Windows 2000 Professional - the right choice for road warriors

The launch of Windows 2000 has opened new doors for users of mobile computers - finally, a platform is available in Windows 2000 Professional that specifically targets their needs. Justin Agar, Microsoft product manager at AXiZ, discusses some of the benefits that can be found for road warriors.

"One of the major design goals of Windows 2000 was to create a consistent working environment for mobile computer users whether they are connected or disconnected from the network, enabling them to work more productively," says Agar. "Improvements and additions to the software allow them to do exactly this."

Windows 2000 Professional provides mobiles users the same work environment whether on or offline. As a result, users can work in the same files, folders, or Web sites whether they are connected or disconnected and easily synchronize those resources. Consistent access to network-based resources helps users stay more productive whether on an airplane or working at a remote site.

The Offline Files and Folders feature lets mobile users easily take any combination of files, folders, or entire mapped drives offline. Instead of using a separate tool, such as the Briefcase, users simply right-click any network-based file or folder and click Make Available Offline on the menu. When the computer is offline, the files and folders appear in the same directory as they did online-as if they still resided in the same location on the network.

"Once users have taken resources offline, they need to be able to synchronise these files when reconnected to the network," says Agar. "Rather than copying files across manually, mobile users now have access to a feature called Synchronisation Manager, which synchronises all network resources, including files, folders, e-mail, and databases, in a single location."

Users can also determine whether files are synchronized when the system is idle, or schedule synchronization for specific time increments, such as every evening. As a result, mobile users always have the most up-to-date information, such as pricing, inventory, or sales data, to communicate to partners and clients-even when traveling. Synchronization Manager users can also synchronize resources based on their connection types. For example, a user can save time by specifying that large database files only be synchronized when the computer is using a high-speed connection and that all personal documents stored in a specific file are synchronized every time they are connected to the corporate LAN.

"Another key feature built into Windows 2000 specifically for mobile users is the ability to manage PC power," points out Agar. Maximizing battery life is a constant challenge for mobile users. Windows 2000 Professional supports the latest generation of power management technology called the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) hardware. ACPI defines a flexible and extensible hardware power management interface. With ACPI Windows 2000 Professional is able to manage a system`s power state in response to input from the user, applications, and device drivers.

"What this means is that a user can define when to power down to a lower power state, or can instruct the system when to use maximum or minimum power," says Agar. "For example, when showing AVI files, the PC would need full power. The operating system can also issue an instruction not to perform power-intensive background tasks, such as compression of mail, while on battery power."

Another key feature for most mobile users is the ability to get a notebook to sleep so as to not use battery power - and then wake up again on demand. A typical computer may take several minutes to completely start-far too long for a business meeting where potential clients are short on time and patience.

Windows 2000 Professional moves the computer closer to turning on at the flip of a switch. Support for the ACPI hardware standard allows a user to move from hibernate mode to on in less than 30 seconds. Hibernate mode turns off all power to the computer for an indefinite time, while maintaining the state of open programs and connected hardware when the computer went into hibernation.

For super fast access, Windows 2000 Professional supports suspend mode, which puts the system into a deep sleep, with some power. Waking from suspend mode takes only a few seconds yet can add hours to a battery`s life.

"Security is another major issue for most notebook users," says Agar. "Windows 2000 Professional offers an encryption option. . If users store sensitive information on a mobile computer, they can encrypt those files and folders. If the laptop is stolen, EFS protects its files and folders, even if the thief reinstalls Windows 2000 Professional. Only users with a special decryption key can access the file"

These are only some of the special features offered by Windows 2000 Professional for notebook users. Others include:

• Accessing Web Content Offline

• Connecting and Managing Peripheral Devices

• Docking and Undocking

• Internet Printing

• Creating Remote Connections

• Virtual Private Networking

• Using the Same Device for Multiple Connections

• Protecting Laptops with Smart Cards