file. h
Windows XP can be used to reduce the size of the photo file; the photo image
can be made smaller also.
CD burning A CD Rewritable (CD-RW) or CD Recordable (CD-R) drive on a computer,
provides the capability is possible to burn photos, music, or data to a CD.
Windows Movie Download video from a digital or analog video camera to edit your film. You
Maker can also add sound files and even combine still digital pictures.
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5 Hardware and Software Support
Device and hardware support has been improved in Windows XP. As with its predecessor operating
system, Windows 2000, Windows XP simplifies the process of installing, configuring, and managing
computer hardware.
Windows XP includes Plug and Play support for:
C Hundreds of devices not covered by Windows 2000.
C Universal Serial Bus (USB), IEEE 1394.
C Peripheral Component Interface (PCI), and other buses.
5.1 Plug and Play
Plug and Play is how the operating system detects hardware and installs drivers for it. This feature has
been improved in Windows XP, resulting in better usability and performance
Windows XP draws from the Windows Millennium driver model to add Windows Image Acquisition (WIA),
which facilitates image acquisition from still image and serial devices such as scanners and digital
cameras built on the small computer system interface (SCSI), IEEE 1394, and USB standards.
WIA replaces TWAIN at the application services layer to provide better communication between
applications and devices.
5.2 Device Installation
New features of the operating system are designed to make it easier to install and work with devices,
including:
AutoPlay This enables the user to connect a new device or insert media, and
start using it right away. When Windows detects the connection of
new devices or media - such as flash cards, Zip disks, and CDs -it
determines the content, such as pictures, music, or video, and
automatically starts the appropriate application.
Windows XP Uninstall This provides an added safeguard if the upgrade from Windows 98 or
Windows Me reveals that important devices or applications that
worked under the previous operating system do not work as expected
under Windows XP.
This option is not available for those who upgrade from the
Windows NT Workstation 4.0 or Windows 2000 Professional operating
systems.
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5.3 New Hardware Technologies
Windows XP also supports many new hardware technologies including:
C Expanded PS/2 and USB interface keyboards, which have additional keys for multimedia
functions, Web browsing, power management, and/or other functions.
C Audio/visual (A/V) devices using the IEEE 1394 interface such as digital VHS recorders.
C USB array microphones of the type used in conferencing applications and Internet telephony and
mix audio streams through kernel-mode Global Effects (GFX).
C Wireless networking devices.
Two adapters from Sierra are of particular interest/value:
- the AirCard 300, which enables 19.2 kilobit per second (kbps) Internet connections
wherever digital cell phone service is available.
- the AirCard 400, which enables 128 kbps connections in cities served by the new
Ricochet network.
C Support for high resolution monitors built to display up to 200 dots per inch (dpi).
C The Intel Itanium 64-bit processor, for which Microsoft has developed the 64-bit version of
Windows XP.
Windows XP also includes enhanced support for:
C USB microphones, which benefit from Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), a signal processing
feature that reduces feedback, echo and other ambient noise from an input channel.
C Multifunction devices, such as scanner-fax-printer combinations, which benefit from greater driver
coverage and simplified driver installation.
C Still-image devices that conform to WIA architecture.
C High-density storage devices and media (DVDs and CDs).
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5.4 Native Support for DVDs and CDs
Advances in storage technology have made it easier and more affordable to work with CDs and DVDs.
Windows XP introduces native support for reading and writing to DVD-RAM drives. It can read the
Universal Disk Format (UDF) 2.01, the common standard for DVD media, including DVD-ROM discs and
DVD videos.
Windows XP utilizes image mastering API (IMAPI) which allows users users to manage CDs in the CD-R
or CD-RW formats. From a user perspective it is implemented using drag-and-drop functionality and
wizard-facilitated processes.
5.5 Application Compatibility
Windows XP represents the convergence of the consumer line of Microsoft operating systems:
C Windows 95 C Windows 98 C Windows Millennium
and the business line of Microsoft operating systems:
C Windows NT C Windows 2000 C Windows XP
Windows XP is compatible with almost all of the top 1,000 applications that ran under Windows 9x, and
almost every application that ran under Windows 2000, with the exception of anti-virus programs, system
utilities, and backup applications.
For the various specialized applications not tested by Microsoft in the development of Windows XP,
Microsoft offera an Application Compatibility Toolkit through the MSDN developer program, which will help
developers make their applications Windows XP–compatible.
Application fixes included in Windows XP help resolve application compatibility problems, such as those
that occur when applications incorrectly detect the operating system version or when they reference
memory after it has been freed. Fixes are invoked automatically by the operating system to make
otherwise incompatible applications function; no user intervention is required.
As new applications are brought to market or new fixes become available, application updates can be
downloaded automatically from the Windows Update Web site using the Automatic Updates feature.
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For applications originally designed for earlier versions of Windows that do not work on Windows XP,
there is an application compatibility mode. This works by emulating the environment of an earlier OS
dating back to Windows 95.
