With Windows 2000, the character can be implemented as a layered window. The system keeps the layered window's pixels in a separate memory buffer and combines the pixels only when output to the display. This implementation means that a layered window can move and change shape without affecting the windows below it. It is now possible to connect multiple monitors to a single system. A user can configure the monitors to all be part of a single desktop or to act as independent displays.
Applications can use independent displays in any way they desire.
For example, PowerPoint 2000 allows the slide show to appear on one monitor while the speaker's notes appear on a different monitor. Today, more and more people are using laptop computers as their main machines. As you know, these machines are often driven by battery power instead of being plugged into an electrical outlet. One of the biggest complaints of laptop users is the poor battery life they experience. To this end, Windows 2000 tries to be much more conservative in its power usage.