A number of Control Panel utilities are unique to Windows XP, including the following:

Add/Remove Programs

The Add/Remove Programs utility, shown in Figure 1, provides the same functionality in Windows XP as the Programs and Features utility in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. To access the Add/Remove Programs utility in Windows XP, use the following path:

Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs

Printers and Faxes

The Printers and Faxes utility in Windows XP, shown in Figure 2, allows you to add printers and set up faxing. Similar functionality is provided by the Devices and Printers utility in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. To access the Printers and Faxes utility, use the following path:

Start > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes

Automatic Updates

The Automatic Updates utility, shown in Figure 3, ensures that the OS and applications are constantly being updated for security purposes and added functionality. The Automatic Updates utility scans the system for needed updates and then recommends what should be downloaded and installed. It can download and install updates as soon as they are available, or it can download updates as required and install them when the computer is next rebooted. To access the Automatic Updates utility, use the following path:

Start > Control Panel > System > Automatic Updates

Network Connections

The Network Connections utility, shown in Figure 4, allows you to enable and disable network connections. It was replaced in Windows 7 and Windows Vista by the Network and Sharing Center. To access the Network Connections utility, use the following path:

Start > Control Panel > Network Connections

Network Setup Wizard

The Network Setup Wizard, shown in Figure 5, guides you through the setup of a Small Office or Home Office Network. The setup allows users on the network to share files, folders, and devices, such as printers.

To access the Network Setup Wizard, use the following path:

Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > Common Tasks and then click Network Setup Wizard