Windows XP Home Edition
As the name implies, this version of XP is designed specifically with the home user in mind. With an array of new multimedia features, XP Home Edition attempts to make it easier for users to work with music videos, and images. Here is a look at some of the highlights of XP Home Edition.
New Music and Video Tools
Media Player for Windows XP now allows users to burn CD’s, transfer music to a portable player or tune in one of thousands of Internet radio stations. You can also use Media Player to watch videos or DVDs.

Windows Movie Maker allows users to create, edit and share movies. Movie Maker allows you to import movies created with a standard camcorder with the use of an inexpensive adapter. Of course digitally recorded movies can be captured as well.

The software allows users to rearrange video clips and to add special effects such as fade and dissolve. Users can add background music or narration. Microsoft claims that approximately 20 hours of video can be stored per gigabyte of disk space.

New with XP Home Edition is a feature called My Pictures. The software allows users to quickly transfer pictures from a digital camera or scanner. Functions are available to optimize photos for sending via e-mail or to make use of high quality photo paper.
Simple Home Networking
Networking home computers is becoming more popular as households add a second computer and want to share resources such as printers, CD ROM drives and other peripherals.

The Windows XP setup wizard guides users through the process of configuring a simple network. XP is compatible with home phone line network (HPNA) connectivity or newer wireless connections.

Windows XP also a single Internet connection to be shared among all of the computers on your network. An Internet Firewall feature adds security.
New User Interface
The new interface is ‘task oriented’ claims Microsoft. A dynamic command window gives users quick access to functions depending on the task at hand. While working in Word, for example, basic cut, paste and copy commands would be available.

Windows XP Home Edition is designed for households where many people use the same computer. Each user has a login and optional password. A user profile is associated with this login id and allows each user to save their favorite control panel settings and configuration.

A user profile allows each user to set their personal video preferences such as color scheme, wallpaper and resolution. The ‘My Documents’ folder will contain only documents pertaining to this user. And the Internet Explorer ‘Favorites’ folder will contain only sites selected by this user.
To switch users, it’s not necessary to shut down and restart Windows XP. Simply log off and allow the new user to logon.
Enhanced Instant Messaging Capabilities
Windows Messenger is Microsoft’s answer to the popular instant messaging services. In addition, to basic messaging, Windows Messenger allows audio and video conferencing and the ability to make voice calls. It’s possible to transmit files or send a message to a cell phone. And for collaborating on projects, Microsoft has added a shared white board feature.