Microsoft had been provided different product families for business and home users. From last few years Microsoft try to dissolve business and home operating systems into one. Then they release Windows XP, which brings properties of window 2000 and Window 98/Me. Window XP brings standards-based network security, manageability and reliability from the Window 2000 and easy-to-use interface, excellent hardware capability from the Window 98/Me. This is available in two basic versions: XP professional for business users and XP home for home users.

Some of the common features of Window XP are:

• Switching users: Window XP provides a fast switching technique to achieve this 128 RAM is recommended. This only done when you install it on a stand alone computer or work group connected computer

• Managing files: Window XP provides a more manageable task bar, grouping multiple instances of the same application. It uses Web view technology to help you manage files and grouping multiple instances of the same application.

• Client-side Encryption: In window 2000 cached files could not be encrypted but Windows XP allows you to encrypt offline files database and this provides extra security to your document. Client side encryption required the Administrative rights.

Device plug and play: Zero-configuration, invisible networking and automatic discovery all these three features are supported by the Device plug and play. It allows administrator to configure, setup and add peripherals to a system. With a universal plug and play a devices can dynamically join a network, obtain an IP address and has record of other devices presences and capabilities.



• Network connections: Window XP provides internet sharing and configuration for the home network which is more economical and convenient method. LAN can also setup very easily without any knowledge of network protocols and without any physical requirement. It also includes a Media Access Control bridging component.

• Remote Desktop: Remote desktop is one of he most interesting feature of the Window XP. Using this remote desk top connection user can access his computer from anywhere over any connection. It also provides the security that's why your all the file and applications will be secured when you access your system from anywhere else. If your system is a network administrator, remote desktop serves as a rapid response tool.

• Driver Rollback: Driver rollback helps you in system stability. If you update a driver, then the copy of the previous driver is automatically saved in the system files. In case if the new driver does not work then you need to restore the previous driver because It permits only one level of rollback.

• System Restore: System Restore is a disaster recovery feature in Microsoft: Windows XP. The system restore allows the user to revert essential operating system files back to a previous recorded state. System Restore does not atfect your personal data files even hard disk fails. There are several reasons why a user might want to perform a system restore, including to repair the operating system after effects by a computer virus or if the Windows registry has become corrupted.

• Internet Firewall: A firewall is a system or group of systems that enforces an access control policy between two or more networks. It is a type of security that is suitable for home users and small business. Internet firewall' prevent the scanning of ports and external sources so that the computer is totally secure which is connected directly to the internet. When fire wall is enable it blocks all the internet connections using the logic of Network Address Translator.