With Windows XP Professional Edition with Service Pack 2, you get safer browsing and communication, powerful security tools, and improved experiences. Windows XP is 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.
That is the window-dressing, but underneath are some significant improvements. One of the most interesting is Remote Desktop. A standard XP feature, this uses technology from Microsoft Terminal Server to enable users to access their computer over any connection; for example, by dialing into the office from home. This is not just file access--this technology lets you run applications remotely as if you were sitting at your desk at work. This is mature technology, stable and carefully thought out. So, for example, you can print from a remote word processor to a local printer. A variation on the theme is Remote Assistance, where the user can allow a remote helper to view their desktop, or optionally gain control of the keyboard and mouse, in order to troubleshoot a problem. The feature can also be disabled to ease security concerns.
Main Features
Automatically keep your PC up-to-date with the latest security enhancements including the WindowsSecurityCenter, Windows Firewall
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
Quickly set up and connect all the computers, printers, devices, and an Internet connection in your home with the all new Network Setup Wizard
Encrypting File System provides an additional level of file protection from hackers and data theft by transparently encrypting files with a randomly generated key
Clean, simple design of Windows XP Professional puts the features you use most often at your fingertips, helping you find them quickly.
Communications: Ultimate communications and collaboration tool - instant messaging, voice, video, and application sharing. Windows XP Professional with Windows Messenger lets you communicate with customers and colleagues in real-time using text, audio, video, and other collaborative tools.
You can make voice calls to your colleagues computers or phones, or send text messages to their cell phones and pagers.
You can send files and documents using Windows Messenger. With a button click, you can start a video session to see who you e talking with, and to share a whiteboard or application. Face-to-face communication makes business calls more effective and improves relationships with your customers and partners. And you can be more efficient and more productive by working with others on documents in real-time.
Access your office computer from anywhere: When you e away from the office and need a file or application that only exists on your office computers hard disk, there should be an easy way to get it. With the Remote Desktop feature in Windows XP Professional, you can connect to your office computer from anywhere. You control your office PC while using your home computer, your laptop, or any other computer running Windows 95 or later.
While connected, you can use most of your business applications, documents, and network resources on your office computer. Performance is excellent because there is no need to transfer files and applications over the network. Remote Desktop transfers only the screen data, keyboard input, and mouse clicks over your network connection.
