Windows 2000 and XP - differences in WiFi support.

[WiFi.com]

After perusing the quagmire called the Microsoft TechNet, I stumbled across a good reference regarding the differences between the wireless support of XP and 2000.

I was looking for this information because I operate in 2000 with my desktops and XP on the laptop. Although I have not had an issues connecting wirelessly with either, I have often thought about the differences between the two operating systems or the support therein.

It turns out there isnt much difference:

From Microsoft:

Q. What are the differences in wireless support between Windows XP and Windows 2000?

A. To add 802.1X functionality to the Windows 2000 platform, a subset of features was taken from Windows XP. The 802.1X authentication components are largely the same. For example, you configure 802.1X authentication settings from an Authentication tab from the properties of an Ethernet or wireless network adapter in the Network and Dial-up Connections folder.

Here is a list of the differences for Microsoft 802.1X Authentication Client:

•Service state The Windows 2000 802.1X service is installed in a disabled state. You must manually set the service state to Automatic and start the service using the Services snap-in.

•Auto configuration functionality Microsoft 802.1X Authentication Client does not include wireless auto configuration functionality. This means that you must use a third-party, vendor-supplied configuration tool to configure your 802.11 wireless settings such as the wireless network name and encryption settings. Unlike Windows XP, which saves 802.11 settings on a per-user basis, many wireless configuration tools do not. This may permit multiple users to log on to the same computer and to configure a common profile instead of a user-specific profile.

•Group Policy Configuring 802.1X authentication settings by using Group Policy settings is not supported.

•Authorization status notification You can view the authorization status by moving the mouse pointer over the wireless connection icon in the notification area.

•Single wireless network adapter Microsoft 802.1X Authentication Client supports only one wireless network adapter at a time. Although it is technically possible to have a laptop computer with more than one wireless network adapter, Microsoft 802.1X Authentication Client works with only one at a time.

•Help There is no context-sensitive or online help that describes Microsoft 802.1X Authentication Client.