Microsoft Windows XP (Beta 2) Review
By: Arie SlobNetworking
A few small improvements where made to networking in Windows XP, as well as some potentially controversial omissions, the removal of NetBEUI support being the prime omission (as well as the DLC protocol).
For the rest, it still seems that Windows XP is plagued by the usual networking problems: It likes to communicate with other Windows XP machines without a hitch, but it can cause some difficulties with other window versions (particularly Windows Me, but that has always been a pain to network!).
Internet Explorer & Outlook Express
Windows XP includes the new Internet Explorer 6, which is still in beta testing.
The version shipping with Windows XP differs slightly from the PP version; for example, all the icons were completely redesigned.
Outlook Express finally provides some better virus protection, but as usual, users have to select the option (Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus).
I know, advanced users are complaining that this will disable the opening/saving to disk of executable (.EXE) files (to name one example), but I think that it's easier for an experienced user to remember to simply ZIP an exe file first before sending it via email, than it is for the inexperienced user to blindly open any attachment they receive. We have seen in the past - and still are seeing - the results of that: rapid spread of all kinds of worms & viruses.
If you have seen the Help system in Windows Me, you have seen the basics from the Help and Support Services in Windows XP. Microsoft expanded the Help and Support Services, which also contains a full suite of troubleshooters, to help you solve the most common problems. When you start the Help and Support Services you will see a window divided in two columns, and under the heading Pick a Help topic... a list of help topics. The right column lists a number of support tasks under the appropriate header of or a support task.
Windows XP also includes support for "Remote Assistance." You can contact support personnel (at your local computer shop or club), and "invite" them to help you with your problem. From within Help and Support Services you click on the Remote Assistance link, and you set up your system in such a way that the person you invite can access your system. You can set a password, and the time limit of your invitation. When you send your message, the other person (provided that he or she is also running Windows XP) can help you solve your problems. He can take control of your machine, or use a chat window to talk you through your problems.
The main Help and Support also sports a Did you know? section that's automatically updated with dynamic content, another way to stay current with the latest (Microsoft supplied) news about Windows XP.