Operating SystemWindows XP Technical OverviewMicrosoft CorporationPublished: May 2001AbstractThis paper provides a technical overview of whats new in the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. It shows how new technologies and features make it easier to get work done, share information, manage your desktop, stay productive while traveling with a mobile computer, obtain help and support, and perform many other computing tasks. Because this paper is an overview, it does not address any area in detail but provides a broad look at the many new technologies and features in Windows XP. This is a preliminary document and may be changed substantially prior to final commercial release of the software described herein. The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication.This white paper is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT.Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express written permission of Microsoft Corporation.Microsoft may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Microsoft, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property. 2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Active Directory, IntelliMirror, MSDN, MSN, Outlook,Win32, Win64, Windows, Windows Media, and WindowsNT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USAContentsIntroduction5Intelligent User Interface6Fast User Switching for Multiple Users of a Computer6New Visual Style7Redesigned Start Menu7Search Companion8My Documents9Webview10File grouping11User Interface Increases Productivity11Comprehensive Digital Media Support12Windows Media Player 812Windows Movie Maker12Digital Photo Support13Greater Application and Device Compatibility14Improving Device Installation14Supporting New Hardware Technologies15Native Support for DVDs and CDs16Application Compatibility16Application Compatibility Mode17COM and Shared DLL Isolation Support17Enhanced File and Print Services18WebDAVWorking with Data on the Internet18Disk Defragmenter Enhancements18Encrypting the Offline Files Database18FAT32 on DVD-RAM19Printer Access With NetCrawler19Fax Sharing20Improved Networking and Communications21Universal Plug and Play21Internet Connection Sharing21Home Networking Wizard21Network Bridging22Integrated Help and Support Services23Getting Help with Remote Assistance23Searching for Help content25Accessing system information25Support URL for Software Deployment25Troubleshooting Tool25Improved Mobile Computing27Power Management27Usability Improvements for Mobile Users27Remote Desktop28Remote Desktop and Terminal Services28Remote Desktop Protocol29Remote Desktop Resource Redirection29Reliability Improvements31Driver Rollback31System Restore31Automated System Recovery32Dynamic Update32AutoUpdate32Windows Update32Stronger Security Protections33Internet Connection Firewall33Controlled Network Access33Software Restriction Policies33Security Improvements for Servers on Ethernet or Wireless LANs34Single Login with Microsoft Passport34Credential Management34Encrypting File System34Secure Data Storage on the Internet35Easier Manageability36IntelliMirror36Group Policy36Resultant Set of Policy36Local Group Policy36Migrating files and settings36Account Management Enhancements37Regional Options Enhancements3764-Bit Support38Looking Forward: The Microsoft.NET Platform39Integrating Smart Devices39For More Information40IntroductionWindows XP is the next version of Microsoft Windows beyond Windows 2000 and Windows Millennium. Windows XP brings the convergence of Windows operating systems by integratin