Windows XP was the first consumer version of Microsoft’s NT-based operating system. It succeeded Windows 2000 Professional and Windows ME, and was followed by Vista.
Once you’ve set your BIOS to boot from the CD, insert it and start the XP install process. The computer will take a few moments to load the Windows XP files.
It is the most popular version of Windows
Windows XP is the most popular version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Its predecessor, Windows 2000, was not very successful, but XP became a hit with both home and business users. It is available in several editions, including a Home Edition and the professional version with enterprise features. It can also be used on computers that are part of a Windows Server domain.
The XP user experience was built around an application-centric view of the desktop. This was a major departure from previous versions, which focused on hardware and applications. XP also included a new, simple user login, which was designed to be more usable than the old password-based log-in.
The XP operating system was the most popular version of Windows for many years after its release. It is even used on some embedded devices, such as point-of-sale terminals. However, it is still susceptible to malware attacks because of a number of flaws in the security architecture and the use of Internet Explorer as the default browser.
It is easy to install
First, you need to boot your PC up. This requires a combo of keys that differs between different PCs. Once you have the correct combination, you will enter your BIOS setup. This is where you set your system to boot from CD and specify a hard disk partition. Once the system boots from CD, it will copy the install files to your hard disk partition and start installing.
Next, you will be prompted to register your installation and set up user accounts. You will need to provide a computer name, the name of your network, and the names of users who will be using the system. Microsoft will also ask you to activate automatic updates now or later.
Finally, you will need to choose your region and language settings. The system will take a few minutes to finish installing, and then the computer will restart. You will then see the Windows XP desktop. XP provides a number of features that make it easy to use and maintain. These include a system restore feature that allows you to roll back your computer to a previous state, software compatibility (allowing older applications to run) and remote desktop support.
It is compatible with most hardware
Microsoft has worked with hardware and software companies to make Windows XP compatible with the most popular devices and applications. It has also conducted its own compatibility tests. Companies that pass these tests can display a logo known as Designed for Windows.
Unlike previous versions of Windows, XP uses the NT conventions of protected memory, which prevents one unstable program from crashing other programs or even crashing Windows itself. This feature is particularly important for the medical industry, where an electroencephalograph (EEG) can crash if other applications interfere with it.
Another change from the NT kernel is that Windows XP will no longer run in real mode. This is a significant change, and it will make some simple tasks impossible, such as changing interrupt vectors or PIT timing. It will also mean that a popular tool for security professionals, Nmap, will no longer work in XP because it uses raw sockets. This will force security professionals to switch to Linux or other alternatives.
It is free
There are several requirements that your computer must meet in order to run Windows XP. For starters, you need a CD or DVD drive, keyboard and mouse, and a reliable internet connection. You also need to backup your data. The installation process will format the storage device and erase all existing data, so it’s important to back up your files. Once the backup is complete, you can proceed with the installation.
XP’s multi-user capability allows multiple family members or coworkers to use the same computer. Each user has a separate computer account that tracks their unique settings and documents. Switching users is as easy as clicking the Start menu and selecting Log Off or Switch User.
The new Windows Product Activation system was added to XP in an attempt to combat software piracy. This system uses an online or phone-based method to validate a user’s license and enforce the operating system’s terms of service regarding software piracy.