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Windows XP: Difference between revisions
there's probably more to this that needs fixing up i think
Pivotman319 (talk | contribs) Tag: 2017 source edit |
Pivotman319 (talk | contribs) (there's probably more to this that needs fixing up i think) Tag: 2017 source edit |
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The [[Windows Explorer]] shell received a major overhaul in its design and functionality. Most notably, a new [[Start menu]] design was introduced, featuring two separate columns for frequently-used applications and shortcuts to common system folders used throughout the operating system as well as details for the currently logged-on user. Users can manually switch to the legacy Start menu design included as part of older Windows NT releases, which would ultimately be removed in early [[Windows 7]] development builds. The task pane, a list of actions that users can perform depending on the item's content, was additionally implemented into the existing user interface. [[Microsoft Agent]]-based search companions were also introduced as a personalization option for the already-existing search functionality. Images can now directly viewed within the Explorer shell through the use of the ''Filmstrip'' view, and disc burning support was greatly expanded with support for the rewritable [[w:DVD-RAM|DVD-RAM]] format. | The [[Windows Explorer]] shell received a major overhaul in its design and functionality. Most notably, a new [[Start menu]] design was introduced, featuring two separate columns for frequently-used applications and shortcuts to common system folders used throughout the operating system as well as details for the currently logged-on user. Users can manually switch to the legacy Start menu design included as part of older Windows NT releases, which would ultimately be removed in early [[Windows 7]] development builds. The task pane, a list of actions that users can perform depending on the item's content, was additionally implemented into the existing user interface. [[Microsoft Agent]]-based search companions were also introduced as a personalization option for the already-existing search functionality. Images can now directly viewed within the Explorer shell through the use of the ''Filmstrip'' view, and disc burning support was greatly expanded with support for the rewritable [[w:DVD-RAM|DVD-RAM]] format. | ||
The taskbar is locked by default for new user accounts to prevent accidental resizing or moving of the taskbar and/or the toolbars. Multiple instances of an application are now grouped automatically, and inactive tray area icons are hidden after a period of time to prevent cluttering within the taskbar. | |||
==== Logon screen ==== | |||
A simplified login screen design was also introduced, allowing easier management of multiple accounts despite only allowing five accounts at maximum. Fast user switching was also implemented alongside the reworked logon screen, allowing individuals to quickly log onto their accounts on a shared computer without needing to log out of another user's session – this functionality could only work if the new logon screen was enabled. The legacy logon prompt from Windows 2000 was largely retained in order to support domain-joined computers. | A simplified login screen design was also introduced, allowing easier management of multiple accounts despite only allowing five accounts at maximum. Fast user switching was also implemented alongside the reworked logon screen, allowing individuals to quickly log onto their accounts on a shared computer without needing to log out of another user's session – this functionality could only work if the new logon screen was enabled. The legacy logon prompt from Windows 2000 was largely retained in order to support domain-joined computers. | ||
=== Windows Product Activation === | |||
[[Windows Product Activation]], a new form of digital rights management technology, was added to the operating system with the incentive of preventing [[w:software piracy|software piracy]] – every installation of Microsoft Windows is assigned a unique installation identifier to distinguish individual copies from one another. Users must activate their copy of Windows XP in order to enforce the relevant provisions of the license agreement about using the product on multiple computers. Activation was done over the internet or over an automated telephone line. If the user does not activate the operating system after the initial 30-day grace period, the user will not be unable to log onto Windows unless it is activated. If the user attempts to perform significant changes to the hardware, the license associated with the device is voided and the operating system must be re-activated. | [[Windows Product Activation]], a new form of digital rights management technology, was added to the operating system with the incentive of preventing [[w:software piracy|software piracy]] – every installation of Microsoft Windows is assigned a unique installation identifier to distinguish individual copies from one another. Users must activate their copy of Windows XP in order to enforce the relevant provisions of the license agreement about using the product on multiple computers. Activation was done over the internet or over an automated telephone line. If the user does not activate the operating system after the initial 30-day grace period, the user will not be unable to log onto Windows unless it is activated. If the user attempts to perform significant changes to the hardware, the license associated with the device is voided and the operating system must be re-activated. | ||
=== Compatibility Mode === | |||
