Windows 2000: Features of Windows 2000 Professional

Operating system Windows 2000 Professional (Windows 2000 Pro) has so many fundamental differences from Windows NT Workstation 4.0 and Windows 98. However, in order to fully appreciate all the features of this version, you must clearly understand the goals that put developers. In the autumn of 1996, when Microsoft started to create a Windows 2000 (when it was still called Windows NT 5.0), corporate management has set by developers following task: to make the operating system simple and reliable. Some time later, it was decided that Windows 2000 should exceed the reliability and ease of working with it all of the previous versions are ideal for laptop users, but also provides a reduction of this figure, the total cost of ownership. Were you able to do it, let's see. Although Windows 2000 interface is similar throughout the interface of its predecessors, it is more systematic. For example, how to work with the Start menu personalized by built-in Personalized Menus, which tracks all operations performed. As a result, icons are rarely used programs will be removed from the standard menu and the menu will disappear regularly used applications are rarely selected items that are sometimes confusing. When they do need, you will only need to click on the small chevron symbol at the bottom of each menu or for a few seconds holding the mouse pointer over the menu.

In addition, developers have transformed the familiar Find command in the HTML standard based on a master Search, which works in a special window, Windows Explorer (see. Screen 1) and allows you to perform detailed searches within your local and remote drives, or other resources. I must say that the new search facility before finally eliminated so annoying users flaw now, after the display of found files, you can right-click on the desired file and open it. While in previous versions of Windows, and supports multiple languages, the possibility of a multilingual version of Windows 2000 Pro MultiLanguage are staggering: the operating system switches from one language to another even without rebooting. In addition, there is the possibility of simultaneous operation of the application, the interface which is written in French and English. In particular, it is possible to use French in the interface most tasks, and the English-viewing, printing, or creating documents. When will the new expansion pack, the same services will be provided to more than twenty languages. Compared with Windows 98, the new operating system better supports modern equipment, in particular of the operating system included an improved Device Manager (Device Manager) (see. Screen 2, allows you to control your computer configuration and the condition of an enabled devices. As for the master installation (Add / Remove hardware wizard), then, despite the external similarity to the same component of Windows 98, it has become much more powerful. with this wizard, you can install the new equipment to carry out its diagnostics, to disconnect both fixed and connected to the "hot" device mode. Of course, Windows 2000 Pro supports connection mode Plug-and-Play (PnP), which performs automatic configuration of devices and "hot" connection of PC Card modules, batteries of laptop computers, as well as using USB bus peripherals. However, The operating system is no longer working with so-called legacy devices and some types of multimedia equipment.