To set the compatibility properties for a program manually:
1. Right-click the program icon on your desktop or the shortcut on the Start menu for the program
that is to be run, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Compatibility tab, and change the compatibility settings for the program.
5.6 COM and Shared DLL Isolation Support
Windows XP has a new folder under Windows called “WinSxS” (Windows Side-by-Side).
This area is used to store versions of Windows XP components that are built to reduce configuration
problems with Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL) (DLL hell). Multiple versions of components are stored in this
folder.
Windows XP allows Win32 API components and applications to use the exact version of Microsoft
components with which they are tested and not be impacted by other application or operating system
updates. It does this by relying on XML files that contain metadata about application configuration such as
COM classes, interfaces, and type libraries.
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6 New Features/Facilities
6.1 WebDAV
WebDAV stands for Web Digital Authoring and Versioning. It is a standard Internet file access protocol
that travels via HTTP over existing Internet infrastructure: firewalls, routers, etc.
Windows XP utilizes WebDAV in order to allow users to publish documents on Internet servers and
update them later. Windows XP includes a WebDAV redirector which provides users with the capability
to access servers on the Internet.
Traditional file sharing protocols typically are limited in their ability to provide access to data in every
location; WebDAV uses Internet protocols that enable access to data repositories anywhere on the
Internet.
WebDAV allows users to get data while using standard software applications.
6.2 Encrypting the Offline Files Database
Offline Files database can now be encrypted; this native capability did not exist with Windows 2000. The
Offline Files database is also known as the Client-side Cache - CSC.
Users can use offline files while keeping the sensitive data secure. Users without administrative privilege
can use this feature to safeguard all locally-cached documents from theft. In particular, CSC is an
excellent safeguard for a notebook computer which has been stolen with confidential data and saved in
the offline files cache.
This feature supports the encryption and decryption of the entire offline database. Administrative privileges
are required to configure how the offline files will be encrypted.
To encrypt offline files:
1. Go to Folder Options under Tools in My Computer.
2. Check "Encrypt offline files to secure data" under the Offline Files tab.
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6.3 FAT32 on DVD-RAM
FAT32 on DVD-RAM provides for the recognition, mounting, and formatting of 32-bit File Allocation Table
(FAT32) volumes on Digital Video Disk-Random Access Memory (DVD-RAM) disks in super-floppy
format.
DVD-RAM disk can be used with a FAT32 format and Windows XP will recognize, mount and format
FAT32 volumes on DVD-RAM disks in super-floppy format. The disk volume will have no partition table.
A DVD-RAM disk with FAT32 formatting can be used with any common removable media drive.
FAT32 formatting also provides built-in, reliable support for DVD-RAM media, and allows these devices to
plug into Windows XP and 'just work'.
6.4 NetCrawler - Printer Access
Print Access with NetCrawler enables NetCrawler to find and automatically install and connect to all of the
shared printers that it finds on a home or business network.
The NetCrawler enables users who are unfamiliar with networking to have automatically configured
access to the computers and devices in a workgroup. It does this by searching out and providing links to
network resources. NetCrawler checks for new resources whenever a logs on to a network.
NetCrawler will not crawl in the following situations:
1. When a Remote Access Server (RAS) or Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection is active.
2. When the user is logged on to a Terminal Server session.
3. If the machine is a member of a domain
4. If the shell restriction "NoNetCrawling" is set.
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6.5 Fax Sharing
Fax Sharing provides the capability for users to send and receive faxes using the fax hardware (a
fax-capable modem or fax board) or over a computer network offering fax sharing services.
A fax can be sent using the Microsoft Outlook messaging and collaboration client, or from any other
application that supports printing.
The Windows XP fax sharing feature set provides:
C integration with the contact list in Outlook.
C the ability to preview a fax before it is sent.
C the capability when faxing over a network, the option to receive an e-mail confirming the fax has
been received.
C the capability to send a separate fax cover page or attach one to any document.
C the ability to track and monitor the fax service.
C Wizards for configuring fax software and sending a fax.
Administrators can fully control fax capabilities using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), and the
COM API.
Developers can use the object model to send faxes programmatically.
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7 Multimedia
7.1 Windows Media Player 8
Windows Media Player 8 brings together common digital media activities including:
C CD and DVD playback.
C Jukebox management and recording.
C Audio CD creation.
C Internet radio playback.
C Media transfer to portable devices.
Windows Media Player 8 includes new features such as DVD video playback with:
C Rich media information and full screen controls.
C CD-to-PC music copying and automatic conversion of MP3 files.
Windows Media Audio 8 provides nearly three times the music storage of MP3 with faster audio CD
burning and intelligent media tracking for more control over digital media. Within Windows XP, the new
“My Music” folder makes common music tasks easier to perform.
Windows Media Player 8 includes the following:
Facility Explanation
Ability to lock down Windows If the Active Directory service is enabled, administrators can restrict
Media Player features in a playback formats and codecs, and specify other customizations on a
managed network. per-group or per-user basis.
