Multiple Users

While Win9x also offers the option of setting up multiple users on a single computer, the implementation under W2k and XP offers far more independence between these multiple user accounts. If you will be using your computer for multiple functions, it’s a good idea to set up separate user accounts for audio applications and general use. This will allow you to slim down the audio profile in order to gain maximum performance from the OS.

One important note: If you choose to install multiple users, it’s best to do so when first installing XP. If you do so later, you will need to reinstall your OS.

Another hint: if you are using XP Professional, your audio user profile should be assigned

administrative rights (it defaults to this anyway). Reason: You can only burn CDs under Windows XP if you are logged on with administrative rights.

Updates and service packs

Microsoft has issued updates and fixes for every operating system they’ve ever released, and W2K and XP are no exceptions. It’s pretty much unavoidable with a new OS that there will be some programs and/or hardware that don’t function as expected, and that’s what the updates are intended to address.

With W2K, the latest update is Service Pack 2, and it definitely addresses some known problems with audio and MIDI. Windows XP is still relatively new, and updates are still being developed. As of this writing there are two updates, Q307 and Q310507, both available from Microsoft, which are recommended for improving audio performance.