Network Connection Wizard Network Connection Wizard, shown in Figure 3, is also significantly easier to work with the operating system. As you know, Windows 2000 Pro control panel module Network and Dial-up Connections manages all kinds of network connections, including dial-up and direct, and implement a virtual private network (VPN), Ethernet network and the NIC. As for the Master, it facilitates the installation procedures and the management of such compounds. In Windows 2000, the two are logically related modules are combined into one, so working with network components is much more convenient. However, in Windows 2000 Pro is not means to create different profiles for a single compound. For example, it may well be necessary to use TCP / IP parameters that are set for connection of a laptop computer to a local network settings different from the mobile connection options. However, in future versions this limitation promise to remove and tools produced by independent companies such as NetSwitcher program to help in the management of multiple network sessions. A number of new features, network administrators have received thanks to the technological components such as Group Policy (Group Police), Active Directory directory services (AD), as well as the system of centralized data synchronization in networks of Windows 2000, the Pro, implemented on the basis of IntelliMirror technologies. Group policies facilitate the administration of users with roaming profiles, as they provide an opportunity to attach to their accounts or computer accounts specific software applications. As for the IntelliMirror technologies, it also supports roaming profiles and provides a means of automated software installation. This remote software installation on Windows 2000 Pro is only possible if the hardware supports remote boot mode. It should be noted that for the preparation of the migration processes across the enterprise, you can use the utility System Preparation. In addition, Windows 2000, the Pro, as well as Windows 98, supports Direct X standards and the OpenGL, and also includes the Disk Defragmenter, the new backup software and disk cleaning utility, similar to the one which was part of the Microsoft Plus! 98. It is important that support is provided for Windows 98 used FAT32 file system, and finally, an end to the already annoying incompatibility of file standards, Windows NT and Windows 9x. (Although Windows 98 still can not read NTFS volumes, Windows 2000 and Windows NT successfully serve FAT32 drives.) It is necessary to add that Windows 2000 Pro is now able to simultaneously manage multiple monitors and video cards and guarantees full operation of the relevant modern standards of equipment, including USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), AGP, DVD and Device Bay. So, can we say after all this that Windows 2000 Pro-most easy to use version of the Windows family? Obviously, yes, since Microsoft has accelerated the execution of many procedures and simplified user interface. At the same time, some obvious simplifications developers still did not. For example, why professional users such a cumbersome system of assistance? Or why corporate operating system uses such common names as My Computer and My Network Places, instead of automatically involve known to her computer and domain names? However, as already mentioned, despite a number of shortcomings, Windows 2000 Pro significantly improved compared to previous versions. The question arises: why use Windows 98, when there is a Windows 2000 Pro? Here, first of all you need to remember about compatibility issues with existing hardware and software. For example, implemented in Windows 2000 Pro graphics cards support hardware working with Direct3D and OpenGL standards, to put it mildly, is an unordered character. So, I should includes 12 MB of RAM Voodoo 2 graphics card, with which the Windows 2000 Pro can not work effectively, for all the drivers available for it has been written for Windows NT 4.0. Since these drivers do not support Direct3D, the question of whether it would be possible to play in the modern game, just ask besmyslenno. However, there is no doubt that Microsoft eventually will correct the situation, the Pro and Windows 2000, having received the necessary drivers set to surpass Windows 98 on all counts. Microsoft says that Windows 2000 Pro has a higher than Windows 98, performance on computers with a memory capacity of 64 MB or higher. It is not necessary to believe. Thus, in the case of a typical network applications and package Microsoft Office, your computer must have at least 128 MB of RAM. It should also be borne in mind that for satisfaction of the "appetite" in relation to hardware resources Windows 2000 Pro supports up to 4 GBytes of memory and can operate with two processors. If you receive such a desire, can be easily added in the second processor in Device Manager. (In Windows NT 4.0 it will require to use relevant tools from Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Resource Kit.)

Now the question is different: Is there any sense at all to move from Windows 98 to Windows 2000 Pro? Provided that the workstation is running Windows 98 meets the minimum hardware requirements, the answer is yes. For example, if your computer is based on a minimum of 300-megahertz Pentium II processor and has no less than 64 MB of memory, Windows 2000 Pro perfectly accustomed to it. In addition, surprisingly, when installed on a portable computer with the minimum configuration of the Windows 2000 Pro outperforms Windows 98 on all counts.

Support for mobile computers

How can all the Windows 2000 Pro to work well on laptops? It is known that Windows NT 4.0 is actually left the market due to poor hardware support, and the lack of adequate means of power management. Normal operation NT 4.0 with laptops is possible only in the presence of software plug-ins supplied OEM-manufacturers. However, if you are using Windows 2000, the Pro, users do not have to seek the assistance of independent companies as this operating system offers excellent power management, including support for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specification. This requires that the laptop was set compatible with the ACPI BIOS chip, issued not later than 1 January 1999. We should also mention that are compatible with the Advanced Power Management (APM) standard computers will be able to use a limited number of ACPI functions. For example, ACPI-notebook user is able to translate it in a low power mode by closing the phone or pressing the Power button, which, by itself, can not be done on portable computers that support APM. Learn how to work laptop users with data, the developers decided to facilitate their access to information in cases when the network connection is broken. Offline Folders Wizard and Manager Synchronization Manager (SyncMgr): To do this in Windows 2000 Pro two components were introduced. Suppose that the owner of the laptop to get the data from the network after the end of the session. He finds the resource, click on the right mouse button, and then choose the command Make Available Offline. A wizard Offline Files, which helps the user to perform all necessary operations. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, you can select the automatic file synchronization mode each time you log into the network or leaving it, or use SyncMgr for manual synchronization. In addition, the wizard allows you to use Offline Files window reminders notification of autonomous work and shortcuts available in stand-alone mode resources.