Digital broadcast support Supports analog and digital TV (including HDTV). This includes signal
demodulation, tuning, software de-multiplexing, and guide store.
Accelerated video rendering Standardized MPEG-2 video acceleration provides smoother and
faster playback using a subset of DirectX APIs.
Video mixing renderer This supports alpha blending letting the user phase in multiple videos,
overlay them, or integrate close captioning of text. Video is treated as
a texture and can take advantage of 3-D graphics.
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7.2 Windows Movie Maker
and Digital Photo Support
Windows Movie Maker version 1.1 provides base-level features for:
C Windows Media capture and file creation.
C Editing of video and audio.
C Saving and publishing of Windows Media files.
Although the utility produces output only in the Windows Media format, it will import all file formats and
compression types supported by the DirectShow architecture.
If the computer does not contain any video capture hardware, all other non-video capture-related features
of the application are fully functional and they allow for the importing and editing of media assets that exist
on the computer.
Windows XP has improved features/facilities for using digital devices and provides options for
manipulating images such as:
C publishing pictures to the Web.
C e-mailing photos with an option of compressing them.
C displaying pictures in an automatic slideshow.
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8 Desktop
Windows XP provides a new look to the user interface and the desktop.
The desktop, taskbar, and Start menu have been changed. There are also more options for customizing
the desktop environment.
Facility/ Explanation
Enhancement
Themes The taskbar, Start button, dialog boxes, and other desktop elements have
been changed. This new look is part of a theme, which is intended to both
unify and clear up your desktop. Themes can be switched or customized. a
theme, or revert to the Windows Classic look.
Start menu The new Start menu provides more customization options. It indicates who is
logged on. It automatically adds the most frequently used programs to the
top-level menu. Programs can be moved to the Start menu. Items such as
the My Pictures and My Documents folders and Control Panel are also now
available from the top level.
Taskbar When many document and program windows are open, taskbar grouping
creates more available space on the taskbar. For example, if you have 15
windows open and three of them are Wordpad documents, the three
Wordpad document taskbar buttons will group together into one button
named "Wordpad." Click this button and then click one of the documents to
view it.
To reduce taskbar clutter, icons in the notification area (next to the clock) are
hidden from view when they haven't been used in a while. If an icon becomes
hidden, click the arrow (‹) to temporarily display the hidden icons.
Control Panel Control Panel includes a new view - Category view - that groups together
similar items. Classic view continues to display all of the items individually.
Desktop clean up Use the Desktop Cleanup Wizard to remove shortcuts that have not been
used from the desktop. The wizard automatically runs every 60 days, or it
can be configured manually.
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9 Windows XP Interface
Windows XP has new visual styles and themes that use 24-bit color icons and unique colors that can be
related to specific tasks.
9.1 Switching for Multiple Users
Fast User Switching lets everyone use a single computer as if it were their own. There no longer is a need
to log someone else off and have to decide whether to save another user’s files.
Windows XP utilizes Terminal Services technology and runs each user session as a unique
Terminal Services session, enabling each user’s data to be entirely separated. The additional memory
overhead for each session is approximately 2 megabytes (MB) of RAM; however, this size does not
account for any applications that may be running in the sessions. In order to run reliable multi-user
sessions, a total of at least 128 MB of RAM is recommended.
9.2 User Interface
Start Menu
In the Start menu:
C The five favorite programs display first.
C The default e-mail and Web browser are always available.
C It groups the most frequently used files and applications together for quick and easy access.
C One click gets to Help and Support and tools to configure your system.
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In addition, the Start menu can be further customized to suit the user needs.
Windows XP makes it easier to search by grouping search related tasks into a Search Companion.
9.3 Taskbar and Start Menu Properties
Taskbar Start Menu
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Customize the Start Menu
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9.4 Start Menu - Simple vs Classic View
Windows XP - Simple Start Menu Windows XP - Classic Start Menu
Windows XP - Classic View Expanded
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9.5 Classic Start Menu - Customize
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9.6 Taskbar
Windows XP now utilizes the taskbar for grouping multiple instances of the same application.
Instead of having nine instances of a Microsoft Word file each arranged horizontally on the taskbar,
Windows XP groups them together on one taskbar button.
There will be only one taskbar button, showing the number of files that are open for the application.
Clicking the button shows the vertical list of all file names.
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9.7 Files and Folders
In Windows XP, files can be arranged among various groups.
Documents can be viewed by type or according to the last modification date as today, yesterday, last
week, two months ago, earlier this year, or last year.
Windows XP uses Webview technology to facilitate better management of files and the file namespace.
If a file or folder is selected, a list of options allowing the user to rename, move, copy, e-mail, remove it, or
publish to the Web are available.
