Windows XP Tips (2)

Running Applications in Compatibility Mode
With Windows XP, you can run programs as if though they were being run under a different operating system. (This is known as "emulation".) Simply right-click a shortcut, select "Properties" and then check "Run in compatibility mode" and select the operating system you wish to make the program believe it is being run under.This fools or tricks the program into thinking you are really using a previous version of Windows, such as NT, 2000, 98, or 95. This is especially useful for certain games that won't run properly. Be careful *not* to use this with certain system utilities, such as antivirus, defrag, registry, and disk tool applications.

Lock Computer vs. Welcome Login Screen
You must go into Control Panel and open the "User Accounts" applet to change this setting. Click "Change the way users log on or off". For maximum security, uncheck the "Use the Welcome screen" option. This re-enables the use of the "Lock Computer" option from the ALT CTRL DELETE menu, but prevents multiple users from being logged on locally at a single time. This also returns to the Windows 2000 style login screen.

If you'd rather have the ability to *not* be able to use "Lock Computer" and would rather allow multiple users to logon to the computer at a single time locally, leave this setting checked and also check "Use Fast User Switching".

Looking for a Windows XP Compatible Driver?
If you can't find a driver for a hardware device under Windows XP, you can try to use a Windows 2000 compatible driver for the same hardware. Usually this tends to work, and in my experience so far, it always has. However, if you can find a driver specifically designed for use with Windows XP that is usually the best and safest option. You can also e-mail the hardware manufacturer and ask them about Windows XP compatibility and drivers.