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From the intuitive design and task-based approach to superior dependability standards, Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional offers a new experience in computing. The simplified interface streamlines everyday tasks so that you can accomplish more in less time, both in and out of the classroom. The improved features of Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 enable fast and efficient browsing, improved network security, and new support for online privacy standards. These and other features enable you to increase instructional productivity in less time, enhance collaboration with colleagues and students, and communicate more effectively.
In this hands-on session, you will:
• Explore the new features of Windows XP Professional, such as the Start menu, task bar, and Control Panel.
• Review project files by using Thumbnails view and Group Icons view.
• Use the multimedia features of Windows XP Professional, such as Microsoft
Windows Media™ Player for Windows XP and Windows Messenger.
• Copy files to CD or other removable device.
• Browse the Web for project-related information and use the Search Assistant for faster, more efficient searching.
• Publish a research document to the Web by using the Web Publishing Wizard and automatically compress and e-mail project graphics.
• Connect to Remote Desktop and learn how to install Remote Desktop Web Connection.
• Complete a Request for Help invitation for remote assistance.

The innovative Windows XP Professional Help and Support Center offer superior help and support. The simplified design makes it easy to locate help topics, tutorials, support bulletins, and other resources. You can also obtain help remotely from your technical support faculty. Whether you are in the classroom, the library, or anywhere in the world, you can use the Remote Assistance feature of Windows XP Professional to enable other people to control your computer and troubleshoot problems immediately, from any location. Additional help is available from Microsoft Online Assisted Support, which enables you to contact a Microsoft support professional by using the Internet.

Hardware and Software Compatibility

Windows XP Professional offers superior compatibility features for hardware and software. The Compatible Hardware and Software feature is accessible directly from the Help and Support Center. By using the Compatible Hardware and Software site, you can search by manufacturer or product to determine which hardware and software is compatible with Windows XP Professional.
Updated compatibility information is added to the site regularly through Windows Update, which is an online extension of Windows that provides updates for operating systems, hardware, and software. After you enable Windows Update, you receive information on the latest updates automatically.
While most programs run properly on Windows XP Professional, there can be some exceptions. For this reason, Windows XP Professional integrates the Program Compatibility Wizard as part of the Help and Support Center. The wizard adjusts application compatibility settings according to the requirements of the program you are using. You can select a compatibility mode for the program from those provided in the wizard, including Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, or Microsoft Windows 2000. After you make your selection, you can test the compatibility settings, and you have the option to make the settings permanent for that application.

Touring Windows XP Professional

Before you start using Windows XP Professional, take some time to learn about the features. The new design of Windows XP Professional is simple and inviting, with a task-oriented approach for increased productivity and ease-of-use. The following illustration shows the Windows XP Professional desktop with some of the icons that you might see.



Simplified Control Panel

The Control Panel categorizes tasks into logical groups, such as "Appearances and Themes" or "Printers and Other Hardware," for easy navigation. Simple icons and descriptions also help you to choose the category you need.
Additional features guide you even further. For example, if you are downloading pictures from a digital camera for a class project, selecting "Printers and Other Hardware" provides you with the "Scanners and Cameras" option. By choosing the category you want, you can complete your task easily.
If you prefer the classic Windows control panel, that option is just a mouse-click away.



Improved Start Menu

With the improved Start menu of Windows XP Professional, applications and tasks are clearly defined. Your e-mail, Web browser, and your five most recent applications are readily available. Logical icons and plain-language descriptions simplify navigation and enable you to locate the application or task you want at a glance.



Because the Start menu keeps a running list of your five most recent applications, you can streamline your daily tasks. Familiar icons such as My Computer and My Documents appear on the right for easy access. The Windows XP Professional Start menu makes daily tasks easier than ever—from starting a new application or opening a recent document, to locating files or obtaining support.

Navigating Windows XP Professional

Navigating your desktop in Windows XP Professional is easy and productive. Imagine that your Economics 101 class is conducting research about Sao Paulo, Brazil. You want to arrange your desktop for the class so that you can complete all of your tasks efficiently, such as viewing project documents at a glance, or tracking student assignments.

Using the Taskbar

The improved taskbar for Windows XP Professional eliminates desktop clutter by grouping all applications of the same type into one button on the taskbar. This prevents the taskbar buttons from becoming too small to see. As you open your Word documents for today, notice that there is only one Microsoft Word button on the taskbar. When you click the Microsoft Word button, all your Word documents appear in an easy-to-read list.



Organizing your desktop

As you open a new application, the icon for that application will automatically appear on your taskbar. With Windows XP Professional, you can arrange your desktop to suit a particular task, such as grading exams or completing student progress reports. You can also easily close all your documents within an application by right-clicking the application button on the taskbar.
In addition, you can customize the System icons on your taskbar to further simplify your desktop. By using the Show and Hide feature, you can display only those icons that you want.