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10 System Properties
Changes have been made to the System Properties. The new tabbed pages are System Restore,
Automatic Updates, and Remote. The information from Network Identification is now included as part of
Computer Name. The User Profiles are now included as part of Advanced.
Windows 2000 Windows XP
General General
Network Identification Computer Name
Hardware Hardware
User Profiles Advanced
Advanced System Restore
Automatic Updates
Remote
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11 Network Connections
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12 Network - Enhancements
12.1 Universal Plug and Play
Universal Plug and Play extends the Device Plug and Play capability to the entire network by:
C enabling discovery and control of devices.
C including networked devices and services -
network-attached printers, Internet gateways, and consumer electronics equipment.
Universal Plug and Play has been designed to support zero-configuration, "invisible" networking, and
automatic discovery for a wide range of device categories from different vendors.
Universal Plug and Play can be used to have a device dynamically:
C join a network C obtain an IP address
C convey its capabilities C learn about the presence and capabilities
of other devices
Devices will be able to communicate with each other directly; thereby further enabling peer to peer
networking.
The varieties of device types that can benefit from a Universal Plug and Play enabled network include:
C large and include C wireless devices C PCs of all form factors
intelligent appliances
The scope of Universal Plug and Play is sufficient to encompass many existing, as well as new scenarios
including:
C home automation C printing and imaging C audio/video
entertainment
C kitchen appliances C automobile networks C proximity networks in
public venues
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12.2 Internet Connection Sharing
Internet Connection Sharing provides an economical method for more than one computer to be connected
in a home by using a single dial-up connection as a gateway.
In lieu of requiring that each device behind the gateway have a globally unique IP address, private
addresses can be allocated to such devices, and the gateway can translate private IP addresses in all
traffic that passes through the dial-up connection.
12.3 Home Networking Wizard
The Home Networking Wizard automates network configuration and Internet Connection Sharing.
It uses bridging mode to provide for the set up of a local area network (LAN) without requiring information
on networking protocols and physical networking requirements.
The Wizard:
C Enables PCs on the network to use friendly names such as "Den Computer."
C Automatically sets up and configures Internet Connection Sharing, Internet Explorer, and the
Personal Firewall.
C Automatically detects which NIC card is for Internet connection.
C Uses the DHCP allocator to automatically detect network configurations and update settings.
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12.4 Internet Connection Firewall
Windows XP provides Internet security through a built-in feature called Internet Connection Firewall.
Internet Connection Firewall is a dynamic packet filter. It protects computers directly connected to the
Internet, or connected behind an Internet Connection Sharing host computer that is running Internet
Connection Firewall.
When enabled, the Internet Connection Firewall blocks all unsolicited connections originating from the
Internet. To accomplish this, the firewall uses the logic of the Network Address Translator (NAT) to
validate incoming requests for access to a network or the local host.
If the network communication does not originate within the protected network, or no port mapping has
been created, the incoming data will be dropped.
Internet Connection Firewall is available for the following types of connections:
C LAN: Local Area Network
C PTPOE: Point-to-Point Over the Ethernet
C VPN: Virtual Private Network
C Dial-up
Internet Connection Firewall prevents the scanning of ports and resources (file and printer shares) from
external sources.
If someone on the Internet runs a scanning program on the public connection, or attempts to connect to
the system’s resources, the firewall prevents release of any information from the ports and services
available on the network.
12.5 Controlled Network Access
Windows XP provides built-in security to keep intruders out by limiting anyone trying to gain access to the
computer from a network to "guest" level privileges.
If an intruder attempts to break into the computer and gain unauthorized privileges by guessing
passwords, they will be unsuccessful or obtain only limited, guest-level access.
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13 Control Panel Views
Control Panel - Simple View
Control Panel - Classic View
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13.1 Control Panel - Simple View: Expanded
Appearance and Themes
Pick a task...
Change the computer’s theme
Change the desktop background Display Properties -
Themes | Desktop | Screen Saver
Choose a screen saver | Appearance | Settings
Change the screen resolution
or Pick a Control Panel icon
Display Display Properties -
Themes | Desktop | Screen Saver
| Appearance | Settings
Taskbar and Start Menu Taskbar and Start Menu Properties
Folder Options Folder Options -
General | View | Files Types | Offline Files
Network and Internet Connections
Pick a task...
Set up or change your Internet Internet Properties
connection.
Create a connection to the network at Location Information (Dialog Box)
your workplace. New Connection Wizard
Set up or change your home or small Network Setup Wizard
office network
or Pick a Control Panel icon
Internet Options Internet Properties
Network Connections Network Connections folder with
LAN or High-Speed Internet
Add or Remove Programs
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Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices
Pick a task...
Adjust the system volume Sounds and Audio Devices Properties -
Volume | Sounds | Audio | Voice | Hardware
Change the sound scheme
Change the speaker settings
or Pick a Control Panel icon
Sounds and Audio Devices Sounds and Audio Devices Properties -
Volume | Sounds | Audio | Voice | Hardware
Speech Speech Properties
Performance and Maintenance
Pick a task...
