On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Specify installation system requirements
- Install Windows XP
- Use Setup Manager to create answer files
- Implement Remote Installation Service (RIS)
- Create an RIS startup disk
- Configure RIS
- Use the Setup Manager to create an answer file associated image for RIS
- Use third-party tools to deploy Windows XP
Windows XP is an updated version of Windows 2000 Professional and is positioned as a desktop OS for both home and professional network users. Windows XP is available in two editions: the Professional version includes networking features not found in the Home version.
Compared to Windows 9x/Milliennium, Windows XP is much more reliable and stable and can integrate properly into a Windows Server network. For home users, there is a Home Networking Wizard and the updates of the media tools.
Compared to Windows 2000, XP adds better hardware support (including hot-swapping of devices and improved power management) and internet/remote connectivity options. The Desktop has also been updated with a more colorful interface.
Before installing or deploying Windows XP, it is necessary to ensure that your computer(s) meets the minimum hardware specification.
It is always difficult defining minimum requirements, and so the values quoted in the table below will allow you to run Windows XP, but performance would be improved with more memory and a faster processor.
For good workstation throughput, you should be considering a high-end Pentium and 128Mb RAM or more.
As well as determining the system unit’s ability to support Windows XP, ensure that any third-party hardware devices you have will also support XP. Not everything that runs under Windows 98, or Windows 2000, will run correctly under Windows XP. If in doubt, contact the hardware vendor for additional drivers.
To find out more about setting up Windows XP and installing the Operating System please refer to the full course.
