Should You Set Your Sights on Windows XP

Easier to manage
Windows XP includes enhancements to the IntelliMirror management system that was introduced in Windows 2000. This allows users' data and settings to follow them, no matter which computer they log in from. Policy settings now also allow administrators to adjust how users can use features such as remote assistance or the Windows Media Player. A new set of group policy management tools is expected to be included in Windows .Net Server.

Pros and Cons THE GOOD Harder to Break System Restore function Defective driver database and driver rollback Better policy management Automatic updates and security patches Easier to Manage Remote Desktop and Remote Assistant Easier network configuration, support for Wireless LANs File and settings transfer wizard Built-in firewall Encrypting File System (not available in Windows 9x or Me), also applies to offline files Software compatibility mode for legacy appliacations Improved Interface Revamped Windows Explorer and Start Menu with task-oriented approach Taskbar groups windows by application New search feature with more options More Digital Media Support Better handling of multimedia files and photos, digital cameras, scanners, and portable audio players. Integrated CD burning THE NOT-SO-GOOD Product activation Integration of Windows Messenger and MSN products Privacy concerns with Passport information No support for USB 2.0 and Bluetooth, does not ship with Java virtual machine Heavy system requirements THE BOTTOM LINE Despite its many annoyances, XP is a worthwhile upgrade. XP Home edition should suffice for some small businesses, but Professional offers a range of management and administration features that will appeal greatly to IT managers and desktop support staff.

The Auto Update feature periodically checks if there are new security patches or other software updates available. It can be set to automatically download and install these updates in the background without any user intervention, or it can have several degrees of manual control.

XP Professional also includes Remote Desktop technology, based on Windows Terminal Services, which allows you to access the desktop remotely over a network or the Internet. New features include the ability to access files on the remote computer as if they were on a network shared drive and the ability to access printers and other peripherals attached to the remote computer.

Internet and networking
Windows XP puts the Internet on centre stage, beginning with its set up routine. Before the installer even begins, XP asks to check online for any updates. After the check, XP offers networking wizards galore, plus remote control tools and a built-in firewall. And, of course, there's the new Internet Explorer 6. Given XP's Net-dependence, you'll get the most out of this OS if you're blessed with high-speed Net access such as DSL or cable.

Network setup wizardry
Windows XP uses streamlined new wizards to configure Internet and local networking settings, and they're certainly a big improvement for home users and pros alike. The Network Setup wizard rolls the older Home Networking and Internet Connection wizards into one. It starts with a basic checklist of things you need to do before continuing (such as configuring a LAN, installing network cards and cabling, and turning everything on) and steps you through the rest. Using easy default settings, we hooked up PCs running XP Home and Professional editions to an existing network, then launched the wizard from the XP installation disk and added Windows Me PCs. The whole process went without a hitch, and we were finished in less than half an hour.

If you're ambitious, you can network much more with XP. The networking wizard detects whether you're on a gateway computer, one that connects the rest of the network to the Internet, and can set up connection sharing automatically (if you approve the idea). XP also supports network bridging, a complicated business that connects different networking standards such as Ethernet and 802.11b wireless networking on a single PC. In fact, XP's wireless support is greatly improved over previous versions; it automatically detects and configures many 802.11b interface cards without any fuss. This is good news, since configuring network settings ranks right up there with removing pine splinters from your hands after woodworking.

Wider Windows Messenger
Once you're online, Windows XP jumps on you to sign up for Passport, a free online proof-of-identity scheme that Microsoft uses to verify your identity for Hotmail, online chat accounts, and electronic commerce.

XP throws all kinds of Passport-enabled services into XP, ranging from automatic Hotmail activity notification to a video-and-voice-enabled chat client called Windows Messenger. Pity it doesn't have the real killer feature: compatibility with what everyone's using for instant messaging, ICQ, and AOL Instant Messenger.

The bait to lure you to the Passport den is the new Windows Messenger-a beefy revamping of the wimpy MSN Messenger instant messenger. The new Messenger tool (not yet available as a separate download) lards serious conferencing tools on top of the regular, typed chat windows. Messenger adds two-way audio and video, application sharing (in which your chat buddy views and controls programs on your PC), and whiteboarding (the ability to share freehand drawings and other graphics). Messenger even integrates with Remote Assistance, a feature that lets you yield control of your system to a helpdesk operator or friend (with enough password protection and time limitations to allay any fear of hacking). Windows Messenger shares contact lists and a back-end network with MSN Messenger, but it doesn't work with Microsoft's existing conferencing software, NetMeeting.