To show or hide System icons

1. Right-click the taskbar, and click Properties. The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box opens.
2. In the Notification area pane, click Customize.
3. In the Customize Notifications dialog box, right-click an item in the Behavior column that you want to show or hide.
4. Click the arrow to select Hide when inactive, Always hide, or Always show.
5. Click OK to close the Customize Notifications dialog box.
6. Click Apply, and then click OK to close the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box.

Managing your Files

Whether you are renaming a document or browsing for a specific file, Windows XP Professional makes it easier than ever to manage and organize your files. For the Sao Paolo project, you can rename your documents for simplified assignment tracking, view and organize your existing project files, and publish research results to the Web.

Using My Documents

The intuitive File Tasks pane of My Documents provides only options that apply to the application that you select. As you click to select different items, the appropriate options appear immediately in the File Tasks pane, taking the guesswork out of your daily tasks.
The below illustration shows the File Tasks menu for your Microsoft Word document entitled "Brazil's Trade Deficit." Using My Documents, tasks such as publishing to the Web and sending files by e-mail are made simple.



To rename documents

1. On the Start menu, click My Documents, and click to select the document that you want to rename.
2. In the File Tasks menu, click Rename this file.
3. Type the name you want for your file in the text box. For example, you can rename this document "Brazil's Trade Deficit for 2000

To look at files in Thumbnail or Tiles view

4. On the Start menu, click My Documents, and click to select the documents you want to view.
5. On the View menu, click Thumbnails.

-OR-

On the View menu, click Tiles. The below illustration shows the Tiles view, which includes the application icon, document name and type, and size at a glance.



To show files grouped by type

1. On the Start menu, click My Documents, select the documents you want to view.
2. On the View menu, click Arrange Icons by >
3. Select Show in Groups

To publish to the Web

1. On the Start menu, click My Documents. Click to select the document that you want to publish to the Web.
2. In the File Tasks menu, click Publish this folder to the Web.
3. The Web Publishing Wizard starts. Click Next to continue.
4. The Destination Web Site page appears. You can publish to any Web site you want, but for the purposes of this exercise, you can click Next to accept the MSN Web site as your destination Web site.



5. The Passport Wizard starts. Click Next to continue.
6. Click to select Yes, use an existing e-mail account, and then click Next.
7. Type your e-mail address in the E-mail address or Passport box, and click Next to continue.
8. Type your password in the Password text box, and click Next to continue. You can also follow the on-screen instructions to create a new Passport.
9. To complete the Passport Wizard, click Finish. In the File Destination dialog box, select a folder in which you want to publish your files, or click Create a new folder to make a new folder.
10. Click Next. Your document is automatically copied to the destination Web site. Click Finish to close the Web Publishing Wizard.

Using Multimedia with Windows XP Professional

With the new multimedia enhancements of Windows XP Professional, it is easier than ever to implement new technology in the classroom. You can play audio and video content with greater clarity by using features such as Media Player for Windows XP, Windows Movie Maker, and more. Windows XP Professional offers Windows Messenger, a comprehensive real-time communication tool that lets you interact with students and faculty by using text, audio, and video tools. More information about the multimedia features of Windows XP Professional can be found in Windows 201: Digital Experiences in the Classroom.
You can record videos of class projects, upload documents to a laptop for a mobile presentation, or create your own CDs to accompany class presentations. By using Windows XP Professional, you can copy CDs to your computer to create music libraries to use in class, and use the My Music features, such as album art thumbtabs and music-related options, for complete information about the music that you select.

Digital Photos

Sharing photos with faculty and students is now a simple process. Windows XP Professional makes it easy to edit photos, create a slide show for the class, or post project photos to the Web.
My Pictures includes useful icons and clear descriptions to simplify working with photos. Windows XP Professional automatically compresses and attaches pictures in your e-mail application to reduce sending time. You can now share project-related photos quickly and easily with colleagues and students by using e-mail, regardless of photo size or quantity.
For the purposes of this exercise, you can view photos for the Sao Paolo research project by using the Filmstrip viewing feature.

To use My Pictures

11. On the Start menu, click My Pictures.
12. On the View menu, click Filmstrip.



You can also view photos as Thumbnails, Tiles, and more, or double-click them to see an enlarged image. Other features of My Pictures include ordering prints from the Web, printing pictures, and setting a picture as your desktop background.

