For higher end computing environments, a 64-bit version of windows xp was created. This edition allows for more memory to be used in a computer, and provides more computing power.
Despite its hefty system requirements (a Pentium II-300 or better, 128 MB of RAM and 1.5 GB of hard drive space), onerous product activation, and bloated for its time Office suite, XP boots in under a minute, and large apps open within half a second.
What is Windows XP?
XP is an operating system that allows you to run various software applications on your computer. For example, you can use a word processing application to write letters and a spreadsheet application to track your finances.
Upon its release, Windows XP received positive reviews from critics. It featured a user-friendly interface, improved hardware support and increased multimedia capabilities. In addition, XP was less susceptible to system crashes than previous versions of Windows.
Microsoft also released an edition of XP called Windows XP Media Center Edition that was designed for home use. This version included a special application that allowed you to connect your computer with your television and entertainment systems. This edition required a high-end system with plenty of disk space and computing power.
XP also features a feature that allows you to download critical updates from Microsoft automatically. However, you must have a valid Passport Web account to do this. You can also download and install these updates manually using the command line or by visiting a Microsoft Update website.
Installation
Before you can start installing Windows XP you must first make sure that your computer meets the system requirements and you have backed up all of your data because the installation process will format your hard drive. Once you have done this insert the CD and reboot your computer.
On the first screen the program will ask you for your Product Key which is written on the back of the CD case or on a label on your computer. Next it will want to know if you want to help protect your computer by turning on Automatic Update Now.
It will then ask you to enter the names of the users that you will be using this computer for so it can set up their accounts. This is optional but if you do not do this then you will have to manually create the partitions from within Windows when it is installed which can be a bit of a pain.
Configuration
Once setup is ready to begin, Windows XP will automatically begin installing. The window on the left indicates how long setup estimates it will take to complete the remaining tasks. This is usually an overestimate, and your computer will be set up much sooner than this.
During installation, you will be asked to choose your Regional and Language Options. This allows you to change the default input language and device, as well as configure the date and time.
Next, you will be asked if you want to register with Microsoft. This is optional, and you can skip it if you wish. XP will then check to see if your computer is connected to the Internet, if you would like to connect through a router, or if you would prefer to use a dial-up connection. You will also be asked to select a partition size for the C: drive, where most of your programs and data will reside.
Security
While the 13-year-old OS is no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft, a large portion of the world’s PCs are still running on XP. While most users should upgrade to newer operating systems, for those who cannot, it’s important to implement some key measures to mitigate attacks against XP.
First, it’s essential to keep antivirus and antimalware software up to date. Also update all other applications, including the browsers, office software and other standard infrastructure programs. Also, make sure XP’s Data Execution Prevention and Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit are active, says MacDonald.
Another essential measure is removing admin rights from all accounts, which cuts the risk of most attacks because 90% of malware runs in the context of the logged-in user. For larger organisations, a network or host-based intrusion-protection system can be used to control access. It’s also worth monitoring community chat boards and threat intelligence feeds, as independent sources may reveal new vulnerabilities against XP.