Windows 2000 is one of the most complex programs ever released. With over 40 million lines of code, it surpasses every other software program that was released on the Intel platform. It includes many new ways of doing things that don’t appear in previous versions of Windows NT. Although I can’t cover every one of these new features, I’ll give you a few tips and tweaks that you can use to make Windows 2000 work better for you.

Using the Open With command
The Open With command allows you to view a full list of programs and their related icons. You can select one of these icons to open a file. You can access the Open With command from within any Windows 2000 File | Open dialog box.

To use the Open With command, you must right-click the file that you wish to open. When the drop down menu comes up, select Open With, and the Open With window will appear. Now, select the program that you want to use to open the file. Then, open the Common Dialog Box. It’s a new feature of Windows 2000 that allows you to find any file anywhere on your computer or network—all from the same location.

Using the Internet Connection Wizard
With Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft really pushed the concept of making this release Internet friendly. And Microsoft has done just that; it’s made connecting to the Internet and establishing a new account much easier in Windows 2000.

To connect to the Internet, simply use the Internet Connection Wizard. To establish a new Internet account with the Internet Connection Wizard, select Start | Settings | Control Panel. Then, double-click the Internet Options box. Click the Connections tab and click the Setup button to start the Connection Wizard. From here, all you have to do to set up your account is follow the instructions. You can set up your account with such information as personal account data, ISP data, and other important data that you’ll be asked to supply.

Configuring your Office Assistant
You should remember the Office Assistant, that cute little help utility that pops up on your screen when you first open a program. For a few days, it’s amusing. As you get used to the system, however, you probably won’t use it very much. Eventually, you’ll want to get it out of your life. Well, if that’s your wish, then here’s how to do so.

Just right-click on the Assistant and choose Options. When the Options dialog box appears, click the Options tab. Then, deselect the Use the Office Assistant check box and click OK. Now, you’ll be rid of the little creature forever—or until you need it again. If you want to revive the Office Assistant, just click on Help/Show the Office Assistant, and it will return.

Dallas G. Releford holds a BS in Computer Science and an MS in Management Information Systems. He also has diplomas and certification in creative writing, electronics, photography, computer programming, and law enforcement. He has worked in the computer field as a programmer, MIS manager, PC specialist, and in other related positions. Dallas’ business, American Electronic Publishing, has some of the largest and best companies in the world as clients. He has written a novel, which was published on the Internet and which led him to an interest in the electronic publishing field. He writes articles, electronic books, and just about anything else that involves the written word. To learn more about Dallas’ business, visit his Web site, which is called The Editor’s Eye .

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