Like previous Windows operating systems, XP has an icon-based desktop. These icons represent applications and other important computer functions.
XP also supports dual physical central processing units (CPUs), and has two different 64-bit editions. There is also a special edition designed to run on Tablet PCs. It features enhanced multimedia functionalities.
Features
Windows XP has numerous features to make it more usable than previous versions of Windows. It has a redesigned user interface and improved software management capabilities. It also has a feature that allows it to roll back the state of your computer to a time before an error occurred. It has a kernel that supports simultaneous multithreading and hyper-threading, which is the ability of a single physical processor to handle multiple data threads at once.
Other features include a larger system virtual address space, which increases the size of memory that can be used by device drivers and frees up more memory for caching. It has an improved registry management engine that uses fewer resources. It also includes a new hex editor that lets you edit binary files without having to convert them to text.
In addition, a Starter Edition is available to reduce cost and support for low-end PC hardware. This version can only run three applications at a time and is limited to 1024×768 screen resolution.
Compatibility
When an operating system upgrades to a newer version, older programs may experience problems. Microsoft recognizes this problem, and every version of Windows since XP has included a compatibility mode that lets you run older software on the system.
Microsoft also added some stability enhancements to the NT operating system in Windows XP, including a new system folder that stores shared system files, as well as a separate folder for private system files. Placing the shared files in a common folder saved drive space, but older applications could overwrite important ones and cause the system to fail.
This schizophrenic approach to the OS meant twice as much engineering work for Microsoft, and more tech-support knowledge needed by computer manufacturers and software companies. It was also an inefficient way to use valuable computer memory, especially on older computers. It was also a major source of user frustration.
Security
A major security risk with XP is its susceptibility to malware, viruses and trojan horses. The platform also lacks a secure file system that prevents attackers from accessing sensitive data.
Among other measures, Microsoft has added product activation to XP, which requires a computer or user to activate with Microsoft within a certain timeframe in order to continue using the operating system. This measure, combined with the need to buy a license for some bundled programs, has helped reduce piracy.
To counter malware threats, XP has a number of security measures that can be implemented in addition to antivirus software. The OS can be isolated from other systems on a network by blocking internet communications or using virtual LANs or host-based firewalls.
If a company can’t disconnect an XP system from the internet, it should limit communication to internal systems through IPSEC filters on a host-based firewall. It should also enable XP’s Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit, which blocks memory-based attacks.
Installation
Once you boot from your XP installation CD, the program will ask you to press a key (which one varies from PC to PC). This tells the computer to start the installation process.
Once it starts, you’ll see the screen shown in the first picture on this page. The program will want you to accept the End User License Agreement. It is recommended that you read this, but it is not necessary to complete the install.
Next, the program will ask you to select a partition for Windows XP. It is suggested that you choose NTFS. This allows for stability and security features not available with FAT32.
Once the selection is made, the program will begin formatting the drive and copying the XP files to it. This can take up to an hour. Then you’ll be able to log in and start using the system. The setup will also set up your workgroup settings. It will also want the names of users who will be using the system.