Tips on Windows XP

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Listed below are the system requirements for Windows XP Home Edition.
Processor: Intel Pentium 233 mhz or better. Recommended: Pentium 600 mhz or better.
Memory: 64 MB or better. Recommend: 128 MB or better.
HDD: Typical Installation is 1.5 GB. You should install it on a drive that's 5 gigabytes or better. Recommended: 10 GB or better.
Display: VGA 800x600 or better. Recommend: SVGA 1024x768 or better.
Keyboard: 101 keys or better.
Mouse: Yes.
Drives: CD-ROM and 3.5 inch drive.
Just like Windows 2000, some of the most common problems during a Windows Me installation is the memory or hard disk drive space. I would make sure I have enough space for Windows Me and a little extra space for applications and games and over 64 MB of RAM.

Changing and creating things
Same as Windows 9x, Me.
How to change the Background: Right Click on the desktop and click Properties now you are at the Background menu and you can select the background you like. Just click on the one you like and click Ok
How to change the screensaver and display: Same as how to change the background. When your in Properties, just click on the different menus such as Screensaver and Display.
How to create a shortcut: Right click on the desktop and choose New and then click Shortcut. A screen will pop up to choose the program you want to create a shortcut for. For example, if you wanted to create a shortcut on your desktop for a program called "Ultra Solitaire" you just find the folder its in, such as C:\Ultra\ and click the file that launches the program such as ultrasol.exe. Next you choose the name for the shortcut and click Ok. If you don't understand this, play around with it. Its really easy.
How to move and copy files: To move a file, right-click on it and select Cut now open the folder where you want to place the file in. Now right click and select Paste and there you go. To copy a file, follow the same directions except right click on a file and select Copy and do the same thing from there on.
How to launch a program: To launch a program, click on the icon for it on the desktop or go to Start, Programs and find it somewhere in there.
What happened to File Manager?: If you still want to use File Manager, go to Start, Run and type winfile.exe. But Windows 95 doesn't use the File Manager anymore, it uses the Windows Explorer. Windows Explorer is very easy to use, if you know how to use File Manager and how to copy and paste files, you will be able to use it.
How can I make a folder: To make a create a folder is like creating a shortcut, right click anywhere on the desktop or Windows Explorer and select New then select Folder. You will be prompted to give the folder a name. And there you go. If you don't want to right click, then open Windows Explorer and click the menu File, and select New. Really easy stuff.
Where's the Control Panel?: Click Start and click Settings and choose Control Panel.
How can I search for a file?: Click Start and choose Find and select Files and folders.

Whats New?
Alot is new with Windows XP. Just check below.
1. Side by Side DLLs: This provide you with a way for multiple versions of individual Windows components to run "side by side." Now you won't have to worry that your applications will conflict with each other and cause application instability.
2. Personalized Welcome Screen: The welcome screen can be personalized to allow you to share the same computer with your friends and family. Each individual can create his or her own unique account. These accounts are easily created during Setup or from the Control Panel. By default the accounts are not password protected but you have the option to set a password on your specific account if you want.
3. Desktop Clean Up Wizard: Desktop Clean Up wizard checks on your desktop and gives you the opportunity to clean out your unused shortcuts.
4. File & Settings Transfer Wizard: No more Lap link. This wizard allows you to move or copy your older files and settings from your old computer to your new Windows XP computer. It walks you through the copying and moving process.
5. Compatibility Mode: Allows your older applications to run in an environment that mimics older versions of Windows.
6. ClearType: Supports Microsoft Clear Type®, a text display technology that gives you enhanced screen resolution, making it easier for you to read text on your computer screen.
7. Uninstall: Provides you with the option of uninstalling Windows XP and returning to your previous operating system such as Windows 98.
8. Fast User Switching: This allows you and your family or friends the ability to share a single computer without having to close each other's applications each time you need to access your own account.
9. File Management: You can quickly find what you need by grouping files and folders and using enhanced thumbnail views and organization that makes sense to you. You can view files in alphabetical groups, by file type, size, or date modified.
10. Indexed File System: Provides you with the capability of indexing the contents of the file system; this allows you to locate files easily and quickly based on a file name or search string.

