When Microsoft released Windows XP in 2001, it received mostly positive reviews. It felt fresh compared to older versions and it had this welcoming environment that was easy to use.
It was also ideal for running old software without any compatibility issues. It was also affordable with hardware requirements lower than modern versions of Windows.
What is Windows XP?
XP was Microsoft’s most popular operating system from 2001 until 2014, when it was finally succeeded by Windows 7. It was the first operating system that many home users were exposed to when they began using computers, and it became synonymous with PC use. It had a fresh look that was colorful and playful but also simple enough to navigate. And it was a powerhouse in terms of compatibility, running old DOS games and new software alike.
XP uses a graphical user interface (GUI), which is an environment that allows you to interact with the computer through pictures. For example, you might use a word processing application to write a letter and an Excel spreadsheet application to track your expenses. Windows XP is capable of multitasking, meaning you can run several applications at once. Among the most important tools on your desktop are the Start button and Taskbar, which you will learn more about in this lesson.
XP Installation
The first step in the Windows XP installation process is to accept the licensing agreement. This can be done by pressing the F8 key on your keyboard. The next step is to choose where you want Windows XP installed on the hard drive. Generally it is recommended to format the entire hard drive before installing a new operating system. This will ensure that all your data is backed up.
Once you have selected the partition where you want to install XP, it will start to load files needed for the XP install. It may take a few minutes for this to complete.
During the install process, you will be asked to set your region and language settings. After the XP installation is complete, it will automatically restart. Once the reboot is finished, you can log in and begin using your new operating system! Depending on the hardware, you may need to install drivers post-install. For best results, try using a tool like nLite to integrate SATA/AHCI drivers into the ISO file before attempting this.
XP Security
In the event that a virus, worm or Trojan horse infection hits a Windows XP PC, anti-malware software can be used to detect and remove it. However, because XP does not receive security updates, these measures have limited effectiveness.
Since Microsoft will no longer release security updates, XP systems must be protected by other means. For example, it is recommended to minimise the number of XP machines connected to the internet, and keep other business applications such as email, web browsers and software distribution clients up to date. Disabling USB ports and CD/DVD drives can also help make it more difficult for attackers to introduce arbitrary executable code through these routes.
NIST Special Publication 800-68 outlines a series of recommended security configuration settings for XP systems. It addresses various operational environments, including small offices and home offices, large enterprises and specialized security-limited functionality, and provides guidance on documenting, implementing, testing and monitoring security controls. In addition, the publication demonstrates how to secure popular office productivity applications, Web browsers and e-mail clients.
XP Backup
In addition to backing up files and folders, Backup can also back up the entire system state – the Registry, boot files, and other important system files. This feature is useful if you plan to install Windows on new hardware or if you’ve lost or damaged your existing system. In the What To Backup window, select File or Tape to choose your backup location. The window on the right shows a list of folders and files that are available for backing up. Each folder has a check box that you can click to select files and folders to include in the backup.
The options on the next page determine where and how your backup is stored and what happens to existing backups. For example, if you’re making a backup to tape, you can choose whether to append this backup to the existing tape or replace it. You can also choose to exclude open files – files that programs are updating – from the backup. You can also decide whether to restore mount points when restoring from a backup.