Windows XP is one of the most significant updates of the Windows operating
system since Windows 95 (also known to the Apple faithful as Macintosh 89).
Not only can you get the best of the Windows 2000 interface, Windows XP comes
with its own unique set of customizations. You can mold your interface into
one that makes you the most productive. A big caveat, however, is that with
all the options that users have with Windows XP, it can cause a lot of confusion.
Even with the new and unique interfaces that Windows XP offers, many people
prefer the classic Windows-style of navigation. Although the Windows XP interface
simplifies everything into a nice little package, it also takes away some of
the power that is built in to the newest operating system. For some, the simplicity
won't matter, such as for a call center operator who hacks away at the same
customer relationship management package day after day. For those who require,
or desire, a little more power, there is hope.
The standard Windows interface of the past has been merged with the powerful
features of today's Windows. For the power user, finding the right tools and
utilities becomes a snap. The same powerful interface can confuse the computer
illiterate and overwhelm the occasional user. The lesson here is that there
is not one perfect interface for all users. Each level has its own unique needs.
This is the power of Windows XP – the flexibility to give all users exactly
what they need.
One of the most prominent differences between XP and its predecessors is the
Start Menu. To switch from the XP-style menu and enable the standard interface,
right-click on the Start Menu and select Properties. Open the Start Menu tab.
Here, you can choose the Classic Start Menu, which looks about identical to
that of Windows 2000 but with slight differences. The Classic version offers
power users a convenient place to access all of the powerful Windows XP features.
For example, the Windows Update feature is more prominent in XP's Classic
Start Menu interface. Microsoft has made Windows XP more diligent about checking
for updates to the operating system automatically. There are times, however,
that you may wish to check for an update manually. When you select the Windows
Update icon from the Start Menu, it will take you to Microsoft's Windows Update
website, where you can get the latest and greatest for Windows XP. Another
example is the Documents folder. Over the course of a work week, some people
will need to access certain documents frequently, whether it's a spreadsheet
or word processing document. The Start Menu contains a Documents folder that
stores the ten most recently accessed documents. In many cases, you will find
that it will be enough to meet your needs.
Windows XP has added toolbars for enhanced customization. Microsoft has included
a separate toolbar for just about everything you will need. Even the taskbar
at the bottom of the screen also has several toolbars from which to choose.
Before you clutter up your work environment with toolbars, you should determine
which are important and which are distracting. In the taskbar, for example,
you can load up that space with at least four toolbars. However, too many toolbars
in the taskbar, along with the open applications and documents you are working
on, will render the toolbar almost unusable. It will slow you down because
you will need to click on every single item to switch and find the things you
are working on.
To use toolbars efficiently, look for the tasks that you perform on a regular
basis; that is, as frequently as every hour or even every few minutes. Some
people need quick access to their desktop area multiple times every hour. The
quick launch toolbar contains a "Show Desktop" icon which shows the
desktop in a matter of a split second, saving you from having to minimize every
open window. Some people need to open multiple instances of Internet Explorer.
Instead of digging for it in the Start Menu, use the Quick Launch toolbar.
That way, you can launch it regardless of what is currently on the screen.
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