Make Windows XP Professional Accessible
Do you have trouble reading the screen, hearing the sound themes, using the keyboard, or moving the mouse? Windows XP Professional includes features such as Accessibility Wizard, Accessibility Options, and Utility Manager that make Windows XP accessible and usable by everyone.
For more detailed information about accessibility options, keyboard shortcuts, and assistant technology programs in Windows XP Professional:
Click Start, then click Help and Support, and then click Accessibility, in the left-hand column.
–or–
Press the Windows Logo key + F1, use the TAB key to highlight Accessibility, and then press ENTER.
To learn more about Microsoft products available for people with disabilities, visit the Microsoft Accessibility Web site.
Note: The information in this section applies only to users who license Microsoft products in the United States. If you obtained this product outside the United States, your package contains a card that lists Microsoft subsidiary support services, telephone numbers, and addresses. Contact your subsidiary to find out whether the type of products and services described here are available in your area.
Accessibility Wizard
The Accessibility Wizard asks you questions about your accessibility needs and automatically configures text size, and settings for display, sound, and pointer.
To start the Accessibility Wizard
Click Start and point to All Programs. Then point to Accessories, point to Accessibility, and click Accessibility Wizard.
–or–
Press the Windows Logo key , press P to open All Programs, and then press ENTER. Press A to open Accessories, press ENTER to open Accessibility, and then press ENTER again to start Accessibility Wizard.
Note: Utility Manager lets you start, stop, and check the status of the accessibility programs you select from the Accessibility Wizard.
To open the Utility Manager
Click Start and point to All Programs. Then point to Accessories, point to Accessibility, and click Utility Manager.
–or–
Press the Windows Logo key , press P to open All Programs, and then press ENTER. Press A to open Accessories, press ENTER to open Accessibility. Use the arrow keys to highlight Utility Manager, and then press ENTER.
Accessibility Options
Accessibility Options allow you to directly customize keyboard, display, and mouse functions.
To open Accessibility Options
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Accessibility Options.
–or–
Press the Windows Logo key , use the arrow keys to highlight Control Panel, and then press ENTER. Use the TAB key to highlight Accessibility Options, and then press ENTER.
Sharing Your Own Computer's Stuff with the Network
Sharing Your Own Computer's Stuff with the Network
To share a file or folder with your fellow computer users, move the file into your Shared Documents folder, which lives in your My Computer window. (You must move or copy a file into the Shared Documents folder; shortcuts don't always work.)
After you place your file or folder into your Shared Documents folder, it appears in the Shared Documents folder of everybody else using your computer.
Administrators can share folders without having to move them into the Shared Documents folder. The trick is to follow these steps:
1. Right-click on a folder you'd like to share and choose Sharing and Security from the pop-up menu.
Open My Computer and right-click on the folder you'd like to share. When the menu appears, select Sharing and Security. A window appears, showing the Properties for that folder. It opens to the Sharing tab.
Right-click on a folder and choose Sharing and Security to share the folder on the network.
2. Click the box marked Share This Folder on the Network.
A check mark in that box lets everybody peek at, grab, steal, change, or delete any of the files in that folder. To let visitors look inside the files but not change them, remove the check mark from the box marked Allow Network Users to Change My Files.
3. Click OK.
Now that particular folder and all its contents are available for everybody on the network to share.
Sharing a lot of folders isn't a good idea because it gives network visitors too much control over your computer. Even if you trust people, they might accidentally mess something up. To be safe, only share files by placing them in the Shared Document folder.
Inside Shared Documents live two more folders, Shared Music and Shared Pictures. Those two folders are also available to any user. So, if you want to share documents with any user of your computer, store them in the Shared Documents folder. When you make MP3s from your CDs, store them in the Shared Music folder, too, so that everybody can enjoy them.
To share a file or folder with your fellow computer users, move the file into your Shared Documents folder, which lives in your My Computer window. (You must move or copy a file into the Shared Documents folder; shortcuts don't always work.)
After you place your file or folder into your Shared Documents folder, it appears in the Shared Documents folder of everybody else using your computer.