Heiress Windows NT

Judging by the title, Windows 2000, it is possible to find a representative of the family of Windows 9x, but in fact it is based on an expanded core Windows NT 4.0. This operating system is characterized by high availability and scalability, and the main guarantee of its advantages, the three-year work of experts on the core of Windows NT, including the development of a system of protection, error correction, release patches as well as the continuous improvement of the code Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), until 5.01. As a result, Windows 2000 Pro has become a reliable platform for developers, experienced users, engineers, professional designers, as well as for all those who need to trouble-free operating environment, capable of operating 24 hours per day.

When working with Windows 2000 Pro is not necessary to reboot as often as in the case of Windows NT 4.0, where there are 75 service operations that require a system restart (for example, changing the network configuration). In Windows 2000 Pro such operations only seven left. To test this, I changed the IP-address of your workstation, enable and disable Internet Connection Sharing mode, and performed a number of other changes to the network settings. Users on Windows NT or Windows 98, it may seem fantastic, but a reboot is not required. Moreover, it is not needed and the installation certified for Windows 2000 Pro hardware drivers. This certification is performed by using the Microsoft digital signature ensures the maximum level of protection for the installation of new equipment.

In addition, Windows 2000 Pro implemented a number of security features that did not exist in Windows 98. For example, entering a password, you can choose to encrypt the data, as shown in Figure 5. The operating system has a universal protection, because locally using the file system Encrypting File system (EFS), at the network level Kerberos protocol at protecting Internet-based infrastructure public key (public key infrastructure, PKI), and the physical layer, smart card technology. Thus, Windows 2000 Pro-most suitable operating system for those who are worried about their privacy of information. The included Windows 2000 Pro module System File Protection (SFP) provides protection .sys files, .dll, .exe, and .ocx. This is a very useful function prevents overwriting key system files, applications of their outdated or modified versions. Since such rewriting often becomes a cause of unstability of, thanks to SFP users do not have to periodically restart the computer. As for those applications that use the Microsoft Installer (MSI), they are able to automatically reset lost or damaged files. To increase the level of security and compliance applications specified reliability requirements, the Microsoft has developed a comprehensive program of testing for the right to obtain certification logos Windows 2000. In this case, although the majority of applications, Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 9x correctly installed and working in Windows 2000, such certification should be guarantee the perfect functioning of the system.

Low cost of ownership

Since the operation and support of Windows networks is quite expensive, the Microsoft developers have aimed to reduce the cost of ownership of Windows 2000. To do this, the operating system has been implemented by a number of technologies that facilitate the deployment, installation, management and maintenance of network configurations. Proximity architectures Windows 2000 and Windows NT gives reason to believe that the transition from NT to Windows 2000 will be successful, whereas as a result of migration from Windows 9x to Windows 2000 Pro may be incompatible with the new operating system used programs and utilities. Therefore, even though before you start the Windows 2000 setup program and tells what hardware and software are not compatible with the new operating system, I personally do not recommend to change the client version of Windows 9x to Windows 2000, while it is no good reason.

Special issue-management of Windows 2000 Pro. At first glance, Microsoft cleared <populous> Control Panel from the various modules and Administration Tools (Windows 2000 Pro by default does not display the system tools modules), but in fact they are simply regrouped different applications designed for OS management. Thus, many of the functional components of Windows NT and Windows 98 are found in a variety of locations. For example, find the service control panel can now be either through the Computer Management, or by clicking on the Administrative Tools icon in the Control Panel. We know that Microsoft plans to release expansion packs and other options for the Windows 2000 update more orderly than it did in the case of Windows NT 4.0. Thus, extensions packets will only be used for error correction, and not to enter into the new operating system components. Unlike Service Pack installation procedures in Windows NT, administrators can download patches from the update file hosted on the i386 folder server, t. E. Will be supported by a single source of all the system files with the latest version of Service Pack. As a result, the next Windows 2000 installation will contain all the necessary corrections, and do not need to download the patches separately. Also, you do not have to reinstall the application after the operating system upgrade. This feature is implemented and in the Windows 2000 High Encryption Pack, expand the system power of 128-bit encryption algorithm. After the i386 added the necessary files and directories, enhanced encryption feature is automatically included in all new Windows 2000 installation.

