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DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEMS
Windows
Me, 2000, XP
Sharon Bond
First take the XM
windows Tour if you are using Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/tours/htmltour/default.htm
1. Innovative, easy-to-use features
Windows makes your computer easier to use, with new and enhanced
features.
Windows is easier to use with
true Web integration and
workflow enhancements such as, icon highlighting, forward and backward
buttons, and an easy-to-customize Start menu.
Multiple display support makes it
possible for you to use several monitors simultaneously to increase the
size of your desktop, run different programs on separate monitors, and
run programs or play games with multiple views. For example, students
can conduct research with Microsoft Encarta displayed on one monitor and
type their report in Microsoft Word on a second monitor.
OnNow makes your computer more responsive
by improving startup time. Using power management techniques, OnNow can
start your computer in just a few seconds and restore all your programs
where you left them. In addition, it allows your computer to continue
working even though it appears to be turned off. You can leave all of
your programs running, download your favorite Web pages, send and
receive e-mail, back up your hard disk, or tune-up your operating system
without being at your computer.
Power Management works on computers that
have Advanced Power Management (APM), and it works even better on newer
computers that use the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).
Power Management also makes it possible for you to put your computer on
standby or hibernate to save power resources.
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) makes your
computer easier to use with advanced plug-and-play capabilities. Using a
new, universally standard connector, you can add devices to your
computer easily without having to restart.
The Accessibility wizard makes it easier for people with disabilities to
operate a computer without installing special software. Accessibility
options—such as StickyKeys, ShowSounds, and MouseKeys—are designed to
help users with specific disabilities make full use of the computer.
Windows includes a new Help system
that makes your computer easier to use. With Help, you can find answers
to your questions quickly and easily. You can also get up-to-date
technical support from the World Wide Web. To start Help, click Start,
and then click Help. To get help from the Web, click Web Help at the top
of the Help page.
2.
Improved reliability
Windows improves computer reliability by introducing new wizards,
utilities, and resources that help keep your system running smoothly.
Windows Update, Microsoft’s new Web-based
resource site, automates driver and system file updates, and provides
up-to-date technical support. Windows Update can review device drivers
and system software on your computer, compare those findings with a
master database on the Web, and then recommend and install updates
specific to your computer. You can also revert to a previous device
driver or system file using the uninstall option.
System File Checker keeps track of
critical files that make your computer run. If these are moved or
changed, System File Checker restores them.
ScanDisk runs automatically in the event
the operating system is shut down improperly. ScanDisk detects
corruptions when they are most likely to occur and then corrects them.
You can also run ScanDisk at any time to evaluate your computer.
Registry Checker is a system-maintenance
program that finds and fixes registry problems. Each time you start your
computer, Registry Checker automatically scans the registry for
inconsistent data structures.
Backup provides improved backup and
restore capabilities, including support for more tape drives and the
latest hardware. It’s now easier for you to preserve your valuable data.
You can back up files from your hard drive to floppy disks, a tape
drive, or another computer on your network. If your original files are
damaged or lost, you can restore them from the backup.
3. A faster operating system
Windows
includes tools that help your computer run faster than Windows 95
without adding new hardware. Windows 98 includes a suite of programs
designed to optimize your computer’s efficiency, especially when used
together.
Maintenance wizard helps you get the best performance from your system.
You can run Maintenance wizard to make your programs run faster, check
your hard disk for problems, and free hard disk space. By scheduling
these utilities to run on a regular basis, you can make sure that your
computer is performing at its best. For example, by leaving your
computer on overnight, you can schedule them to run at a specified time
each night, once a week, or another interval of your choice.
Drive Converter (FAT32) is an improved
version of the File Allocation Table (FAT) that allows hard drives over
two gigabytes to be formatted as a single drive. Drive Converter uses
smaller clusters than FAT drives, resulting in more efficient space use.
Windows 98 includes a graphical Drive Converter conversion utility,
which quickly and safely converts a hard drive from the original FAT to
FAT32.