Administrators can share folders without having to move them into the Shared Documents folder. The trick is to follow these steps:
1. Right-click on a folder you'd like to share and choose Sharing and Security from the pop-up menu.
Open My Computer and right-click on the folder you'd like to share. When the menu appears, select Sharing and Security. A window appears, showing the Properties for that folder. It opens to the Sharing tab.
Right-click on a folder and choose Sharing and Security to share the folder on the network.
2. Click the box marked Share This Folder on the Network.
A check mark in that box lets everybody peek at, grab, steal, change, or delete any of the files in that folder. To let visitors look inside the files but not change them, remove the check mark from the box marked Allow Network Users to Change My Files.
3. Click OK.
Now that particular folder and all its contents are available for everybody on the network to share.
Sharing a lot of folders isn't a good idea because it gives network visitors too much control over your computer. Even if you trust people, they might accidentally mess something up. To be safe, only share files by placing them in the Shared Document folder.
Inside Shared Documents live two more folders, Shared Music and Shared Pictures. Those two folders are also available to any user. So, if you want to share documents with any user of your computer, store them in the Shared Documents folder. When you make MP3s from your CDs, store them in the Shared Music folder, too, so that everybody can enjoy them.
Install Windows XP Professional Quick Upgrade
Install Windows XP Professional Quick Upgrade
Once you've gathered the information you need, you are ready to install Windows XP Professional.
To perform a quick upgrade
Turn on your computer.
Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD–ROM drive.
After your computer automatically launches the CD, click Install Windows XP.
IMPORTANT
If your computer doesn't automatically launch the CD, start Setup manually:
Click Start and then click Run.
Type the following command, replacing "d" with the letter assigned to your CD-ROM drive:
d:\setup.exe
Press ENTER.
When you're asked to choose the type of installation you want, select Upgrade, and then click Next.
You can upgrade to Windows XP if all of the following are true:
You're already using a previous version of Windows that supports upgrading. These include: Windows 98 (including Second Edition); Windows Millennium (Me); Windows NT® 4.0 (Service Pack 6 or later); Windows 2000 Professional; or Windows XP Home Edition. (Windows 95 and earlier versions do not support upgrade to Windows XP Professional.)
You want to replace your previous operating system with Windows XP Professional.
You want to keep your existing files and personalized settings.
If none—or only some—of these are true for you, perform a new installation. For more information, see New Installation.
Review the license agreement and, if you agree, accept it.
Enter the Product Key from the Windows XP folder.
Review the text for performing Dynamic Update. If you wish to perform Dynamic Update, select Yes, and then click Next.
Windows installation starts.
IMPORTANT
You must have an active Internet connection to perform Dynamic Update.
When the “Welcome to Windows” screen appears, follow the instructions to complete your upgrade.
Go to “Configure Windows XP” for information on setting up user accounts and network connections.
Once you've gathered the information you need, you are ready to install Windows XP Professional.
To perform a quick upgrade
Turn on your computer.
Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD–ROM drive.
After your computer automatically launches the CD, click Install Windows XP.
IMPORTANT
If your computer doesn't automatically launch the CD, start Setup manually:
Click Start and then click Run.
Type the following command, replacing "d" with the letter assigned to your CD-ROM drive:
d:\setup.exe
Press ENTER.
When you're asked to choose the type of installation you want, select Upgrade, and then click Next.
You can upgrade to Windows XP if all of the following are true:
You're already using a previous version of Windows that supports upgrading. These include: Windows 98 (including Second Edition); Windows Millennium (Me); Windows NT® 4.0 (Service Pack 6 or later); Windows 2000 Professional; or Windows XP Home Edition. (Windows 95 and earlier versions do not support upgrade to Windows XP Professional.)
You want to replace your previous operating system with Windows XP Professional.
You want to keep your existing files and personalized settings.
If none—or only some—of these are true for you, perform a new installation. For more information, see New Installation.
Review the license agreement and, if you agree, accept it.
Enter the Product Key from the Windows XP folder.
Review the text for performing Dynamic Update. If you wish to perform Dynamic Update, select Yes, and then click Next.
Windows installation starts.
IMPORTANT
You must have an active Internet connection to perform Dynamic Update.
When the “Welcome to Windows” screen appears, follow the instructions to complete your upgrade.