Compatibility modes for older applications targeting specific Windows operating systems were also added and are now activated out-of-box. This feature allows users to run older programs by selecting an earlier version of Windows that the program previously ran on, tricking them into assuming they are running under that version. Compatibility modes can be set for a program through its properties or by launching the Program Compatibility Wizard located in the [[Help and Support Center]]. | |||
==== Applications ==== | ==== Applications ==== | ||
Windows XP introduced substantial changes to varying applications, as well as the addition of several new applications. Updated versions of [[Internet Explorer]] and [[Outlook Express]] were introduced, bringing with them minor incremental usability improvements while also focusing on security changes. An address book was introduced into Outlook Express, allowing users to quickly add, edit and remove contacts as well as providing the ability to directly send e-mail messages to them via the aforementioned e-mail client. | Windows XP introduced substantial changes to varying applications, as well as the addition of several new applications. Updated versions of [[Internet Explorer]] and [[Outlook Express]] were introduced, bringing with them minor incremental usability improvements while also focusing on security changes. An address book was introduced into Outlook Express, allowing users to quickly add, edit and remove contacts as well as providing the ability to directly send e-mail messages to them via the aforementioned e-mail client. | ||
Communications facilities in the operating system have also received significant changes. Updated versions of the [[w:MSN Explorer|MSN Explorer]] were also added into the operating system, providing an overhauled user interface and a reworked onboarding experience, and a | Communications facilities in the operating system have also received significant changes. Updated versions of the [[w:MSN Explorer|MSN Explorer]] were also added into the operating system, providing an overhauled user interface and a reworked onboarding experience, and a new version of the [[Windows Messenger]] application was added to the operating system. | ||
The [[Windows Picture and Fax Viewer]] was introduced, featuring support for the JPEG, BMP and PNG formats as well as out-of-box support for sent/received faxes and basic image rotation and zooming capabilities. An [[Windows Media Player 8|overhauled version]] of the [[Windows Media Player]] application was introduced, featuring a reworked user interface with improved CD and DVD playback support, [[w:digital rights management|digital rights management]] functionality, and support for tuning into online radio stations. A [[Windows Movie Maker|basic video editor]] is also included as part of the operating system. | |||
A new keyboard layout toolbar dubbed the "Language Bar" was added to the operating system, offering the option to switch between input layouts assigned by the user. Users can now offer online assistance to other users through the [[Remote Assistance]] application, a [[Terminal Services]] client that lets support users view or control a remote Windows computer over a network or on the Internet to resolve issues. | |||
Full [[w:Unicode|Unicode]] support for [[WordPad]] was implemented. | |||
==== Miscellaneous ==== | ==== Miscellaneous ==== | ||
Windows XP introduces an error reporting system that sends application or system crash data to Microsoft for further analysis, allowing the company to resolve bugs that lie within the operating system or related applications. Automated wireless network configuration was introduced in the operating system, allowing systems to connect to wireless access points without requiring specific configuration tools from the hardware manufacturer. | Windows XP introduces an error reporting system that sends application or system crash data to Microsoft for further analysis, allowing the company to resolve bugs that lie within the operating system or related applications. Automated wireless network configuration was introduced in the operating system, allowing systems to connect to wireless access points without requiring specific configuration tools from the hardware manufacturer. | ||
It is now possible to generate a dedicated backup image of the user's documents and application settings via the Automated System Recovery utility, Password reset disks can now be generated by the operating system, acting as a last resort if the user forgets their password or if an unauthorized individual changes the account password with malicious intent. Drivers can now be quickly rolled back to a previous version if a newer version causes issues with the operating system, such as system crashes or application misbehavior. | It is now possible to generate a dedicated backup image of the user's documents and application settings via the Automated System Recovery utility, Password reset disks can now be generated by the operating system, acting as a last resort if the user forgets their password or if an unauthorized individual changes the account password with malicious intent. Drivers can now be quickly rolled back to a previous version if a newer version causes issues with the operating system, such as system crashes or application misbehavior. The operating system now includes an option to help clean the user's desktop up through a dedicated Desktop Cleanup Wizard, which moves unused desktop shortcuts into a separate folder. | ||
Prefetching, a functionality that improves application startup time by caching the required application dependencies such as dynamic link libraries, was added to the operating system to optimize overall application performance. DirectX 8.1 was introduced in Windows XP, and a fax console has been added. | |||
=== Deprecations and removals === | === Deprecations and removals === | ||