This paper provides a technical overview of what’s new in the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system. It shows how new technologies and features make it easier to get work done, share information, manage your desktop, stay productive while traveling with a mobile computer, obtain help and support, and perform many other computing tasks. Because this paper is an overview, it does not address any area in detail but provides a broad look at the many new technologies and features in Windows XP.
Contents 4
Introduction 7
Intelligent User Interface 8
Fast User Switching for Multiple Users of a Computer 8
New Visual Style 9
Redesigned Start Menu 9
Search Companion 10
My Documents 11
Webview 12
File grouping 13
User Interface Enhances Productivity 13
Comprehensive Digital Media Support 14
Windows Media Player 8 14
Windows Movie Maker 14
Digital Photo Support 15
Greater Application and Device Compatibility 16
Improving Device Installation 16
Supporting New Hardware Technologies 17
Native Support for DVDs and CDs 18
Application Compatibility 18
Application Compatibility Mode 19
COM and Shared DLL Isolation Support 19
Enhanced File and Print Services 20
WebDAV—Working with Data on the Internet 20
Encrypting the Offline Files Database 20
FAT32 on DVD-RAM 21
Printer Access With NetCrawler 21
Fax Sharing 22
Improved Networking and Communications 23
Universal Plug and Play 23
Internet Connection Sharing 23
Home Networking Wizard 23
Network Bridging 24
Integrated Help and Support Services 25
Getting Help with Remote Assistance 25
Searching for Help content 27
Accessing system information 27
Support URL for Software Deployment 27
Troubleshooting Tool 27
Improved Mobile Computing 29
Power Management 29
Usability Improvements for Mobile Users 29
Remote Desktop 30
Remote Desktop and Terminal Services 30
Remote Desktop Protocol 31
Remote Desktop Resource Redirection 31
Reliability Improvements 33
Driver Rollback 33
System Restore 33
Automated System Recovery 34
Dynamic Update 34
AutoUpdate 34
Windows Update 34
Stronger Security Protections 35
Internet Connection Firewall 35
Controlled Network Access 35
Software Restriction Policies 35
Security Improvements for Servers on Ethernet or Wireless LANs 36
Single Login with Microsoft Passport 36
Credential Management 36
Encrypting File System 36
Secure Data Storage on the Internet 37
Easier Manageability 38
IntelliMirror 38
Group Policy 38
Resultant Set of Policy 38
Local Group Policy 38
Migrating files and settings 38
Account Management Enhancements 39
Regional Options Enhancements 39
64-Bit Support 40
Looking Forward: The Microsoft.NET Platform 41
Integrating Smart Devices 41
For More Information 42
This paper provides a broad technical overview of what’s new in Windows XP. It shows how new technologies and features make it easier to get work done, share information, manage your desktop, stay productive while traveling with a mobile computer, obtain help and support, and perform many other computing tasks.