Windows XP : Question and Answers 3

Q: What is fast user switching?
A: This is a new feature included in Windows XP. "Based on the Windows 2000 profiles, user accounts are created for all users during installation. As the default, passwords are not required, although users can create them if desired. A friendly new welcome screen featuring user names and pictures or icons rather than code names or aliases replaces the logon dialog box. Further, a new control panel applet makes it easy to add and edit user accounts. Each user has their own settings, including wallpaper, music, pictures, favorites, and so forth. In fast user switching, multiple users do not have to not log off when using a single computer. Instead, their accounts are always logged on, and they can switch quickly between all open accounts."

Q: When did testing of Windows XP begin?
A: The first developers preview was sent out to testers mid-July 2000.

Q: Do you have a feature list from a developer's point of view?
A:

• Windows XP employs Windows 2000 power management features
• Graphics Device Interface Plus (GDI+) is the portion of Microsoft Windows.NET that provides two-dimensional vector graphics, imaging, and typography. GDI+ improves on GDI (the graphics device interface included with earlier versions of Windows) by adding new features and by optimizing existing features.
• 64 bit compatibility
• Support for high density displays

Q: What is the build number for Beta 2?
A: 2462a

Q: What are the design goals for Windows XP? What will it improve?
A:

• Richer communications. Real-time voice, video and application-sharing will enable people to communicate more effectively.
• Enhanced mobility. Mobile users' ability to access their information any time, anywhere will be further improved.
• Improved help and support. Users will be able to easily connect to people and resources for help whenever they need it.
• Simple digital photos and video. Windows XP will make it easy to create, organize and share digital memories.
• Exciting music and entertainment. Windows XP will deliver the best experience for the discovery, download, personalization and playback of high-quality audio and video content.
• Enabling of the "connected home." Windows XP will give people an easy way to share information, devices and Internet connections within the home.

Q: Will most of my programs from Windows 9* work in Windows XP?
A: Most programs that work on Windows 95/98/Me and NT will work on versions of Windows XP. As with Windows 2000, several compatibility updates are sure to made after the product is released. There will be problems running older DOS programs (if they will run at all).

Q: If I am a games player, should I go for Windows 2000 or Windows XP?
A: Definitely go for Windows XP for the simple reason that it is designed for both the business & consumer thus is more adept at games playing.

Q: Is the Microsoft Management Console included in the release of Windows XP?
A: Yup, to be specific MS Management Console 2.0 is released.

Q: What are Win32 classes? How many new ones are released with Windows XP?
A: Microsoft Win32 classes give you the means to manipulate a variety of objects. Objects can be divided into four main categories. There are 40 new ones.