First things first – the name of the new operating system will be called Windows XP, short for “experience.” Microsoft has completely redesigned the operating system from the ground up, relying on the highly stable and crash resistant Windows 2000 as the basis for the operating system. This has allowed Microsoft to combine compatibility, security, ease of use, and stability.

One of the major concerns for the home user is compatibility – will it work with my existing hardware and software? If you plan to spend the $99 in October for the upgrade version your system should have at least have a 300 MHz Pentium with 128 megs of RAM and a four gigabyte hard drive. Windows XP will work with most major hardware, but to ensure compatibility check Microsoft’s web site at www.microsoft.com/hcl.

There are a number of features in XP that will make it almost irresistible to the home user. The built-in CD-R/RW software makes burning files to a CD as easy as a right click in the Start menu (and one less software application to install). The built in Internet firewall protection is available and easy to configure. Unzipping files is done without the need for a third party utility. Multimedia and instant messaging features are nothing short of awesome. An incorporated cookie controller, wireless networks, and remote assistance support make this a very impressive upgrade.

Some of the more impressive audio and video capabilities of Windows ME have also been brought over to the XP platform. The new Windows Media Player offers support for more video types and DVD’s. Internet Explorer 6 offers a rich, web multimedia experience with the ability for multimedia content to be played right in the browser’s media bar. The new Windows Messenger has incorporated two-way video and the ability for someone to help you with your troubleshooting needs with a new function called Remote Assistance.

One of the most noticeable changes in Windows XP is the start menu; it is bright, bubbly and more customizable. It is designed to make windows a little less confusing to new users. The standard desktop and start menu is just a click away. Rarely used icons in your task bar will become hidden to free up desktop real estate, and open windows in the task bar will slide and stack on themselves to further reduce desktop clutter. Fast user switching will allow another users’ application to run while another user logs on.

It is important to know the difference between the different versions that will be available. The version targeted for the home user will be called Windows XP Home Edition available in upgrade ($99 and $199 for full) the biggest difference between this and other versions is the inability to join a domain. Windows XP professional does have the ability to join a domain ($199 for upgrade $299 for full). There is also another flavor of the operating system that is available in Home of Professional versions in the 64-bit version, which makes use of the Pentium 4 Itanium chip.

From a professional point of view, I am very impressed with Windows XP. This version is going to raise the bar on standards for desktop operating systems. Other versions of Windows operating systems seem archaic and clumsy after taking a spin with Windows XP.

There are a few options available to you if you want to learn more about this operating system. If you support it in an office environment, there is a five-day course available at Paladin Data Systems. If you would like “big picture” type training, Paladin is offering a number of 3-hour hands-on labs until the end of the year. The Paladin Data Systems Training Department can be reached at (360) 779-3100.

(Editor’s Note: Ward Ralston is Senior Staff Instructor with Paladin Data Systems Corporation. A Microsoft Certified Professional Systems Engineer and Trainer, Ralston teaches Microsoft Official Curriculum and CompTIA A+ certification courses.)