Chapter 4: Application Management

Overview

Windows XP Professional is equipped with a generous supply of applications. This includes the WordPad word processor, the Paint application, applications for playing CDs and streaming multimedia, and a Calculator application. In addition, Windows XP Professional provides a number of built-in utilities that allow users to work with scanners, digital cameras, and digital records and their output without requiring the use of third-party applications.

In an effort to constantly improve Windows operating systems, Microsoft has also integrated support for a number of new features that have until now been provided by third-party applications. For example, Windows XP Professional can now natively create, view, and extract Zip files. In addition, the operating system now provides its own built-in personal firewall.

Although the applications provided with Windows XP Professional provide a base of functionality, none are as robust or comprehensive as the applications provided by Microsoft and other third-party software developers. As a result, administrators must be prepared to assist users in installing and maintaining a variety of applications.