Page #206 (What s New in Windows XP)

If you're upgrading from Windows 2000, the architectural changes in Windows XP are subtle and in some instances practically invisible. But if you're moving up from Windows 95/98 or Windows Me, you'll have to deal with new system utilities (using the Disk Management snap-in instead of FDISK to create and format hard disk partitions, for instance). You'll also face unfamiliar setup options, such as whether to choose NTFS or stick with FAT32 as the file system for hard disk partitions. And you'll need to understand the new file-sharing system, which is considerably more secure than the minimal password protection used in Windows 95/98 and Windows Me.

For a full explanation of your file-sharing options, see Chapter 13, "Securing Files and Folders."

The payoff for this added complexity is a dramatic decrease in system crashes, hangs, lockups, and mysterious error messages-thanks to the following improvements:

• New Windows engine. The designers of Windows XP tossed out every last vestige of the MS-DOS-compatible core code used in Windows 95/98 (and, despite some attempts to hide it, in Windows Me as well). At the heart of both versions of Windows XP is the robust and reliable kernel introduced in Windows 2000. With its fully protected memory model, tightly integrated security, and a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) that protects key system components from poorly written programs, Windows XP is far less likely to crash in everyday use. And when crashes do occur, you can choosefrom a more powerful set of troubleshooting utilities than those available for earlier Windows versions.
• Robust system protection tools. A common source of problems in previous Windows versions is "DLL hell"-the irritating instability that results when poorly written applications replace crucial system files with outdated or incorrect versions. Windows XP monitors these crucial system files, preserving the correct version of the system file while allowing the program you just installed to use its own DLL file. For additional protection, you can use the System Restore utility (shown in Figure 1-2) to create a snapshot of system files and settings so that you can "roll back" to a previous configuration when a new application or device driver causes problems.

System Restore is an integral part of a comprehensive data-protection program that should also include a regular backup schedule. Although this utility can help you recover from common configuration errors, it will not protect data files from corruption or accidental deletion, and it can't do anything to recover data that's damaged by a hard drive failure or electrical spike.

For detailed instructions on how to keep crashes from occurring, see Chapter 24, "Performing Routine Maintenance." To minimize damage caused by crashes that happen in spite of your best efforts, see Chapter 25, "Recovering After a Computer Crash."

• Device driver rollback. Windows veterans know that buggy device drivers can make a mess of even the most meticulously maintained system. Windows XP protects you from driver-related woes by warning you when you try to install an unsigned driver that has not been certified as compatible with Windows XP. It also offers the capability to uninstall a driver and restore the previous version-from Safe Mode, if necessary.

For more information about hardware and Windows XP, see Chapter 6, "Setting Up and Troubleshooting Hardware."

Figure 1-2. Use the System Restore utility to undo system configuration changes that cause headaches. Windows XP automatically saves files and settings (called restore points) at regular intervals; you can create checkpoints manually as well.

• Security features. Password-protected logins and the ability to set permissions on files and folders make it possible for you to share a PC with otherswithout allowing them to install unwelcome software (including viruses) or delete important files. A friendly Welcome screen and easy-to-use administrative tools make it especially easy to set up a shared PC at home or in a small office, with each user having a customized desktop and Start menu, plus secure access to protected files.

For a detailed explanation of how Windows XP lets you control what each user can and can't do, see Chapter 3, "Controlling Access to Your Computer." To learn how to restrict access to personal and sensitive files and folders, see Chapter 13, "Securing Files and Folders." Need instructions on how to share files and printers over a network? You'll find those details in Chapter 31, "Managing Shared Folders and Printers."