Install OS Accessories
There are many accessories that you may install on your version of Windows to improve the functionality of the computer.
Components of Windows, such as DirectX (which improves video performance for applications that are output intensive such as games) contribute to the Windows experience. The backup program allows Windows XP users to backup their valuable data, while a direct cable connection will connect two Windows XP computers together using various ports.
Windows XP comes with Microsoft's comprehensive Media Player. As well, other multi-media products such as Real Player and Apple's QuickTime enhance both basic multi-media experiences, but also provide useful plug-ins for the web browser.
DirectX
Generally, full DirectX support is loaded automatically with Windows setup, and functions well without further changes.
However, if you should notice some problems, there is a DirectX diagnostics tool, dxdiag.exe (Figure 20), that will test the DirectX functionality, and report any problems.
Figure 20-DirectX supports and enhances both basic drawing (DirectDraw) and 3D graphics (Direct3D).
Backup (XP Home)
Though Windows XP Professional Edition has a reasonable backup and restore program, users of Windows XP Home Edition will find this vital utility "missing in action". In a move to perhaps keep Windows XP Home Edition simpler and more streamlined, the setup program will not install the backup program.
However, the backup program is still available; Microsoft has not just deleted it. You simply need to install the backup program. To install backup just follow these steps:
1. Put your Windows XP Home Edition CD into the drive. Open a Windows' Explorer window, and select the CD drive.
2. Navigate to the folder ValueAdd\msft\ntbackup.
3. Double click ntbackup.msi.
Ntbackup.msi will install the backup program for you. Once installed, click the Start button; select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then Backup.
Caution
The Automated System Recovery Wizard will not work correctly with Windows XP Home Edition. (Could this be why backup is not installed by default?)
If you have a complete backup, then to recover from a total disaster manually re-install Windows XP Home Edition. Then reinstall the backup program, and use the backup program's restore function to restore the backup.
Direct Cable Connection (DCC)
A Direct Cable Connection (DCC) allows you to connect two computers together. These connections may be through the serial ports, the parallel (printer) ports, or the IrDA ports. Generally, the serial port connections are the slowest, while parallel and IrDA connections are faster. IrDA has an advantage in that no special cable is needed, and these are easier to actually attach (no searching for the cable, no wondering if it is the correct cable for example.)
To configure a DCC follow these steps:
1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Open Network Connections.
3. Click on "Create a new connection" in the task-bar on the left side of Network Connections. This will launch the New Connection Wizard.
4. On the first wizard screen, select "Set up an advanced connection"
5. On the second wizard screen, select "Connect directly to another computer" and click next.
6. DCC requires that one computer be the host (the server) and the other be the guest (the client). It doesn't matter which is which, you can setup both types of connections if you need to.
7. Following the role selection, there will be screens specific to whether you are creating a host or a guest machine. Follow the prompts, providing information as needed.
Tip
An Incoming Connection (a host connection) may have all connection methods (serial, parallel, and IrDA) active at the same time. In this case the computer would simply listen on all selected methods.
A Direct Connection (a guest connection) may have one connection method specified at a time. This method may be modified in the connection's properties as desired.
Cables for direct serial and parallel connections are:
· Serial -- A standard, null-modem cable, with female connectors on both ends. These cables are sometimes called cross-over cables.
· Parallel -- There are three standards for parallel direct connection cables. The first is the Standard or basic 4-bit cable. The Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP) cable provides better performance, while the Universal Cable Module cables may also be used.
Cable construction and pin out information is available at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q142324/. If you are an experienced cable maker these cables are not difficult to construct. As well, some computer stores may stock these cables.
Note
A serial connection should be used if there is no other possible way to connect. Serial connections are significantly slower.
Many newer notebook computers do not have serial ports. There are USB to serial port adapters, but these devices may not offer the same performance that a true serial port does (though, technically, two computers, each with a USB to serial adapter might be faster.)
Media Player
The Windows Media Player (WMP) is a product that is constantly evolving. The current release is 10. To install the latest release of WMP go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx, and click the Download Now button.
Clicking on this URL will download the installation package for WMP. Another update path is to, in WMP's menu, select Help, "Check for player updates". This will check to see if your WMP is the latest version, and if not, will allow you to download and install the latest one. (Should you wish, you may cancel the update process at any prompt.)
JavaScript
JavaScript is a scripting language used by browsers and web site client side content to allow more functionality in content.
Note
Do not confuse JavaScript with Java. Though similar in syntax, they are two totally different things. JavaScript was created by Netscape for their browser scripting. Java is a product of Sun Microsystems. Both are available freely on the Internet. To obtain Java, visit http://www.sun.com/download/.
Microsoft created an open implementation of JavaScript (called JScript). JScript offers similar functionality as does JavaScript.