New context-sensitive smart tags pop up with options you need--right when you need them. No digging through menus. Tasks that once required multiple steps are just one click away with the new task pane. New and improved tools in Access allow you to build and manage lists and databases, or analyze information from databases such as Microsoft SQL Server.

The new version of Outlook in Office XP Professional condenses all your personal and professional e-mail into one central location, even your Web-based e-mail accounts like Hotmail. With AutoRecover, your work is saved at regular intervals while you work. PowerPoint includes animation effects and custom slide transitions. An editable print preview assures that your printed slides and documents come out right the first time.

Microsoft Publisher 2002 provides professional page layout and text tools to help you create compelling marketing materials for your business. FrontPage 2002 lets you create exactly the Web site you want with graphics-rich, hyperlinked, sound-enabled Web pages. New tools and features like automatic Web content, PowerPoint-like drawing capabilities, a streamlined user interface, and optional HTML and XML reformatting make this a complete Web site creation and management tool.

• Higher level of reliability, data recovery, and security
• New context-sensitive smart tags
• New task panes
• New Outlook condenses all your personal and professional e-mail into one central location--even Web-based e-mail
• Note: You must be a registered user of Office 97 or Office 2000 to qualify for this upgrade

• Pentium 133 MHz or faster (Pentium 3 recommended)
• Microsoft Windows 98, 98 Second Edition, Me, NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6 or greater, or Windows 2000 or greater; on systems running Windows NT 4.0, the version of Internet Explorer must be upgraded to at least 4.01 with Service Pack 1
• Note: Add 8 MB RAM to the following memory requirements for each Office application open simultaneously: 24 MB RAM (Windows 98); 32 MB RAM (Windows Me, NT Workstation, or Server 4.0); 64 MB RAM (Windows 2000 Professional)
• 210 MB hard disk space is required for the default configuration of Office XP Standard with 115 MB on the hard disk where the operating system is installed; customers without Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Office 2000 SR1 will require an extra 50 MB of hard disk space for the System Files Update; custom installation choices may require more or less hard disk space
• CD-ROM drive
• Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution monitor with 256 colours

• http://www.microsoft.com/office/evaluation/fastfacts.htm
• http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/11015.html
• http://www.i5ive.com/article.cfm/office_2000/74014