Go to “Configure Windows XP” for information on setting up user accounts and network connections.
Shutting Down Windows XP
Shutting Down Windows XP
Although the big argument used to be about saturated and unsaturated fats, today's generation has found a new source of disagreement: Should a computer be left on all the time or turned off at the end of the day? Both camps have decent arguments, and there's no real answer (except that you should always turn off your monitor when you won't be using it for a half hour or so).
However, if you decide to turn off your computer, don't just head for the off switch. First, tell Windows XP about your plans. To do that, click the Start button, choose the Turn Off Computer command, and ponder the choices Windows XP places on-screen.
Click Stand By to temporarily put the computer to sleep, click Turn Off to turn off your computer, or click Restart to make Windows XP shut down and come back to life.
Stand By: Save your work before choosing this option; Windows XP doesn't save your work automatically. Instead, it lets your computer doze for a bit to save power, but the computer wakes up at the touch of a button.
Turn Off: Clicking here tells Windows XP to put away all your programs and to make sure that you've saved all your important files. Then it turns off your computer and most of the newer monitors. Poof! Use this option when you're done computing for the day. (If your monitor doesn't turn off automatically, you'll have to push its power button yourself.)
Restart: Here, Windows saves your work and prepares your computer to be shut off. However, it then restarts your computer. Use this option when installing new software, changing settings, or trying to stop Windows XP from doing something awfully weird.
Hibernate: Only offered on some computers, this option works much like Shut Down. It saves your work and turns off your computer. However, when turned on again, your computer presents your desktop just as you left it: Open programs and windows appear in the same place. Putting your computer into hibernation mode is not as safe as shutting it down. (Don't see the Hibernate feature? Hold down Shift, and it will replace the Standby button.)
The Hibernate command takes all of your currently open information and writes it to the hard drive in one big chunk. Then, to re-create your desktop, it reads that big chunk and places it back on your desktop.
Don't ever turn off your computer unless you've chosen the Turn Off command from the Start button. Windows XP needs to prepare itself for the shutdown, or it may accidentally eat some of your important information — as well as the information of anybody else using the computer at the time.
Remember, if you're done with the computer but other people might want to use it, just click Log Off from the Start menu: Windows XP saves your work and brings up the Welcome screen, allowing other people to log on and play video games.
Although the big argument used to be about saturated and unsaturated fats, today's generation has found a new source of disagreement: Should a computer be left on all the time or turned off at the end of the day? Both camps have decent arguments, and there's no real answer (except that you should always turn off your monitor when you won't be using it for a half hour or so).
However, if you decide to turn off your computer, don't just head for the off switch. First, tell Windows XP about your plans. To do that, click the Start button, choose the Turn Off Computer command, and ponder the choices Windows XP places on-screen.
Click Stand By to temporarily put the computer to sleep, click Turn Off to turn off your computer, or click Restart to make Windows XP shut down and come back to life.
Stand By: Save your work before choosing this option; Windows XP doesn't save your work automatically. Instead, it lets your computer doze for a bit to save power, but the computer wakes up at the touch of a button.
Turn Off: Clicking here tells Windows XP to put away all your programs and to make sure that you've saved all your important files. Then it turns off your computer and most of the newer monitors. Poof! Use this option when you're done computing for the day. (If your monitor doesn't turn off automatically, you'll have to push its power button yourself.)
Restart: Here, Windows saves your work and prepares your computer to be shut off. However, it then restarts your computer. Use this option when installing new software, changing settings, or trying to stop Windows XP from doing something awfully weird.
Hibernate: Only offered on some computers, this option works much like Shut Down. It saves your work and turns off your computer. However, when turned on again, your computer presents your desktop just as you left it: Open programs and windows appear in the same place. Putting your computer into hibernation mode is not as safe as shutting it down. (Don't see the Hibernate feature? Hold down Shift, and it will replace the Standby button.)
The Hibernate command takes all of your currently open information and writes it to the hard drive in one big chunk. Then, to re-create your desktop, it reads that big chunk and places it back on your desktop.
Don't ever turn off your computer unless you've chosen the Turn Off command from the Start button. Windows XP needs to prepare itself for the shutdown, or it may accidentally eat some of your important information — as well as the information of anybody else using the computer at the time.
