Windows XP : Question and Answers

What is Windows XP
A: Windows Whistler is the codename for the first joint business/consumer version of Windows built on the Windows 2000 OS kernel for stability and reliability. To bring the reliability of Windows 2000 to consumers as soon as possible and address the feedback from enterprise customers, Microsoft planned a phased release of Windows XP beginning with the desktop products and followed by the server versions. Windows XP is their first step in the Microsoft .Net vision.

Q: Is Microsoft Windows XP available in multiple languages?
A: Windows XP Professional will be available in 24 official localized versions in addition to English. In any version of Windows XP Professional, you can display, input, edit, and print documents in hundreds of languages. Users or administrators can set regional preferences, fonts, keyboard layouts, sorting orders, date formats, and so on.

The biggest innovation for multilingual computing is the Windows XP Multilingual User Interface Pack, which is an add–on to the English version of Windows XP Professional. It lets users or administrators switch the User Interface (menus, dialogs and help files) from one language to another. This feature greatly eases desktop administration in multilingual computing environments, and lowers cost of desktop change and configuration management considerably. The Multilingual User Interface Pack will be available in 33 languages.

Q: What version of DirectX does Windows XP ship with?
A: Windows XP ships with DirectX 8.1, which improves pixel shaders among other things.

Q: What is the difference between the 32 bit and 64 bit versions?
A: The 64-bit versions will only work on newer Intel Itanium based hardware. The 32-bit versions will work on all x86 compatible hardware (such a Pentium III, 4, etc).

Q: What is the official website?
A: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp

Q: What is "Whistler Embedded"?
A: "Whistler Embedded" delivers all the richness, innovation and reliability of the next generation of Windows in a componentized version, enabling embedded developers to select specific technology components required for a wide range of unique Windows Powered devices. Beta 1 is focused on delivering embedded client scenarios, including Windows-based terminals, advanced set-top boxes and retail point-of-sale kiosks. With the release of "Whistler Embedded" beta 1 coming only 48 days after release of the "Whistler" beta, Microsoft underscores its commitment to bringing the latest, most innovative Windows technology to the embedded space in a timely manner."

Q: When was Windows XP released?
A: October 25, 2001

Q: When did Windows XP RTM?
A: August 24, 2001

Q: What features of Windows XP have been taken from Windows Me?
A: Features such as System Restore, Image acquisition and more. Most of the new multimedia features in Windows Me will be carried over to Windows XP.

Q: What is new in Windows XP?
A: Microsoft is aiming to combine the features of Windows Me for the consumer, and reliability of Windows 2000 for businesses and power users into one new operating system. This operating system in its' different flavors will have new features for gaming, multimedia applications, audio, etc. in addition to features for networking, development, etc. for businesses and power users.

Q: What flavors is Windows XP available in?
A: Windows XP comes in Professional and Home versions. Servers will also come out, but they are still in beta testing.

Q: What is the difference between Home and Profession editions?
A: The features of Windows XP Home and Pro are very similar. Most home users have no need to the Professional version. Windows XP Pro has support for multiple processors and an encrypted file system.

Q: What are the major new features?
A: Windows XP has many new features. Users upgrading from the 9x code will find the larges changes in terms of stability. Other great advances are built-in CD-R/RW support, Remote Assistance, a built-in firewall, and Device Driver Rollback.