Windows XP Professional PC

This guide provides information on using your Gateway computer here at Wellesley College with the new Windows XP Professional operating system. Click on the following colored links for information on each topic.  If you have any questions regarding Windows XP at Wellesley, please visit the FAQ or Getting Help.

Did you recently receive a new Windows XP PC? If you did not receive a one-page flyer entitled: "Welcome to Your Windows XP Pro PC!" or if you would like to have another copy, download it in PDF format.

A brief overview of the Gateway computer and the Windows XP Professional operating system, and an introduction to its operation, layout, and general use as a tool for Internet access and desktop productivity.

2. Domain and Passwords

Starting with Windows 2000 and Windows XP, users must log into their computers and into the Wellesley College Windows Domain using their domain account username and password. This document will answer some of the questions with this process and explains how to allow others to log into your computer while still maintaining your privacy and security.

3. Working with the Wellesley College Network

Learn how Wellesley's computer network facilitates communication among faculty, staff, and students using networked computers and networking software.

Explore productivity applications on your computer, including software such as the Microsoft Office XP suite for creating word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and graphics.

5. Network Printing

Find out how to set up a networked printer in Windows XP Professional.

6. Windows XP Professional Pilot - Frequently Asked Questions

This information provides a brief explanation of new features and changes in Windows XP including answers to frequently asked questions for Windows 98 or 2000 users.

7. Windows Security

Computers running Windows are vulnerable to attack by computer viruses and malicious users or "hackers." Here are a few simple precautions you can take to dramatically reduce your computer's chances of being compromised by a hacker or a virus.

8. Windows Update

Information Services recommends that you run Windows Update regularly to install the latest security and software updates for Windows XP. This page will give you information on and instructions for how to run Windows Update on your computer.

9. Backing up and Restoring Documents

Click on the Backing up link for instructions on how to back up your computer. Click on the Restoring Documents link to learn where to place backed up files on your new Windows XP computer

10. Getting Help

Help with using your computer is readily available from the Helpdesk, the Deskside Coaching program, training classes, and software documentation on the CWIS.

Refer to this page for definitions of terms that are used in this documentation.

• Doug Chudzik
• Information Services
• Date Created: April 15, 2003
• Last Modified: September 29, 2005
• Page Expires: May 31, 2006