Feature Comparison

So, how do all these new and changed features help Windows XP stack up with previous versions of Windows? See for yourself in Table 1.2, which compares the key features of Windows XP with both Windows 98 and Windows Me.

Table 1.2. Key Differences Between Windows XP, Windows 98, and Windows Me

Feature	Windows XP	Windows Me	Windows 98
32-bit Windows engine	•
Activity center panes	•
ClearType display technology	•
Compressed folders	• (improved)	•
Customized folder views	•
Desktop Cleanup Wizard	•
Direct folder-to-CD-R/RW copying	•
DVD video playback	•
Fast user switching	•
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard	•
Hidden icons in System Tray	•
Image Preview utility	•
Internet Connection Sharing	• (improved)	•	•
Internet Explorer 6	•
Luna user interface	•
MP3 encoding	• (WMP 10)
Multiple-user Welcome screen	•
My Music folder	• (improved)	•
My Pictures folder	• (improved)	•
Network Setup Wizard	• (improved)	•
Online photo finishing	•
Online support services	• (improved)	•	•
Outlook Express 6	•
Personalized Welcome screen	•
Pop-up blocker (Internet Explorer)	• (SP2)
Product Activation	•
Redesigned Control Panel	•
Redesigned My Computer	•
Redesigned Start menu	•
Remote Assistance	•
Scanner and Camera Wizard	• (improved)	•
Search Companion	•
System Restore	•	•
Task-based approach	•
Taskbar button grouping	•
Thumbnail image file display	•	•
User accounts	•
Web Publishing Wizard	•	•
Wireless Network Setup Wizard	• (SP2)
Windows Firewall	•
Windows Image Acquisition for digital pictures	•	•
Windows Media Player	• (improved)	•
Windows Messenger	•
Windows Movie Maker	• (improved)	•
Windows Security Center	• (SP2)
Windows Update	• (improved)	•	•