Remember, if you're done with the computer but other people might want to use it, just click Log Off from the Start menu: Windows XP saves your work and brings up the Welcome screen, allowing other people to log on and play video games.
Radio and the Windows Media Player
Radio and the Windows Media Player
Select a Preset Station
Windows Media Player for Windows XP features preset Web radio stations that make listening a snap. It's an easy way to get started and a great introduction to the music capabilities of Windows XP. Once you're on the Internet, you can tune in Web radio.
To listen to Internet radio
Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Media Player.
Click Radio Tuner.
Double-click a preset Web radio station from the list of featured presets.
That’s all there is to it. Loading a station usually takes a few seconds, after which playing begins automatically.
Create Your Own Presets
Of course, you’re not limited to listening only to preset stations. After all, Internet radio is all about choice. It’s easy to find interesting new stations and create your own presets.
To create preset radio stations
Click Start, and then click Windows Media Player.
Click Radio Tuner.
Click Find More Stations.
Search for stations by keyword or zip code (U.S. only), or browse through editor's selections in genres from Jazz & Blues to Modern Rock to New Age to Sports Radio and more.
Click Use Advanced Search to search for stations based on genre, language, country, and more criteria.
If you find a station that looks interesting, you can click it for more information. To create a preset, click Add to My Stations.
When you are finished, click Return to My Stations.
Click any station in My Stations to play it.
Note Because Radio Tuner contains a live Web page that is hosted by WindowsMedia.com, the process for adding radio stations may change without notice.
Streaming Audio
Web radio is broadcast by a method called streaming. Instead of sending out a constant signal, the station sends out audio in batches, or packets, across the Internet to reach your computer. Each packet is separately numbered, and the data it contains is compressed (reduced in size) for speedier delivery. When the computer receives packets, it decompresses (reconstitutes) their data and plays them in their proper order. The effect is the same as if the information was delivered by means of a continuous signal.
Packets might travel by separate routes to reach your computer and might arrive out of order. To allow for delays, your computer initially stores packets instead of playing them until enough have arrived to fill the time it takes to receive any missing packets before it is their turn to play. The storing process is called buffering. Without streaming audio Web radio would not be possible, and full-length media files would take ages to download.
Select a Preset Station
Windows Media Player for Windows XP features preset Web radio stations that make listening a snap. It's an easy way to get started and a great introduction to the music capabilities of Windows XP. Once you're on the Internet, you can tune in Web radio.
To listen to Internet radio
Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Media Player.
Click Radio Tuner.
Double-click a preset Web radio station from the list of featured presets.
That’s all there is to it. Loading a station usually takes a few seconds, after which playing begins automatically.
Create Your Own Presets
Of course, you’re not limited to listening only to preset stations. After all, Internet radio is all about choice. It’s easy to find interesting new stations and create your own presets.
To create preset radio stations
Click Start, and then click Windows Media Player.
Click Radio Tuner.
Click Find More Stations.
Search for stations by keyword or zip code (U.S. only), or browse through editor's selections in genres from Jazz & Blues to Modern Rock to New Age to Sports Radio and more.
Click Use Advanced Search to search for stations based on genre, language, country, and more criteria.
If you find a station that looks interesting, you can click it for more information. To create a preset, click Add to My Stations.
When you are finished, click Return to My Stations.
Click any station in My Stations to play it.
Note Because Radio Tuner contains a live Web page that is hosted by WindowsMedia.com, the process for adding radio stations may change without notice.
Streaming Audio
Web radio is broadcast by a method called streaming. Instead of sending out a constant signal, the station sends out audio in batches, or packets, across the Internet to reach your computer. Each packet is separately numbered, and the data it contains is compressed (reduced in size) for speedier delivery. When the computer receives packets, it decompresses (reconstitutes) their data and plays them in their proper order. The effect is the same as if the information was delivered by means of a continuous signal.
Packets might travel by separate routes to reach your computer and might arrive out of order. To allow for delays, your computer initially stores packets instead of playing them until enough have arrived to fill the time it takes to receive any missing packets before it is their turn to play. The storing process is called buffering. Without streaming audio Web radio would not be possible, and full-length media files would take ages to download.
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