See basic information about your System Properties -
computer General | Computer Name | Hardware | Advanced
| System Restore
| Automatic Updates | Remote
Adjust visual effects Performance Options -
Visual Effects | Advanced
Free up space on your hard disk Select Drive
Select the drive you want to clean up
Back up your data Backup or Restore Wizard
Rearrange items on your hard disk to Desk Defragmenter
make programs run faster
or Pick a Control Panel icon
Administrative Tools Component Services | Data Sources (ODBC) |
Local Security Policy | Services | Computer
Management | Event Viewer | Performance
Scheduled Tasks Scheduled Tasks folder -
Add Scheduled Task
Power Options Power Options Properties -
Power Schemes | Advanced | Hibernate | UPS
System System Properties -
General | Computer Name | Hardware | Advanced
| System Restore
| Automatic Updates | Remote
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Printers and Other Hardware
Pick a task...
View installed printers or fax printers Printers - local and network will be displayed.
Add a printer Add Printer Wizard
or Pick a Control Panel icon
Game Controllers Game Controllers Dialog
Mouse Mouse Properties
Buttons | Pointers | Pointer Options
| Wheel | Hardware
Printers and Faxes Printers - local and network will be displayed.
Keyboard Keyboard Properties -
Speed | Hardware
Phone and Modem Options Location Information
Scanners and Cameras Scanners and Cameras folder
User Accounts
Pick a task...
Change an account Pick an account to change -
Change my name | Change my password |
Remove my password | Change my picture |
Change my account type | Set up my account to
use a .NET password
Create a new account Name the new account | Pick an account type
(only two types)
Change the way users log on or off Select the logon and logoff options
Use the Welcome screen |
Use the Fast User Switching
or pick an account to change
Account Names are listed Pick an account to change -
Change my name | Change my password |
Remove my password | Change my picture |
Change my account type | Set up my account to
use a .NET password
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Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options
Pick a task...
Change the date and time Date & Time Properties -
Date & Time | Time Zone | Internet Time
Change the format of numbers, dates, Regional and Language Options -
and times Regional Options | Languages | Advanced
Add other languages Regional and Language Options -
Regional Options | Languages | Advanced
or pick a Control Panel icon
Date and time Date & Time Properties -
Date & Time | Time Zone | Internet Time
Regional and Language Options Regional and Language Options -
Regional Options | Languages | Advanced
Accessibility Options
Pick a task...
Adjust the contrast for text and colors on Date & Time Properties -
your screen Date & Time | Time Zone | Internet Time
Configure Windows to work for your Regional and Language Options -
vision, hearing, and mobility needs Regional Options | Languages | Advanced
or pick a Control Panel icon
Accessibility Options Accessibility Options
Keyboard | Sound | Display | Mouse | General
Regional and Language Options Regional and Language Options -
Regional Options | Languages | Advanced
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13.2 Other Control Panel Options
Pick a Control Panel icon
Intel Graphics Technology
QuickFinder Manager
Symantec LiveUpdate
Mail
Sound Effect Manager
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14 System Tools
System Tool Explanation
Backup Provides the capability for backing up and restoring information on the hard disk.
There is a Backup or Restore Wizard which provides both standard and Windows XP
specific backup and restore tasks including: My documents and settings, Everyone’s
document and settings, and All Information on this computer.
Character Used for coping and pasting special characters into documents, such as the
Map trademark symbol, special mathematical characters, or a character from the
character set of another language.
Disk Tool for freeing up space on a hard drive. Disk Cleanup searches a drive, and then
Cleanup displays temporary files, Internet cache files, and unnecessary program files that can
be safely deleted.
Disk Analyzes local volumes and provides the capability for consolidating fragmented files
Defragmenter and folders.
Files and Provides the capability for transferring files and settings from an old computer
Settings running any of the following Microsoft operating systems - Windows 95, 98, SE, NT
Transfer 4.0, 2000, and XP (32-bit) - to a new one. Settings can be transferred from Microsoft
Wizard Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, as well as desktop and display settings,
dialup connections, and other types of settings.
Scheduled Provides the capability for scheduling a script, program, or document. Scheduled
Tasks Tasks runs in the background.
System System Information collects and displays system configuration information. The
Information executable for initiating the program is msinfo32.exe.
System Restores a computer to a previous state without the loss of personal data files
Restore System Restore monitors changes to the system and some application files, and it
automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow for
the reversion of the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time
of significant system events such as when an application or driver is installed.
Restore points can also be used for creating and naming discretionary restore points.
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15 Help and Support
Help and Support Center provides the resource for tools and information.
C Use Search, the Index, or the table of contents to gain access to the extensive online Help
system.
C Get help from an online Microsoft support professional, trade questions and answers with other
Windows XP users and experts on Windows newsgroups, or use Remote Assistance to get
assistance from a co-worker.
