Changing Default Applications

With the latest version of Windows XP (or earlier versions with Service Pack 1 installed), Microsoft lets you change the default programs you use for various operations. You do this via a new Set Program Access and Defaults tool, which is added to the Add or Remove Programs utility. You can use this tool to disable Microsoft's default applications for Web browsing, e-mail, media playback, and so forth. If you've purchased a computer with Windows XP (with either SP1 or SP2) preinstalled, you can also use this tool to make non-Microsoft programs installed by your computer manufacturer the default applications. It's all part of Microsoft's agreement with the government to settle their ages-old antitrust suit, and it's great if you want to use something other than a Microsoft application for key tasks.