One step closer to a new world of computing

A new model of computing, one designed around end-to-end experiences that improve the productivity and decision-making abilities of organisations, while informing and entertaining customers at home is what Microsoft`s Windows XP is all about. So, why wait to experience it? According to Justin Agar, Microsoft product manager at Axiz, users should make the move to Windows XP now, in preparation for the next big step, Longhorn.

Although Microsoft has not formally announced a launch date for its next generation operating system, Longhorn, it is expected in 2007. This version is destined to be the next wave in personal computing, becoming a powerful asset for all users, but Agar advises users to take the first step towards Windows XP before the giant leap to Longhorn.

"Users should make the move to Windows XP sooner rather than later. It is Microsoft`s most advanced desktop operating system, providing home users with a digital experience like never before, while business users can work smarter and faster in a safe environment," says Agar.

In support of Windows XP, Evans Data Corporation reported in its 2003 North American Development Survey that Windows XP operating system has surpassed Windows 2000 as the most likely target OS for development. The number of developers targeting Windows XP surged by almost 50% in the past six months and by almost 150% in the last year, while Windows 2000 fell by almost 25% in the last year.

"This is extremely positive for all users. As Windows XP becomes the mainstream operating system of choice, it ensures that it remains the most compatible desktop operating system for users," comments Agar.

In an effort to support its users` ever changing needs and to address the now critical issue of security, Microsoft has developed Windows XP Service Pack 2, which introduces several new capabilities.

Agar believes that the issue of security has never been more important and as much of a challenge for users. "The Windows XP Service Pack 2 assists users to keep up to date with all security patches and relevant information. It makes it easy to manage and protect a computing environment with less hassle and fuss."

The Service Pack 2 covers significant issues such as network protection; safer e-mail and instant messaging; safer Web browsing and enhanced memory protection.

Of major significance is the network protection. Microsoft is strengthening the network protection of Windows XP to help prevent network-based attacks, such as those from the Sasser worm. The Windows Firewall is turned on by default and is enhanced to help stop network-based attacks by closing ports when they are not in use by an application.

For corporate users there is multiple profile support in Windows Firewall, which allows businesses to create two sets of firewall policy for computers joined to a domain: one for when the computer is connected to the corporate network and one for when the computer is not. Users can specify policy that is less strict when the computer is connected to the corporate network to enable line of business applications to work. There is also an option to have a more aggressive security policy that will be enforced when the computer leaves the corporation network, which helps to protect against Internet-based attacks.

Users are often extremely vulnerable when using e-mail. Improvements have been made to protect against malicious e-mail attachments and Instant Messenger file transfers. The new Attachment Execution Service determines whether files are safe to open/execute when attached to messages in Outlook Express and Windows Messenger, or opened via Internet Explorer.

Another major security threat is surfing the Web. With the Service Pack 2, Internet Explorer is enhanced to provide improved protection against harmful Web downloads while continuing to provide a full-featured browsing experience and application platform for users of Windows XP.

"Internet Explorer will help protect users from accidentally downloading and installing programs from potentially malicious Web sites by automatically blocking download requests.

"It will complement existing Web content filtering solutions by providing in-depth protection to corporate computers and mobile laptops," continues Agar.

Another key element of Windows XP is the new Windows Security Centre. Found in the Windows XP Control Panel, it provides administrators and users with the ability to check the status of essential security functionalities - firewalls, Automatic Update and third-party anti-virus software. Windows Security Centre will inform users and administrators whether these key security capabilities are turned on and up to date, and will notify users if updates need to be made or if additional actions may need to be taken to improve their security.

There is also a pop-up blocker on by default. Internet Explorer will detect that a pop-up or pop-under window is unwanted if it doesn`t directly result from the user clicking on a link on a Web page.

"By ignoring Windows XP, users deny themselves the benefit of technology both at home and in the office. Migrating now may be the best decision a user makes all year," concludes Agar.

For more information, contact Axiz on (011) 237-7000, www.axiz.com or visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/default.asp.