Facility/ Explanation
Enhancement
Tours and articles Provides information on the new Windows XP facilities. Information available
includes articles, setting up a home network, organizing and sharing digital
photos, playing music on a computer, sharing files, and customizing a
computer.
Online Help Provides help on the features in the operating system. Navigate through Help
topics from the Help and Support Center home page. Click Home or Index on
the navigation bar to view the table of contents or index, or type a word or
words into the Search box to locate specific information.
Remote Assistance Provides the capability for having someone walk through a solution to a
computer problem. Utilizing the Windows Real-Time client with the
appropriate permissions, the expert can view a screen or take control of a
remote computer. All sessions are encrypted and can be
password-protected. The ability to chat online while a problem is being
worked on is also available.
Windows Newsgroups Participation in Windows XP newsgroups offered by Microsoft.
Compatibility To find compatibility issues information, on the Help and Support Center
home page, click Find compatible hardware and software for Windows XP.
The Program Compatibility Wizard can also be used for resolving
compatibility problems that occur after an upgrade.
Windows Update Download the latest updates for Windows XP, software programs, and
hardware. It is also possible to have Windows Update provide automatic
notification when updates become available.
Tools A number of useful tools are available in Help and Support Center. To display
the list of tools, go to the Help and Support Center home page, and click Use
Tools to view computer information and diagnose problems.
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15.1 Help and Support Services Center
The Help and Support Services Center consolidates help and support services in one location.
C Remote Assistance - access C Automatic updates
C Online Help C Tools
15.2 Remote Assistance
Remote Assistance provides a way for users to get the help they need and makes it easier and less costly
for corporate help desks to assist their users.
The fastest way to use Remote Assistance is via instant. Remote Assistance sessions can be also
initiated via e-mail or a form can be filled and saved as a file and then e-mailed using Web-based
services.
After receiving a request for Remote Assistance, the helper can remotely connect to a problem-PC and
view the screen directly to fix the problem. When a request for help is initiated, the Remote Assistance
client sends an encrypted ticket based on XML to the helper who is prompted to accept the invitation.
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The Remote Assistant client has multiple security features to protect against unauthorized access to a
computer and the remote session:
C The ticket providing access to the remote session is encrypted: only the target recipient can
decode the ticket.
C The Remote Assistant session expires based on the specified duration.
This timeout can be as short as a minute or as long as 99 days. The default period is one hour.
C When the session expires all authentication information is deleted automatically.
C By default, the Remote Assistant client requests the user to create a password.
This password can be either sent in a separate e-mail to the helper or a password that is known to
both parties is used.
15.3 Searching for Help Content
An extensible search mechanism provides the capability for finding content from multiple remote and
online providers who provide support content. A standard set of interfaces enables the Help and Support
Services tool to accommodate and communicate easily with most search engines.
Getting precise Help information is further enhanced by full text capabilities that allows searching across
the entire Windows user assistance compiled HTML Help files database, using Boolean operators.
15.4 Support URL for Software Deployment
Network administrators have the option of placing a support URL for specific applications in the
Add/Remove Programs dialog box.
When the application appears in the Add/Remove Programs on target computers, users can select the
Support Information URL and go to a support Web page.
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16 Support Services
The following services are integral to the built-in support services in the Windows XP operating system.
Automatic Updates Performs automatic updates to the Windows XP operating system.
Background Intelligent Downloads data for programs when the computer is idle.
Transfer Service
Help and Support Provides the application framework for automatic system monitoring.
MS Software Shadow Takes snapshots of the operating system and applications; works in
Copy Provider conjunction with the Volume Shadow Copy service and is used
primarily by the System Restore feature.
NetMeeting Remote Allows authorized users to remotely access a Windows desktop using
Desktop Sharing Microsoft NetMeeting.
Remote Desktop Help Manages and control access to interactive help sessions.
Session Manager
System Restore Service Allows system files to be restored to a specific point in time, based on
a snapshot.
Volume Shadow Copy Creates shadow copies of disk volumes; primarily for the System
Restore feature.
Windows Installer Enables remote installation services to install, repair, and remove
software.
Windows Management Provides system management information.
Instrumentation
Windows Time Used to synchronize the system time with world time.
If these services are not running or configured properly, there will be problems with the support features.
To view these services:
1. From the Start Menu, point to Programs or All Programs, then point to Administrative Tools and
navigate to Computer Management.
An alternative method is to access Computer Management from Administrative Tools in the
Control Panel.
2. From the console tree, right-click Computer Management and select Connect To Another
computer on the shortcut menu. The services on that system can now be viewed.
3. Expand the Services and Applications node by clicking the plus sign (+) next to it, and then select
Services.
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16.1 Help System and Application Framework
The Help and Support Center and the XP help system are built on the application framework provided by
the Help and Support service. This service runs under the SVCHOST.EXE process with the flags -K
NETSVCS.
It is important that a network administrator be aware that the Help and Support service runs under the
SVCHOST.EXE process with the flags -K NETSVCS.
