Windows XP 100 tips tricks (8)

How to Download Available Updates
If you configured automatic updating to notify you before downloading any updates, an icon is displayed in the notification area each time new updates are found.
· Double-click the icon in the notification area.
· Do either of the following steps:
If you want Windows to download an update, make sure that the check box beside it is selected.
-or-
If you do not want Windows to download an update, click to clear the check box beside it.
Your selected updates are downloaded in the background; this behavior allows you to continue working uninterrupted. Downloading does not interfere with or slow down other network activity, such as Internet browsing.
When downloading is finished, the icon is displayed in the notification area to notify you that updates are ready to be installed.

How to Pause or Resume Downloading
After the download process has started, you can pause or resume downloading at any time. If you close your Internet connection or restart your computer after pausing a download process, Windows automatically resumes the download process the next time you are connected to the Internet.
· During the download process, click the icon that is displayed in the notification area, and then click Pause.
· When you are ready for Windows to start downloading again, click the Automatic updating icon, and then click Resume.

Restore an Update that You Previously Declined
If you decide not to download a specific update, you can prompt Windows Update to offer that update again.
· Click Start , click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
· Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click Restore Declined Updates.

Change Out Your Pointer Scheme
Tired of seeing your pointer as an arrow or an hourglass all the time? Windows XP offers a number of alternative pointer schemes, such as Dinosaur, Ocean and Sports:
· Open the Control Panel, double-click Mouse, and select the Pointers tab. (If you start in Category view, select Appearance and Themes, then click Mouse Pointers under "See Also").
· Next to Schemes, click the down arrow and select a scheme to preview its pointers.
· Click OK to apply the scheme to your desktop.

Use the Ultimate Configuration Tool (Professional Edition Only)
One of the most full featured Windows XP configuration tools available is hidden right there in your system, but most people don't even know it exists. It's called the Local Group Policy Editor, or gpedit for short.
To invoke this editor:
· Select Start and then Run, then type the following:

gpedit.msc
After you hit Enter, you'll be greeted by gpedit, which lets you modify virtually every feature in Windows XP without having to resort to regedit

source:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/191328/Windows-Xp-100-Tips-Tricks