To automatically compress and e-mail pictures

1. On the Start menu, click My Pictures.
2. On the File and Folder Tasks menu, click E-mail this file.





You can resize the pictures e-mail so that they transfer faster, or you may choose to keep the original sizes. Pictures are automatically attached to your default e-mail editor, ready for sending.



The Microsoft Windows XP Professional Photo Wizard gives you a variety of powerful printing options. You can easily print photos you’ve scanned, saved from the internet, or downloaded from your digital camera – print one, three, six, even sixteen photos on one page!

Printing Pictures with the Photo Wizard

3. In the Picture Tasks menu on the sidebar, select
Print This Picture.
4. Click Next on Photo Printing Wizard.
5. Select pictures you wish to print, click Next.
6. Choose the printer you wish to print to, click Next.
7. In Layout Selection, select the 4 x 6 in, 3-up option.
8. Click Next.
9. Click Finish.





Using My Music

With My Music in Windows XP Professional, all your common digital media activities are available in one simple program. With the Microsoft Windows Media Player, you can watch videos and DVDs, listen to music, create personalized play lists to accompany class presentations, and create your own CDs. You can enhance collaboration with students by shopping online for music to accompany class projects.
The innovative tools of Windows Media Player help you get the most out of your music.

To use Media Player for Windows XP

1. On the Start menu, click Windows Media Player.
2. Place a CD in your CD-ROM drive.
3. Click the Now Playing tab to view information about your CD. If your CD does not start automatically, click the Play icon.



To use Media Player to copy files to a CD

1. On the Start menu, click Windows Media Player.
2. In Windows Media Player, Choose Copy to CD or Device.
3. Choose files to copy to CD, click Okay.
4. Place a CDR or CD-RW in your CD-R or CD-RW drive.
5. Choose Copy to CD or Device.



Using Windows Messenger

Windows XP Professional offers a new experience in real-time communications. Windows Messenger is a comprehensive communication tool that offers real-time audio and video conferencing, application sharing, and online collaboration. Students can use Windows Messenger to collaborate on homework assignments or group projects. They can share files for peer editing, participate in online discussions, use the whiteboard for brainstorming, and hold group meetings from any location by using the audio and video features.

You can use Windows Messenger to make voice calls to a faculty member's computer or phone, send text messages to a cellular phone, or hold online department meetings. By using the contact list status and notification support, you can see who is online rather than spending time trying to reach them by phone or by using e-mail. You can set your own status to Busy, Away, Be Right Back, Out to Lunch, and more.

Suppose you are experiencing technical difficulties and need to contact your district's Technical Support department. Because you have a deadline that you are working under, time is critical. You can use Windows Messenger to call the IT department and receive help immediately.
Note: This procedure assumes that you have a headset attached to your PC. It also assumes that you have added contact information for your IT department to Windows Messenger.

To place a call by using Windows Messenger

1. On the Start menu, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Messenger.
2. Click the link to sign in. The NET Messenger Service dialog box opens.



Note: If you do not have a .NET Passport account, follow the on-screen instructions to add a Passport to your account.
3. Type your information in the E-mail address and Password text boxes, and then click OK.
4. Click the Call icon.
5. Click to select the name of the IT staff member that you want from the Call drop-down list, and then click Computer.
Note: The first time you initiate a call from your computer, the Audio and Video Tuning Wizard starts. Follow the on-screen instructions to ensure that your hardware is functioning properly. If you adjust your settings in the future, you may need to complete the Audio and Video Tuning Wizard again.
6. You are prompted to wait for a response. When the call recipient accepts your call, a message appears confirming that your call was accepted and a Connection established message appears. You can begin your conversation immediately.
Because you are both sitting at your computers, you can look up information, retrieve and share files, or review documents together. For more information about using Windows Messenger, see Windows XP Professional 201: Digital Experiences in the Classroom.

Using Internet Explorer 6

The Internet is a crucial resource for today's classroom. The new features of Internet Explorer 6 guarantee a more simple, secure, and efficient Web experience.
Improved Web browsing dependability and increased stability means less time spent looking for the information that you need. The new Personal Bar enables you to customize your browser to include news, stock quotes, school-related news, and even multimedia options. The innovative design of Internet Explorer 6 enhances searching and increases productivity on the Web, both in and out of the classroom.
You can communicate easily with colleagues and students regardless of location by using the built-in chat feature or Windows Messenger for online discussions. For this project, you can use the Search Companion to assist you with your search for information about Sao Paolo.

To use the Search Companion

1. On the Start menu, click Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Search icon on the toolbar to open Search Companion.
3. In the Welcome to the Search Companion screen, select to search Without an animated screen character.
4. Type Sao Paolo in the text box, and then click Search. You can automatically send your search to multiple search engines by selecting that option under What would you like to do?



