Windows XP represents a simpler time in computing-before constant updates and telemetry became the norm. Its longevity is a testament to its technical foundations, user-centric design, and market success.
It also provides a bridge to modern security standards for organizations in regulated industries that can’t afford expensive hardware and staff training.
Windows XP Basics
In a world where operating systems are evolving rapidly, Windows XP has stood the test of time. Still used for specialized applications today, this enduring release is a story of resilience and innovation.
A successor to Windows 2000, XP was hailed for its improved stability and user interface compared to MS-DOS-based predecessors. Its use of the Windows NT kernel and support for advanced hardware capabilities were also important. It also pioneered product activation to combat software piracy and was the first consumer-type version of Microsoft Windows to run on both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
The basic interface is a desktop that contains icons to access system components, applications and the Internet. Using these, you can move around your computer with ease and get to your work. For example, the Start button brings up the menu that allows you to launch programs and open folders. The Taskbar shows you the status of active programs and lets you move between them.
Windows XP Security
When Microsoft ended Windows XP security updates in April 2014, almost every computer guru expected hackers to take advantage of the situation. That hasn’t happened, but that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down either. An XP machine that is compromised can be used as a pivot point to attack other machines on your network.
In addition, since XP’s end-of-life, information about new vulnerabilities is likely to come from non-authoritative sources rather than from the authoritative software vendor. This makes it much more difficult to follow a normal, responsible disclosure process and may result in less timely and complete vulnerability mitigation.
The good news is that there are ways to significantly reduce your risk. The most important step is to isolate XP systems from the rest of your network using techniques like network segmentation and hardening, limiting user accounts and enabling NTFS permissions, using strict firewall rules, and using a strong password policy. For the ultimate protection, a DMZ is a good option.
Windows XP Installation
Once the Windows XP setup program is finished scanning your computer, it will ask for a product key. This is located on the sticker that came with your XP package. After entering the key, the installation program will format your hard drive to NTFS (the default file system for XP). Depending on the size of the hard disk and the speed of your computer, this could take several minutes.
Next, XP will ask for the names of users who will use the computer. Depending on your security requirements, you can choose to enter more than one user name at this time. This information will be used to create individual accounts on the computer once it is installed.
XP will then finish installing. Once it is finished, you will be able to boot from your XP hard disk. From here, you can begin using XP as you normally would. Note that this document assumes that you have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Windows.
Windows XP Maintenance
Microsoft stopped releasing security and technical updates for Windows XP in April 2014. This left computers running XP vulnerable to numerous exploits and viruses. If your business still uses XP machines, consider isolating them from the Internet and setting up strict network rules to limit access.
Like any good computer, a Windows XP machine needs regular maintenance. The undo command Ctrl+Z has become a keyboard shorthand for many veteran Windows users, and can save hours of frustration (and consultant fees) in the event of an unexpected error.
On the next screen, setup asks for the account names of the people who will use XP. You can enter up to five names. Setup then installs all the needed files and configures your settings. This step can take a minute or two. Once finished, the setup screen for Windows XP will appear.