How to Run Word 2002 on Windows XP

Windows XP is a popular version of the Windows operating system. The operating system is no longer sold and has been replaced with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Despite the fact that it is no longer on the market, Windows XP is still installed on many computers  that were on the market prior to this decision. Chances are that you will encounter this operating system on a regular basis. When you do, it may help to understand how to run your standard software on Windows XP, such as Word 2002 or other Office software programs.

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Windows XP
• Microsoft Word 2002

Step 1:

Download the Microsoft update patch (see Resources) that will allow you to install Word 2002 on Windows XP. The Windows XP operating system requires a manual approach for the necessary update.

Step 2:

Open the package once it has been downloaded. Begin the installation wizard. Select the express option because it contains all the necessary upgrades for the update. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update installation.

Step 3:

Go to the Microsoft website and download the Windows XP compatibility pack for Word 2002. (See Resources.) Open and install the compatibility pack so that your Windows XP operating system will be prepared for the programming in Word 2002.

Step 4:

Insert your Microsoft Office 2002 CD and install the software. Restart the computer once installation is complete. You can now open and use Word 2002 without restriction.


Tips:

Check the Microsoft website frequently for newer version releases to both the Windows operating system and Microsoft Word.


References:

• Microsoft Support: How to install the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack so that you can use earlier versions of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to open and to save files from 2007 Office programs or from from 2010 Office programs 

Resources:

• Microsoft Update 
• Microsoft: Microsoft Compatibility Pack

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How to Improve VPN Performance in Windows XP

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private computer network that uses public communications lines. Computers  in a VPN are spread across multiple locations. Rather than going through the expense of provisioning private network lines, many companies will use a VPN to create a virtual private line on public Internet  connections. This is typically achieved by creating secure communications tunnels that only allow access to authorized users. Using a VPN can sometimes have a noticeable effect on the speed of your Internet connection. This problem can be corrected by optimizing the performance of your VPN.

Materials:

Windows XP

Step 1:

Increase the Maximum Transmit Unit. Data that is transmitted over VPN connections is sent in packets that are referred to as transmission units. To prevent system overload, the transmission units have a maximum size assigned to them, which is referred to as the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU). Windows XP has a default setting of 1500 bytes for the MTU, or 2000 bytes for an XP VPN. Increasing the size of the Maximum Transmission Unit means that fewer units are required for each data transmissions.

Step 2:

Choose the appropriate tunneling protocol. Virtual Private Networks typically come with two different tunneling protocols: Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP). Layer 2 tunneling has more advanced security features, as well as a higher standard of encryption. This makes L2TP the ideal tunneling method for VPNs that transmit confidential information from one device to another. However, this added security comes at the cost of heavier server  load and increased latency time for those using the network connection. Users who have their needs met by a basic security layer will benefit from using a PPTP connection, which carries a lighter server load and consumes a smaller amount of available bandwidth.

Step 3:

Monitor your hardware topology. A VPN typically involves site-to-site connections involving two or more remote offices. It is important for each office or connection point to have hardware that is dedicated to maintaining the VPN tunnel. The servers that are dedicated to each connection point on the VPN give you the ability to increase the available bandwidth on any particular part of the VPN, thereby increasing the size of the tunnel and allowing more users to utilize the system. Most Network Administrators  will use special VPN monitoring software that will analyze the traffic flowing over the network and determine when a bandwidth increase is required.

Tips:

Many VPNs come as part of a managed service, where a third party designs and maintains your secure network.

References:

• Microsoft: How to Change the Default MTU Size Settings
• Tech Republic: Factors that can Boost VPN Performance
• Windows Networking: How to Optimize Network Connections in Windows XP

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