Brief Overview
Windows XP in a single page ... read this if you've no time for the rest ...
What About Apple OS X?
This resource is 'windows-centric', but it also contains info for people using OS X - for instance, the 'Minerva' section applies to everyone. It's useful to be able to use both Windows and OS X - look under 'Apple' in the index pages for pointers to starting points with OS X. The equivalent to the Windows 'Right mouse click' is often useful in OS X (just hold the control key and click something). Also, the basic Windows shortcuts have OS X equivalents, here's a list for both systems.
What are Windows / Windows XP?
It's an operating system, and Windows runs chunks of the University network, and possibly your computer.
Why do we need new operating systems?
Because Windows 95/98 were a bit iffy when used on a network. They weren't good at handling security ... newer operating systems are an improvement as they're increasingly designed to be used on a network rather than as standalone machines from the 'Microcomputer' era.
Windows XP and you.
Windows needs to know who you are so it can protect your work.
Windows XP and your work
Use Windows 's powers to work in new ways -
- you've now easy access to a network drive, for backups and file sharing.
Active Directory
Directory info. about you lives on the Bath Spa University network.
A shortcut to the Bath Spa University phone book
Create a shortcut that allows you to look up someone's phone number ...
Remote updates and support via 'Systems Management Server'
Directory information about you lives on the Bath Spa University network.
Virtual Private Networking
Use your work account, files, network drives - from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
Sharing your work using Windows XP
More new powers - you can choose to share work from your local machine or network drive.
Windows XP and your machine
Remember when anyone could walk up to a computer and alter the screen colours? That wasn't such a good idea was it?
Windows XP and the University network
If you run a piece of software your computer can now protect itself and dig its heels in: "I don't know that so I'm not running it!".
Netiquette
When you use a computer you are part of a community.
Ten Commandments
... from the head of the IT department.
Two Windows resources on the web ...
Extensive Windows NT/ information.
© Mark Annand. Updated February 10th 2010