Improved XP Management

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Windows XP Professional also offers administrators a range of new tools to manage workstations. In addition to simplifying administration, these tools also cut the overall cost of ownership. Features include:

• Additional extensions. XP has over 300 more extensions than Windows 2000 Professional, allowing policy-based management of the entire user environment, including desktop appearance, wallpaper, access to applications, and which items appear on the Start menu.

• Windows updates. Workstations contact an internal server on a scheduled basis and download any new patches.

• SysPrep. This feature is used to build a system image for remote deployment.

• Remote Assistance. This feature, which allows help desk staff to take over control of a workstation, extends the reach of support staff to any computer out in the field.

• Remote Desktop. It is Saturday night, and the department head is scheduled to give the keynote address to the National Governors Association, but he forgot to download the PowerPoint presentation onto his laptop before catching his flight. No problem. With Remote Desktop he can dial into the network, take control of his workstation, and drag and drop the file onto his laptop.

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