Windows 2000 Professional includes changes to the look and functionality of the desktop, windows, and the Start menu, making it easier to use than previous versions of Windows. It also contains features that improve support for mobile users, and make printing easier and more flexible.

User Interface Enhancements
Enhancements and features that improve the Windows 2000 Professional user interface include:
- Customized Start menu. Personalized menus can be activated to keep track of the programs you use, and to update the Programs menu so that it presents only the programs that you use most often. Applications that you use less frequently are hidden from normal view, making the Start menu easier to use.
- Logon and shutdown dialog boxes. Logon and shutdown dialog boxes are easier to use, with fewer, better organized choices.
- Task Scheduler. The enhanced Task Scheduler allows users to schedule scripts and programs to run at a specific time.

Support for Mobile Users
Windows 2000 Professional supports the latest laptop technologies based on the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), which allows you to change or remove devices without turning off the computer. ACPI also lengthens battery life with power management and suspend or resume capabilities.
Features in Windows 2000 Professional that provide support for mobile users include:
- Network Connection wizard. Consolidates all of the processes for creating network connections. Users can now set up the following networking features from one wizard:
- Dial-up connections
- Virtual private networks (VPNs)
- Incoming calls
- Direct connections to another computer
- Virtual private network support. Provides secure access to corporate networks from off-site locations by using a local Internet service provider (ISP), rather than using a long distance, dial-up connection.
- Offline folders. Allows you to copy documents that are stored on the network onto your local computer, making it easier to access data when you are not connected to the network.
- Synchronization Manager. Compares items on the network to items that you opened or updated while working offline. Synchronization occurs when you log on, and any changes made offline to files and folders, Web pages, and e-mail messages are saved to the network.

Printing Support
Printing in Windows 2000 Professional has been improved to assist you in providing a more flexible network of printers. Windows 2000 Professional includes the following printing features and enhancements:
- Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Allows users to send documents to any printer on a Windows 2000 network that is connected to the Internet. Internet printing enables users to:
- Print to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) over an intranet or the Internet.
- View printer and job-related information in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) format from any browser.
- Download and install printer drivers over the Internet.
- Add Printer wizard. Simplifies the process of connecting to local and network printers from within a program, instead of opening the Printers system folder. You no longer need to specify driver models, printer languages, or ports when you add printers.
- Image Color Management 2.0. Allows you to send high-quality color documents to a printer or another computer with greater speed and reliability than ever before. New color profiles ensure that the colors that you see on your monitor match those on your scanner and printer.