Introduction

Windows XP is the first version of Windows where the Windows 95/98/Me code base is merged with that of Windows NT, and it is quite clear that Microsoft s goal is to create a user environment that is comfortable to both new and experienced users. The Control Panel has all of the options to customize the appearance and functionality of your computer. It is the first stop for every Windows user to add or remove programs and hardware, set up network connections, and administer user accounts, among other tasks. Normal users will visit here occasionally, because they tend to leave the configuration alone. Others, however, need to tweak and experiment obsessively. They seem to spend more time in the Control Panel than in their Web browsers. The Control Panel is one of the few aspects of Windows that has not changed dramatically since Windows 3.0, or even earlier.

One aspect of the Control Panel for Windows XP that is different from previous Windows versions is the capability to choose the most suitable views to work in, as shown in Figures 10.1 and 10.2. The Classic view (see Figure 10.1) presents the Control Panel in the way that Windows users have become accustomed to, where all icons are displayed in a single window. The Category view (see Figure 10.2) is new in Windows XP. It displays a list of broad categories of configuration tasks, such as Appearance and Themes, Network and Internet Connections, and Performance and Maintenance. Selecting one of these...