You can also use Search Companion to search for files on your computer, or to change your preferences.

Accessing your Desktop Remotely

The Remote Desktop connection feature of Windows XP Professional makes it easier than ever to access your computer from anywhere. You can now connect to your computer from any location—home, the library, or anywhere in the world. When you use a computer on your school network, such as a computer in the library, you can access Remote Desktop through campus dial-up lines by simply selecting the options in My Computer. When you work on a computer outside of the network, you can use Remote Desktop Web Connection for access by means of the Web. Open any application, file, or network resource as if you were sitting in front of your personal workstation.
Remote Desktop includes the following features:
• Guaranteed security. When you establish a Remote Desktop connection, built-in security features automatically lock the computer that you are accessing remotely so that others cannot view your desktop.
• Support for roaming users. Remote Desktop Web Connection enables users who are away from their computers to gain secure access to their primary workstation from any computer running Windows or Internet Explorer.
• Simplified user switching. You can easily disconnect your Remote Desktop connection to enable another user access to your computer. When you establish your Remote Desktop connection again, your desktop is exactly as you left it.

To enable a Remote Desktop connection on your primary workstation

1. On the Start menu, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties to open the System Properties dialog box.
2. Click the Remote tab.
3. In the Remote Desktop pane, select the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box, and then click Select Remote Users.



You can add or remove users as you want, and then click OK to close the Remote Desktop Users dialog box.
4. Click Apply, and then click OK to close the System Properties dialog box.

To connect to Remote Desktop

1. On the Start menu, point to All Programs.
2. Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and click Remote Desktop Connection.



3. Type the information for the computer you want to connect to in the Computer text box, and click Connect.

It's that easy. Regardless of the location you connect from, Windows XP Professional automatically applies the correct settings so that you can print documents or connect to the Internet without any problems.

To install Remote Desktop Web Connection on your primary workstation

1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
2. Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
3. In the Windows Components Wizard dialog box, select Internet Information Services, and then click Details.



4. In the Subcomponents of Internet Information Services (IIS) list, select World Wide Web Service, and then click Details.
5. In the Subcomponents for World Wide Web Service list, select the Remote Desktop Web Connection check box, and then click OK.
6. In the Windows Components Wizard, click Next to continue.
7. Insert the Windows XP Professional installation CD into the CD-ROM drive of your computer, or click OK to browse to the installation files.
8. Click Finish to close the Windows Components Wizard, and click Close to close the Add or Remove Programs dialog box.
After you complete the Remote Desktop Web Connection installation, you are ready to access your desktop remotely. Before you do so, verify with your System Administrator that the Remote Desktop Web Connection is running on your
network server.

Available Resources

Windows XP Professional offers comprehensive support services, all accessible from the Help and Support Center. The Help and Support Center offers extensive Help topics, glossary definitions, and support content that exceeds previous Help systems. With the innovative design and easy-to-navigate design, you can find solutions quickly and easily. The Help and Support Center also offers a host of other resources at your fingertips, such as Remote Assistance and Microsoft Online Assisted Support.

Help and Support Center

The Help and Support Center of Windows XP Professional offers a superior Help system, with new support information and services. The innovative design provides useful tools and features for easier searching and problem solving. In addition to Help topics, you can locate tours, tutorials, support bulletins, and more.



Remote Assistance

With the enhanced Remote Assistance feature of Windows XP Professional, you can send an invitation to your technical support faculty, or anyone, for remote troubleshooting and demonstrations. You can permit the support individual to share control of your computer for quicker diagnosis by using a Request for Help invitation. The person who is helping you can chat with you online, complete a file transfer, and more.

To complete the Request For Help invitation

1. On the Start menu, click Help and Support.
2. In the Ask for Assistance list, click Get Support.
3. In the Support Options menu, click Ask a Friend to Help You.
4. Click Invite Someone to Help You.
5. Select to Send Your Invitation as an e-mail Message, and then click Continue.
6. Type in the recipient's e-mail address, and your message in the Message text box.



7. Set the expiration time for the invitation. The default time is one hour.
8. Type a password in the Password text box, type it again in the Confirm Password text box, and click Send Invitation.
9. A message appears informing you that your invitation has been sent successfully.


Microsoft Online Assisted Support

If you need additional help, you can contact a Microsoft support professional by using Microsoft Online Assisted Support (OAS). This feature enables you to obtain professional help over the Internet.
To begin using the OAS application, you must provide details about your system problem. OAS then provides system data to help resolve your problem quickly and notifies you when a support professional has addressed your issue. Furthermore, you can manage submitted OAS issues from the Help and Support Center, or contact a support professional through the Help and Support Center Online Assisted Support.