Windows XP Professional

Features

©Richard L. Goldman

February 5, 2003

Windows XP ProMajor Enhancements Areas

Reliability Performance Security User Features Remote Networking Deployment Tools Management Tools Expanded Capabilities Help and Support

Win XP Pro Reliability Features

Built on NT Kernel Fewer OS problems

Windows File Protection Automatically restores corrupted OS files

Improved OS code protection OS Kernel files marked as read-only

Improved software restriction policies Limits virus activity

Improved Windows Installer Programs install, update, and uninstall better

Fewer reboots Redesign reduces the necessity to reboot as often

Win XP Pro Performance Features

Supports up to 4GB of memory Supports up to 2 processors Runs preemptive multitasking architecture

Win XP Pro Security Features

NTFS (Ver. 5) Controls access to files and folders

EFS (Encrypting File System) XP allows multi-user access to EFS files (2000 only allows the owner access to EFS files)

IPSec (IP Security) Protects file transfers through VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Kerberos Provides secure logon

(Greek mythology – Three-headed dog – Guarded Hades)

Smartcard support (Credit Card with a Brain) May be used in conjunction with software to improve security

Win XP Pro User Features New User Interface

Consolidate & simplifies tasks (Classic interface still available)

Adaptive User Environment Task Bar Buttons

Groups similar objects under same button Start Menu

Lists frequently used applications first CD R & RW

Ability to burn CDs built into Window Explorer Rich Media Support

Improved Windows Media Player DualView

Can run two monitors from same video card Improved Troubleshooters

Reduces Help Desk calls

Win XP Pro Remote Features Remote Desktop

Allows the control of remote computer using RDP(Remote Desktop Protocol)

Wireless Network Support Credential Manager

Stores User names & Passwords Access requests are automatically processed

Offline File and Folders Work with network files while offline Automatically resynchronized when reconnected to network

Offline Web Page Viewing Clear Type

Improved LCD display software Improved Power Management

ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) System BIOS must support ACPI

Hot Docking Support

Win XP Pro Networking Features

Windows Messenger Real time conferencing and collaboration

Internet Firewall Provides protection from Internet attacks

Improved Network Setup Wizard ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)

Multiple users connect through single Internet connection

Provides NAT, DNS, & DHCP type functions for small networks

Improved Peer-to-peer Networking Easley interoperates with earlier versions of Windows

Win XP Pro Deployment Tools Improved Unattended Installation

Easier to create installation scripts Can include encrypted passwords in answer files

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Move data and applications from older computer to a new XP

computer For single computer – For single user upgrades

User State Migration Tool Move data and applications from older computers to new XP

computers For enterprise level upgrades – An administrator tool

Dynamic Update Check for OS updates during install

Internet Explorer 6 Administration Kit Administrators can customize and deploy IE6

Win XP Pro Management Tools Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

Centralized management administration

Safe Mode Start computer at a basic level to troubleshoot and configure

Group Policy Manage user’s settings, security, and management option Hundreds of new policies added in XP

Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) View the effect of a Group Policy before it is implemented

Windows Update Continuous automatic background updates Includes updates for OS security, application compatibility, and

drivers

Win XP Pro Expanded Capabilities Application Compatibility

More application supported on XP than 2000 OS Support for more Hardware

DVDs (UDF 2.01) – Can format DVDs with FAT32 Infrared Data Association (IrDA) IEEE 1394 USB

Multilingual Support Change user interface to different languages Create multilingual documents within local Window

version

Win XP Pro Help and Support Device Driver Roll Back

Revert back to a previously installed driver System Restore

Restores computer to its state at a previous time Recovery Console

Start a system that will not boot and operate from the command line.

Remote Assistance Administrator can access a remote computer to

troubleshoot and service it. Help and Support Center

Centralized collection of local and on line information and tools