Introduction to Microsoft Windows XP All Trademarks & Copyrights Acknowledged

Microsoft OS Release History DOS DOS Windows For Workgroups (3.1) Windows For Workgroups (3.1) Windows 95, 98, ME Windows 95, 98, ME NT 3.X, 4.X NT 3.X, 4.X Windows 2000 Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows XP

Windows 9X Windows 95/98/ME Windows 95/98/ME –Built on an “open” memory model. –Designed for wide application support. –Targeted for the “home” consumer. –Unstable but supports most hardware and software. –Inefficient use of resources.

Windows NT/2000 Windows NT 3.51/4.0 & Windows 2000 Windows NT 3.51/4.0 & Windows 2000 –Code base built on a User/Executive mode model. –Provides “protected” process/memory space. –True multi-tasking/multithreaded. –Improved stability, performance and security. –Hardware and software must be compatible - Limited vendor support.

XP Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows XP –Merges the compatibility features of Windows 9.X with the stability, performance and security of Windows NT/ Includes a wide range of “usability” enhancements.

XP Desktop OS – 3 Flavors Windows XP has been released in 3 different editions: Windows XP has been released in 3 different editions: –Windows XP Home Edition –Windows XP Professional Edition –Windows XP 64-Bit Edition

Windows XP Home Edition Windows XP Home Edition is the least expensive version of the operating system and contains the fewest features Windows XP Home Edition is the least expensive version of the operating system and contains the fewest features XP Home Edition is a “consumer” based operating system and is intended to upgrade or replace Windows 95,98 and ME installations XP Home Edition is a “consumer” based operating system and is intended to upgrade or replace Windows 95,98 and ME installations

Windows XP Professional XP Professional is the best choice for “power” users and business desktops XP Professional is the best choice for “power” users and business desktops More expensive than Home Edition More expensive than Home Edition

Windows XP 64-Bit Microsoft’s first 64-bit Operating System for the Intel Itanium processor Microsoft’s first 64-bit Operating System for the Intel Itanium processor Designed for scientific and very high end users requiring 64-bit computing. Designed for scientific and very high end users requiring 64-bit computing. Supports up to 16 gigabytes of RAM and up to 8 Terabytes of virtual memory Supports up to 16 gigabytes of RAM and up to 8 Terabytes of virtual memory Additional memory support will be added as hardware capabilities expand Additional memory support will be added as hardware capabilities expand

Windows XP Features Brand new look and feel! Brand new look and feel! –Redesigned Start Menu –Taskbar groupings –New file and folder navigation pane that displays tasks and details –Many more “wizards” and customizable views making complex tasks easier for the novice –Microsoft ClearType®

Windows XP Features Impressive reliability and superb performance! Impressive reliability and superb performance! –Startup is on average 34% faster than Windows 2000 and 27% faster than 98 –Average application launch equal to Windows 2000 and 25% faster than in Windows 98

Performance Comparison

Windows XP Features Improved manageability Improved manageability –Remote Desktop/Remote Assistants –Device Driver Rollback Tool –File and Settings Transfer –New System Restore Wizard –User State Migration Tool –Upgrade Uninstall to previous version –Fast User Switching

Windows XP Features Improved Security Improved Security –Windows Update helps to deploy the latest security patches –New Credential Manager – secure store for password and account information –Windows File Protection –Internet Connection Firewall –Built in IPSec and Kerberos support

Windows XP Features Software Upgrades and Enhancements Software Upgrades and Enhancements –Internet Explorer 6.0 –Windows Media Player for XP –DirectX 8.1 –Native CD-R and CD-RW support built into Windows Explorer

Windows XP Features Mobile/Laptop user features and support Mobile/Laptop user features and support –Multiple monitor support –Enhanced battery life (Lid Power and LCD Dimming controls) –Encrypted File System with multi-user support –Rich support for Wireless Networking