Windows XP (the New Windows

Windows XP (the new Windows Experience) is the latest and greatest version of Microsoft Windows and the first product to incorporate elements of the new Microsoft.NET strategy.

There are three flavors of Windows XP: Home Edition, Professional, and 64-bit edition. The Home Edition is designed for the home user and Professional is designed for the corporate user. The Home Edition also does not support client server networking, while the Professional Edition does. Home Edition cannot join a domain, and does not support two processors, the Encrypted File System, or Remote Desktop. The 64-bit edition is Microsoft's first 64-bit client operating system, and is designed to meet the demands of specialized, technical workstation users who require large amounts of memory and floating point performance in areas such as movie special effects, 3D animation, engineering and scientific applications. 64-bit edition is optimized for Intel's Itanium processor.

Windows XP is also the operating system release that unifies the Microsoft range, with all the desktop versions now built on the NT/2000 code base rather than the shakier foundation of Windows 95, 98, and ME. That makes XP a great upgrade for users of the now-obsolete 9x and ME line, but for those already on Windows 2000 Professional it is a closer call. Despite the similar name, there is no special synergy between Windows XP and Office XP, which works fine on Windows 2000. XP certainly looks different, with rounded window corners, larger and more detailed icons, and a clean-look desktop that on first installation shows only the taskbar and Recycle Bin. XP is also more customizable than earlier versions of Windows, and includes visual themes that let you change the whole appearance of Windows in an instant.

Reason for Moving to Windows XP Professional

Helps protect your PC

Automatically keep your PC up-to-date with the latest security enhancements including the Windows Security Center, Windows Firewall, and more to help protect your computer from viruses and worms that can spread through the Internet.

Quickly Connect to Wireless Networks

Windows XP Professional provides rich, wireless network support, helping you simply and easily connect to wireless networks whether in your home, office, or out on the road.

Keep your Laptop More Secure

The Encrypting File System, only in Windows XP Professional, provides an additional level of file protection from hackers and data theft by transparently encrypting files with a randomly generated key. If your laptop gets stolen or lost, unauthorized users should not be able to read or view your confidential files.

Get More Life Out of Your Laptop Battery

Save battery power when you're working on the road, at the library, or coffee shop. Windows XP Professional extends battery life by managing the way your laptop uses power. Now you can work longer on battery power and more accurately forecast how long your batteries will last.

Set Up and Share your Computer Quickly and Easily

Quickly set up and connect all the computers, printers, devices, and an Internet connection in your home with the all new

Network Setup Wizard. Sharing a computer with others has never been easier; quickly access your personal files and accounts without having to close applications or restart the computer.

Easy to Use

The clean, simple design of Windows XP Professional puts the features you use most often at your fingertips, helping you find them quickly.

Work from Anywhere

The Remote Desktop feature found only in Windows XP Professional allows you to remotely access your PC running Windows XP Professional, from another Windows-based PC, so you can work with all of your files and applications while away from your office or home PC.

Recover Easily from Problems Caused by System or Application Changes

If something goes wrong with your computer, you can easily remove and roll back any system or application changes without losing files and other valuable information.

Join a Network or Domain

Windows XP Professional is designed to work with Windows Server networks and includes capabilities for both small office networks with up to 10 PCs and Windows Server-based networks.

Work with the Tools you need, to get things done

Choose from the widest range of software, hardware, and services designed to work together seamlessly including support for many older applications designed for earlier versions of Windows.

Key features of Windows XP Professional and the benefits from using it over the existing operating system

Windows Messenger

This feature is the easy way to collaborate in real time through text, voice, or video with better performance and higher quality.

Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop allows you to create a virtual session and use your desktop computer from another computer running Windows 95 or later, giving you access to all of your data and applications even when you're not in your office.

Wireless 802.1x Networking Support

Provides support for secured access and performance improvements for wireless networks.

Remote Assistance

Allows a support professional who is also running Windows XP remotely control your computer to demonstrate a process or help solve a problem.

Policy-Based Desktop Management

Allow group policies and roaming user profiles, simplifying desktop and user management.

System Restore

Revert to a previous state without losing data.

Multilingual Support

Easily create, read, and edit documents in many languages.

Dual View single computer desktop can be displayed on two monitors driven by a single display adapter (a particularly useful feature for notebook users).

Encrypting File System

Provide a high level of protection from hackers and data theft by transparently encrypting files with a randomly generated key.