How-to in Windows XP
1. How to switch to Windows Classic Taskbar and Start Menu: Right click on anywhere on the taskbar and select Properties. Now you are in Properties now click the Start Menu tab. Now you can choose if you want the XP Start Menu or Classic Windows Start Menu. Note: In properties, you have a lot of options there to help you set your taskbar or Start Menu to meet your preferences.
2. How do I change a theme?: Right click anywhere on the desktop and select Properties, in properties, select the Themes tab and you can pick a theme from the drop down menu or you can browse for one.
3. How to make a boot disk: Click My Computer on the desktop and right click over the A:\ drive and select Format.. then select Create an MS-DOS boot disk-Wow! MS-DOS! Surprise Surprise! then click Ok or Format and your disk will be formatted (deleted) and a boot disk will be created so you can boot your computer. Now you can start your computer with a boot disk but get this. When you use the boot disk and you get to the prompt, type "ver" without the quotes and press the Enter key. Surprise! Windows Millennium Version 4.9. Huh? I don't know either. Something strange.
4. How to move the taskbar: Left click on it and drag it anywhere. Note: It might not work because the lock taskbar option could be enabled. If this is the case, right click on the taskbar and select Lock Taskbar. If the Lock Taskbar option has a check next to it, then it means its enabled. So just click it again and its now you can move the taskbar anywhere.
5. How to display hidden files: Go to My Computer and select Tools and click Folder Options, now select the View tab. Now under Advanced Settings look for a title Hidden Files and Folders and select Show Hidden files and folders.
6. Change the date: Right click on the taskbar clock and select Adjust Date/Time. There you can choose settings for the time or date.
7. How to Activate Windows: In the Start Menu, click the shortcut to Activate Windows and follow the Activation Wizard which will lead you through the process.

Windows XP Errors
1. My keyboard and mouse aren't working!
Check to see if your keyboard and mouse are plugged in correctly, or restart the computer without touching any keys. For your mouse, check to see if your mouse is plugged in correctly, and make sure you have the correct drivers for it, if it still doesn't work, get a new mouse.
2. The shortcut is invalid.
Check to see if the shortcut is too the right program, or check to make sure the file that the shortcut is too is still on your computer. If not, just delete the shortcut or make a new one.
3. Programs and programs pop up when I start my computer.
Edit the Startup group by deleting the shortcut to the programs. If that doesn't work, then open the program and edit the program preferences.
4. Whenever I left click, it brings up a right click menu.
This is very annoying, so just click on the taskbar and it should work. If not, restart your computer.
5. I am very low on space.
Empty the Recycle Bin and then right click on the recycle bin and select Properties and then choose the option Dont send files to the Recycle Bin and then click OK and next go through your hard drive and delete unneeded/unused files. Or click Start, then Programs, then Accessories , next click System Tools and choose Disk Cleanup. Now choose the drive you want to clean up and select a clean method.

Windows XP FAQs
1. What version of DirectX does Windows XP ship with?
Windows XP ships with DirectX 3.0....no just kidding, it ships with DirectX 8.1.
2. What versions of Windows XP are available?
Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional Edition. Windows XP home edition is more for the home PC user and the small business user. Windows XP Professional is for large corporations and businesses.
3. What is the next version of Windows in development?
Like Chicago, Memphis, and Whistler, Microsoft has a new creative code name.  Longhorn is the next Windows release. Longhorn is more likely to be a minor upgrade but Blackcomb will be a major Windows release. Its supposed to have a whole new Windows GUI. (Graphical User Interface).
4. Is the Microsoft Management console included with Windows XP?
Yes, infact its Microsoft Management 2.0
5. Will my older programs from Windows 95, 98, Me, NT and 2000 work?
Yes, also try the compatibility program with them for better performance. Some older programs such as DOS programs may have programs. That's if they even work.
6. Is Program Manager included with Windows XP?
Another surprise, yes its included. Just click the Start Menu and select Run and type progman.exe and click OK. It has no program groups in it though. You have to make your own. Like for Microsoft Office and others.

For more information on Windows XP or any other operating system on this site, try the Microsoft Website http://www.microsoft.com or contact me.

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