This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
After the Third Reboot
After the system reboots, you have a few unfinished tasks to perform. Just press the F1 key to get help, or you can click on the circle with the question mark character. After this screen, you will have five tasks to complete in order to finalize the install.
The Five-Step Program: Finishing the Installation
The five steps to complete configuring your Windows XP system follow.
Step 1: AU Pls. complete.
The first step asks you to slide your mouse over the mouse pad until it points to a particular location on the screen, at which point you click on the mouse button. This is just to test the mouse. Once you have tested your mouse, click Next.
Step 2: Setting Up an Internet Connection
This step allows you to set up an Internet connection for your computer. The options presented are as follows:
- DSL or cable modem
- Local area network (LAN)
- Telephone modem
If you select the radio button for any of these, then click Next to be prompted for the necessary information to set up the connection. If you want to perform these steps later, you can click Skip at the bottom of the screen.
For more information about making an Internet connection using a digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, or telephone modem, see Chapter 25, "Configuring Your Computer for an Internet Connection." For instructions on how to connect to the Internet through a LAN connection, see Chapter 24, "Configuring Your Computer for Local Area Networking."
You should simply select the radio button labeled Typical Settings if you are unsure. You will be made a member of a workgroup (with a default name of workgroup unless you choose to change it in the next dialog box that appears). If you do have information from your network administrator about network settings, then choose the Custom button and enter the information provided to you. Otherwise, for most home networking or small offices, you should choose Typical for all your Windows XP installations and upgrades and make changes (if necessary) after you have read the networking chapters later in this book.
Step 3: Activating Windows XP
One of the first things you did to install Windows XP was enter the product key code that came with your software. With this version of Windows you will find that you now have to "activate" the operating system. Next, you will be asked if you want to activate Windows XP now or at a later time. The purpose of an activation code is to prevent software piracy.
The choices presented in Step 3 are as follows:
- Yes, activate Windows over the Internet now.
- No, remind me every few days.
You have 30 days from the date of installation to activate Windows XP. To do so after the Setup process, simply click on Start/Activate Windows, and don't forget that if you take the second option above you will indeed be reminded every few days to activate the product. If you do not activate before the 30-day grace period expires, your computer will not boot into Windows XP!
According to the readme.1st document that comes with Windows XP, activation is only required for individual PC users. Corporations or other entities that use site licenses or PCs that include Windows XP preinstalled (an OEM version) will not require activation.
Click Next.
Step 4: Creating Local User Accounts During Setup
The last step in the configuration process allows you to create user accounts for other people who use your computer. You can do this now, or you can always perform this function later using the Control Panel. Select the Yes radio button to create user accounts now or select the No radio button to continue without creating additional accounts. When you have made your choice, click Next.
If you chose the Yes selection, then a dialog box entitled Who Will Use This Computer? pops up and provides a field in which you can enter your name, as well as fields for entering the names of five other users. You don't have to enter password information or anything else at this time, just the name that others will use to log onto your computer. When finished entering names, click Next. Note that you must enter at least one name or clicking Next won't work!
Figure 3.7 Finally, your first look at the new Windows XP Desktop! Setup has completed!
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Step 5: Finishing the Configuration
The last screen simply says Thank You! and prompts you to click Finish. After you click on this, you will see some text such as Applying Your Personal Settings, and then you're done! The new Windows XP desktop, shown in Figure 3.7 will appear and you are ready to begin using the computer.
You will notice that the Start menu items are shown by default, and the Recycle Bin is present, but aside from the Windows XP Professional logo graphic, your new desktop is pristine. Your mileage may vary, however, if you purchased a PC that has Windows XP preinstalled. In that case you may see some icons other than the Recycle Bin on your desktop.