However, in a mixed operating system environment (one in which servers and clients might run on
different operating systems), conflicts can occur when client computers run a version of the print driver
that is different from the one on the print server.
In an effort to increase operating system stability, Microsoft determined that, starting with Windows 2000
and continuing with all future operating systems, print drivers would run as user-mode processes. User-
mode drivers run in a protected part of the operating system, as do all of the normal end-user processes
and software programs. A user-mode print driver that functions incorrectly can terminate (or “crash”)
only the process in which it is running, — not the whole operating system. Because access to critical
system resources is restricted, overall operating system stability is increased.
Setting a default printer
This section applies to the Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and
Windows Server 2003 operating systems.
1. In Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 operating systems, click Start, click Settings,
and then click Printers. In Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, click Start, click Control
Panel, click Printers and Faxes (Windows XP Professional) or Printers and other hardware
devices (Windows XP Home).
2. Right-click the product that you want to set as the default printer.
3. Click Set As Default. A check mark appears next to the menu option.
200 Chapter 5 Installing Windows printing-system components ENWW
Installation in Windows
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