Windows XP Guided Tour

New Interface
The entirely new look of Windows XP is sure to grab lots of attention. The so-called Luna design--which you'll see popping up in other products from Microsoft--has big icons, rounded dialog boxes, and bright, colorful backgrounds. The desktop has fewer icons, the Start menu and System Tray show only the applications you use most frequently, and commonly accessed dialog boxes such as the Control Panel have been simplified. The overall effect is a less cluttered and easier to use OS. But for those traditionalists who miss good old Windows, you can always revert to the "Classic" look.

Digital Photography
Building upon Windows Me's enhanced support for imaging, Windows XP should become the top operating system on the market for working with digital cameras and scanners. An enhanced My Pictures folder simplifies the process of transferring, browsing through, and manipulating images, and Windows XP also offers the ability to send images straight to an online printing service.

Digital Audio
Windows XP will include an updated Windows Media Player (version 8), and makes it easier than ever to burn your own CDs (you can bet the Recording Industry is really happy about that one).

Digital Video
In Windows Me, Microsoft introduced a new digital video editing application called Windows Movie Maker. It's still there in Windows XP, but it's easier to use. When you attach a DV camcorder, Windows XP should automatically recognize it and launch Movie Maker.

Internet Explorer 6
Windows XP includes a new version of the Internet Explorer browser. Like Windows XP itself, IE 6 has a streamlined look and lots of enhancements, mainly to the Explorer Bars. Related features in Windows XP include an improved home networking wizard (for sharing an Internet connection), a personal firewall for broadband users, and enhanced Web Publishing Wizard.

Behind the Scenes
Although Windows XP looks totally different, its foundation is Windows 2000, which offers better reliability than Windows Me or Windows 98 SE. Microsoft says the final version of Windows XP will offer the broadest support yet for other hardware and software. On top of all this, Microsoft has added some new services--and updated others--that are designed to make the user experience trouble-free.