Getting Started

This training kit contains hands-on exercises to help you learn about supporting applications in Windows XP. Use this section to prepare your self-paced training environment.

Hardware Requirements

To follow the practices in this book, it is recommended that you use a computer that is not your primary workstation, because you will be called on to make changes to the operating system and application configuration. The computer you use must have the following minimum configuration. All hardware should be on the Microsoft Windows XP Hardware Compatibility List.

• Personal computer with an Intel Pentium 233 MHz or higher processor (Pentium III recommended) Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended

• 128 MB of RAM or greater

• 1.5 GB of available hard disk space; optional installation files cache requires an additional 300 MB of hard disk space

• CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive

• Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution monitor

• Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse, or compatible pointing device

• Internet connection

Software Requirements

The following software is required to complete the procedures in this training kit. (A 30-day evaluation edition of Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 is included on the CD-ROMs.)

• Windows XP Professional Edition

• Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 (which you will install in Chapter 6, if you have not already)

Setup Instructions

Set up your computer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Caution

If your computer is part of a larger network, you must verify with your network administrator that the computer name, domain name, and other information that is used in configuring Windows XP in Chapters 8 and 9 do not conflict with network operations. If they do conflict, ask your network administrator to provide alternative values and use those values throughout all of the exercises in this book. You should also ask your network administrator whether it is acceptable to perform the practices concerning updating Windows and using antivirus software in Chapter 10.

The Readiness Review Suite

The CD-ROM includes a practice test made up of 300 sample exam questions and an objective-by-objective review with an additional 125 questions. Use these tools to reinforce your learning and to identify any areas in which you need to gain more experience before taking the exam.

To install the practice test and objective review

1. Insert the Supplemental CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

   Note

   If AutoRun is disabled on your machine, refer to the Readme.txt file on the CD-ROM.

2. Click Readiness Review Suite on the user interface menu.

Lab files

The \Tools\ folder on the companion CD contains lab files that you need to complete the hands-on exercises. These files are organized by chapter.

The eBook

The CD-ROM includes an electronic version of the training kit. The eBook is in portable document format (PDF) and can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

To use the eBook

1. Insert the Supplemental CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

   Note

   If AutoRun is disabled on your machine, refer to the Readme.txt file on the CD-ROM.

2. Click training kit eBook on the user interface menu. You can also review any of the other eBooks that are provided for your use.