The Bottom Line

As you've no doubt realized, just because you've completed the formal installation procedure doesn't mean that you're done installing Windows. Keeping Windows XP fresh and up-to-date is a constant process!

Just keep these key points in mind, and you'll always have the latest, greatest version of Windows XP installed on your computer:

• Not all of Windows is installed in a default installation. There are other, less-used, components available on either the Windows XP installation CD or on Windows XP installation files stored somewhere on your hard disk; you install new Windows components by using the Add or Remove Programs utility and the Windows Components Wizard.

• Windows XP includes the Windows Update utility, which automatically goes online to find updates and patches for your operating system. (You can activate the utility manually by clicking the Windows Update link in the Help and Support Center window.)

• The original version of Windows XP has since been upgraded with Service Packs 1 and 2, which fix a lot of bugs and adds a few new features; if you haven't yet installed SP2 on your system, you should do so as soon as possible.

• When you're moving to a new PC, you can transfer all your personal files and settings from your old PC by using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. (Be sure you pick a storage medium that's large enough to hold all the files or hook up your two computers to a network to transfer files directly.)