Disk Defragmenter optimizes the speed
with which your programs load and run. With quick startup and shutdown,
you can work, play games, and explore the Internet faster and more
efficiently.
4. True Web integration
Windows Explorer and
Internet Explorer integrate local and Web-based resources in a single
view.
Windows delivers the most rewarding Web
experience by combining the power of the computer with the interactive
content of the Internet.
1.
AutoComplete, which automatically completes previously visited Web
addresses as you type them.
2. Improved listing of favorite Web sites.
3. Improved history and tracking of Web sites visited.
4. Support for all major Internet standards, including ActiveX,
Java, and more.
5. Improved performance with Dynamic HTML, which makes Web pages
richer and more interesting.
The new Internet Connection wizard helps you sign up for Internet
service and automatically handles the software configuration steps
necessary for gaining access to the Internet.
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Active Desktop
Active Desktop makes it possible for
you to customize your desktop, launch programs, switch between files,
and keep up with the latest world news by integrating the Web and your
desktop. With Active Desktop, you can turn Web elements into desktop
elements and update them at any time.
-
Channels
Channels deliver content from your
favorite Web sites directly to your computer. You can read the
information offline to improve connect times for downloading files and
gaining access to busy Web servers. Channels make it possible for you
to remain up-to-date with the latest Web content. When you subscribe to
a channel, the content appears on your desktop and is updated by the
content provider on a regular basis. You can receive Web content
directly to your desktop from Direct Broadcast Satellite or from the
Vertical Blanking Interval of your local television stations.
Windows 98 includes a Mail icon that
launches your default e-mail program. Outlook Express provides you with
secure and personalized features for e-mail and newsgroup
communications. To start Outlook Express, click Start, point to
Programs, point to Internet Explorer, and then click Outlook Express.
With NetMeeting you can hold digital conversations with family, friends,
and business associates around the world without spending a fortune.
NetMeeting also makes it possible for you to work with a group of people
from within any Windows-based program by drawing on a shared white
board, sending text messages, and transferring files. With the correct
hardware installed on your computer, you can also have live,
face-to-face meetings.
FrontPage Express is a Web-page editor
that gives you full access to the power of in a familiar, easy-to-use
desktop interface. To start FrontPage Express, click Start, point to
Programs, point to Internet Explorer, and then click FrontPage Express.
If you do not see FrontPage Express on the menu, it is not installed.
5. More entertaining and fun
Windows makes your computer more
entertaining by introducing new features such as enhanced television,
video playback, and support for new hardware. These enhancements provide
you with hours of fun.
Windows 98 supports a variety of new hardware devices, such as DVD,
force-feedback joysticks, digital audio speakers, and recording devices.
Improved plug and play capabilities make installing new hardware even
easier. You will also enjoy improved graphics, especially 3-D graphics,
and video playback.
Windows includes WebTV for Windows,
a feature that combines broadcast and Internet-based content to deliver
previously unavailable entertainment possibilities. If you have an
Internet connection, you can receive and view searchable television
program listings. The Program Guide continuously lists scheduled
television shows and allows you to instantly tune in to shows on your
computer. With a TV tuner card installed, your computer can receive and
display television distributed over normal broadcast networks and cable
systems. Additionally, you can receive Internet content or other
broadcast data without tying up your phone line.
.
DirectX
Windows includes DirectX, a
utility that enhances multimedia capabilities on your computer. DirectX
provides better playback of different types of multimedia and manages
3-D graphics better than console computers.
NetShow allows you to receive networked, streaming multimedia content
from the Web or an intranet server. NetShow synchronizes video, audio,
and graphics data. You can listen to the radio or bring television news
channels, such as MSNBC, directly to your computer.
Windows includes four Microsoft Kids!
themes—Underwater, Jungle, Baseball, and Space—and the entire Microsoft
Plus! for Windows themes package. You can purchase more Kids! themes
from your local retailer.
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