When run in this mode. the SVCHOST.EXE process acts as a listener that monitors system on which it is
running. The listener periodically performs checkpoint operations that write system configuration to the
%SystemRoot%\Pchealth\Helpctr\Config\Checkpoint directory.
There files used in the directory are:
File Description
EDB.CHK Check file containing recovered file fragments.
EDB.LOG A log file containing information useful in recovering the system configuration
up to a point in time.
RES1.LOG A reserved log file for the help system.
RES2.LOG A reserved log file for the help system.
TMP.EDB A temporary workspace for· processing transactions.
Once a checkpoint has been finalized, it is written to a database file in the
%systemRoot%\PcHealth\Helpctr\Database directory. This file is called HCDATA.EDB. The database
also contains other types of help system information.
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17 Automatic Updates
The Automatic Updates feature compares the programs, operating system components, and drivers
installed on a system with a master list of items available at the Microsoft Web site. It determines whether
there are updates that should be installed.
Automatic Updates can be used and configured in several different ways.
Configuration Option Explanation
Automatically download updates and This is the default. With this option (the default), the operating
notify the current user when they are system retrieves all updates as they become available and
ready to be installed. then prompts the user when they are ready to be installed.
The user can then accept or reject the update.
C Accepted updates are installed.
C Rejected updates are not installed but remain on the
system where they can be installed later.
Notify the current user before The operating system notifies the user before retrieving any
downloading and installing any updates. If the user elects to download the update, the
updates opportunity will be available to accept or reject the update.
C Accepted updates are installed.
C Rejected updates are installed but remain on the
system where they can be installed later.
Disable automatic updates and allow When the Automatic updates are disabled, users are not
updates only through a manual notified about updates. They would have to be downloaded
installation process manually from the Windows Update Web site
(hhtp://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/).
When the Automatic Updates feature is enabled, an update icon appears in the system tray when there
are updates to download or install.
The background process running the update process is the Automatic Updates service. This service is
responsible for periodically checking for compatible updates for a system. When an automatic update is
available, there will be a bubble over the application icon announcing the update's availability.
Automatic updates appear in the Install/Uninstall tab's Add/Remove Programs dialog box. It can be
removed as an automatic update in the same way as any other program.
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17.1 Automatic Update - Configuration
To configure automatic updates, complete the following steps.
1. From the Control Panel, double-click System.
Then select the Automatic Updates tab in the System Properties dialog box.
2. Select one of the following update options:
C Download The Updates Automatically And Notify Me When They Are Ready To Be
Installed.
C Notify Me Before Downloading Any Updates And Notify Me Again Before Installing Them
On My Computer.
C Turn Off Automatic Updating. I Want To Update My Computer Manually.
3. Click OK.
17.2 Automatic Updates:
Downloading and Installing
When the Automatic Updates feature is enabled and an automatic update is available, a bubble appears
over the update icon announcing the availability of the update.
Click the AutoUpdate icon to open the Updates window. If either the autodownload or to be notified
before the download is selected, then click Install/Download. This starts the Automatic Update process.
Alternatively, Remind Me Later can be clicked to postpone the update.
To see more information about the update or be able to selectively enable or disable update components,
click the Details button. There will be descriptive information on each update.
To disable an update for a specific component, clear the related check box. When ready to proceed, click
Install.
Keep in mind, that some updates require that the computer be rebooted.
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17.3 Automatic Updates:
Removing to Recover from Problems
If an automatic update causes a problem on a system, it can be removed in the same way that you
uninstall any other program.
Perform the following steps:
1. In the Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
The Add OR Remove Programs dialog box is displayed when the Change or Remove Programs
button is selected.
2. Select the automatic update that is to be removed and then Click Change/Remove.
Repeat this step to remove other updates as desired.
3. Click Close.
If the system needs to be restarted, there will be a restart prompt.
17.4 Restoring Declined Updates
If a user declines an update to be installed, the update can be restored in order that it can be installed.
To do this perform the following steps:
1. From the Control Panel, double-click System.
Then select the Automatic Updates tab in the System Properties dialog box.
2. Click Restore Declined Updates and then click OK.
3. Windows XP will unhide the declined updates in order that can be reselected and installed.
Click the AutoUpdate icon in the System Tray and then choose the updates that are to be
installed.
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18 Status - Monitoring System Health
Status is used to collect system state information for identifying current or potential system problems.
Status utilizes the Help and Support Services service to gather system information. This service runs as
an executable called SVCHOST.EXE, which in turn uses WMIPRVSE.EXE to gather system information.
The information gathered by the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) provider service
(WMIPRVSE) is obtained and displayed in Help and Support Center using separate executables.
Help and Support Center runs under the HELPCTR.EXE executable, which provides the primary interface,
and uses HELPHOST.EXE and HELPSVC.EXE to provide essential host listener and support services.
