Additional Windows XP Features

Windows XP offers additional features to help make your computer experience efficient and trouble free.

Automatic Updates

Like previous versions of Windows, Windows XP supports Automatic Updates, a feature that enables Windows to look for and install critical software updates as they become available. These updates can be automatically downloaded from the Internet without interrupting you or your work.

Help and Support Center

Windows XP also includes newly revamped Help and Support Center, which provides users with online, automated support that can assist in preventing problems, provide helpful information, and automate resolving problems. With Help and Support Center, you can search for information across multiple sources, including information available on your hard disk and on the Web.

To open Help and Support Center

1.	Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

2.	Click Help and Support on the Start menu.

You can use Help and Support Center to access help remotely. For example, if you want to ask a friend or coworker who’s knowledgeable about computers to help you fix a problem, you can send him or her a Remote Assistance Help Request. With your permission, your friend can control your desktop from their computer and work to fix the problem.

Compatible Hardware and Software

You can also research hardware and software to determine which products are the most compatible with Windows XP by using the Find compatible hardware and software for Windows XP task in Help and Support Center.

Compatibility Mode

Windows XP Compatibility Mode provides an environment that emulates the behavior of previous Windows operating systems. If an older application experiences problems running on the current version of Windows, it may perform better in one of the compatibility environments.

Windows Update

Windows XP ensures that you have the latest software improvements, updates, and drivers available by regularly checking the Windows Update Web site. Everything your computer needs to operate at peak efficiency is offered with reminders that you can receive as often as you like.