В целях снижения общей стоимости владения специалисты Microsoft снабдили Windows 2000 Pro рядом других функций, в том числе новой утилитой диагностики при загрузке, которая запускается нажатием клавиши F8. Подобно Windows 98, новая ОС предоставляет в процессе загрузки доступ к командной строке Recovery Console, не требуя при этом перехода в графический режим. Режим консоли восстановления доступен и при загрузке с установочного компакт-диска.

Работа в Internet

Необходимо сказать несколько слов об интеграции интерфейса Windows 2000 Pro с Internet. В ходе бета-тестирования Windows 98 разработчики пытались перенести в Windows Explorer принятый в Internet метод открытия файловых ресурсов однократным щелчком мышью. Они полагали, что такой подход позволит унифицировать работу пользователей. Тем не менее многочисленные жалобы заставили Microsoft отказаться от этого решения и оставить в Windows 2000 и Windows 98 привычный интерфейс, сохранив, однако, возможность выбора Web-интерфейса в качестве основного. В Windows 2000 Pro активный рабочий стол также ушел на второй план (он по умолчанию выключен), хотя доступ к нему весьма прост. Кроме того, из браузера убрана порядком надоевшая панель доступа к сетевым каналам, ранее присутствовавшая в Internet Explorer 4.0.

Следует отметить, что функция Personalized Menus в Windows 2000 Pro, задействованная в меню Start, работает еще и в IE, в меню Favorites. При этом, хотя я использую персональные меню, должен признать, что добавление этой функции в Internet Explorer 5.0 было ошибкой. Дело в том, что в Favorites включены те элементы, которые пользователь всегда хочет видеть перед собой, и операционная система не должна их прятать. Для отключения функции нужно выбрать Tools/Internet Options и во вкладке Advanced сбросить флажок Enable Personalized Favorites Menu.

Как мне кажется, большинство пользователей вполне довольны интеграцией Internet Explorer в Windows. Тем не менее фундаментальный уровень этой интеграции в Windows 2000 Pro порой наводит на размышления. В частности, хочется надеяться, что она не станет источником проблем для пользователя (известно, что в Internet Explorer 5.0 еще не исправлено несколько ошибок в системе безопасности). Однако только время покажет, каким образом объединение браузера и Windows 2000 влияет на стабильность работы и надежность операционной системы.

Некоторые выводы

Хотя выпуск новых версий ОС подобных Windows 2000 Pro всегда влечет за собой немало проблем, разработчики Microsoft изначально сумели предоставить пользователям те возможности, которых они ждали, реализовав все нововведения достаточно логично.

Вместе с тем, необходимо понимать, что Windows 2000 Pro вовсе не является универсальной операционной системой. Например, любителям игр лучше иметь дело с Windows 98, которая совместима с куда более широким спектром программного обеспечения и оборудования, а также устаревших устройств. Что же касается Windows 2000 Pro, то она отлично проявляет себя в таких недоступных для Windows 98 областях, как защита информации, надежность и масштабируемость. Я считаю Windows 2000 Pro лучшей настольной операционной системой для предпринимателей, мобильных пользователей, профессиональных дизайнеров и разработчиков программного обеспечения. Именно поэтому настоятельно рекомендую всем, кто располагает необходимым оборудованием, как можно скорее самим оценить всю мощь этой изящно построенной и функционально богатой операционной среды.

Поль Тюрро - Редактор новостей в Windows 2000 Magazine. Готовит еженедельные

выпуски Windows 2000 Magazine UPDATE ( http://www.win2000mag.net/email ), а также

ежедневные выпуски новостей WinInfo ( http://www.wininformant.com ). С ним можно

связаться по адресу: [email protected]