To view the information gathered by Status complete the following steps:
1. Click Start and then select Help And Support for your Start menu view.
2. In the Pick A Task area of the Help and Support Center home page there is a link called
Use Tools To View Your Computer Information And Diagnose Problems.
Click this link.
3. In the upper left pane, select My Computer Information.
Then, under My Computer Information, click View The Status Of My System Hardware And
Software.
4. There will be summary information on the system state.
If there are any current or potential problems, they are identified, and there will be a link
(if available) to a help document that can be used for resolving the problem.
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18.1 System Health Statistics
The Help and Support Service must be running for Status to gather information. If the health statistics
aren`t accessible or are not bring updated, the service should be checked in order to verify that it is
running and configured properly.
Services can be accessed from Computer Management or through the Services utility with either of the
following techniques:
C With Classic Control Panel view. start Control Panel, and then double-click Services.
C With Category Control Panel view, start Control Panel, click Performance And Maintenance, click
Administrative Tools, and finally double-click Services.
Services can be accessed on a remote system using Computer Management.
Once Services are accessed, validate that Help and Support Service is running. If it is not running
right-click the service and then select Start. The service needs to be configured for automatic start-up.
Another possible reason for a problem with System Health information would be if the system drive has no
available space. The Help and Support Service collects system heath information and stores it in the data
collection directory (%systemroot%Pchealth\Helpctr\Datacoll).
State information collected by Status is stored in files formatted in XML (Extensible Markup Language).
If the system drive is out of free space, it will be necessary to free space so that System Health
Information can be written to the drive.
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19 Error Reporting
Windows XP has a built-in error reporting system. The error reporting system sends information about
errors to Microsoft and it is enabled by default for all Windows XP installations.
How an error is reported depends on where it originated. When a component or program error occurs, a
dialog box appears asking if the problem is to be reported. If the decision has been made to report the
problem, the error report is sent over the Internet to Microsoft.
When an operating system error occurs, the system doesn't generate the error report until the next
successful boot and log on to the system. At this point, there will be the opportunity to report the problem.
Error reporting can he configured for two specific areas:
Windows Operating System Reports critical operating system errors that cause a blue screen
crash. The error report contains all the information that is displayed on
the blue screen.
Programs Reports illegal program operations and internal program errors that
cause a program to stop working. There is the capability for specifying
which program should be monitored for errors and which should not.
By default, all program errors are reported, regardless of who the
manufacturer is.
If there is a problem for which there are no possible solutions, additional information will be made
available to help in the troubleshooting. Possible solutions are shown on the Thank You dialog box which
is displayed after the submission of an error report.
19.1 Error Reporting: Configuration
To change the error reporting settings:
1. Start the System Utility.
Click the Advanced tab and then click the Error Reporting button.
2. Select Enable Error Reporting and then use the Report Errors In list box to select areas to
monitor.
The options are Windows Operating System and Programs.
3. If the decision has been made to report program errors, errors can be blocked for non-Microsoft
products or configure specific applications for which errors should or shouldn't be reported.
In the Report Errors In list box, click Programs and then click Choose Programs to specify the
types of programs on which to report errors.
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4. In order to report errors for all programs, select All Programs.
5. In order to report errors for specific programs, select All Programs In This List.
The following options can be selected from:
Programs From Microsoft Reports critical errors from Microsoft Programs, such as
Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Windows Components Reports critical errors that cause component failure.
The following are considered to be Windows components: Fax
Service, Indexing Service, Management And Monitoring Tools,
Internet Information Services. Message Queuing Services,
Networking Services, Other Network File and Print Services,
Script Debugger.
6. To add additional programs on which to report errors, click Add.
This displays the Add Program dialog box.
Enter the filename of the program's executable and click OK.
Repeat this step for each program that is to be added to the reporting list.
7. To ensure errors aren't reported on a program, click Add under Do Not Report Errors For These
Programs.
This displays the Add Program dialog box. In this dialog box, enter the complete filename of the
program's executable, such as NOTEPAD.EXE, and then click OK.
Repeat this step for each program that is to be restricted and blocked from the reporting list.
8. Click OK.
19.2 Error Reporting: Disabling
To disable error reporting, complete the following steps:
1. Start the System Utility.
Click the Advanced tab and then click the Enter Reporting button.
2. Select Disable Error Reporting and then click OK.
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20 Troubleshooting Tool
The Msconfig.exe diagnostic tool simplifies troubleshooting tasks.
By automating the standard troubleshooting steps, the tool walks users through basic troubleshooting
steps from one location. It is the same tool used by Microsoft Product Support Services technicians when
diagnosing issues with the Windows configuration.
This tool can be used to modify the system configuration through a process of elimination with check
boxes, reducing the risk of typing errors.
The System Configuration Utility can also create a backup copy of the system files before starting a
troubleshooting session. Creating backup copies of the system files ensures that the modifications made
during the troubleshooting session can be reversed.
Backup files can be restored using the System Configuration Utility.
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