Windows XP is the seventh version of Microsoft’s popular consumer operating system. It features a redesigned user interface and a more integrated software management capability. It also uses product activation to help combat software piracy.
Many people see it as the pinnacle of Microsoft’s PC operating systems. However, it no longer receives security updates and has compatibility issues with some older programs.
1. Reliability
The first NT-kernel OS to be marketed to general consumers, Windows XP is known for improved stability and efficiency over the preceding Windows 9x line. It also introduced a redesigned graphical user interface and software management capabilities, as well as product activation to combat software piracy.
Reliability is a must for any operating system, and XP has proved exceptionally reliable. Users on the SOS forum and elsewhere have reported some hiccoughs, but they are usually narrowly focused such as problems with older hardware components or inadequate driver installation.
Its multilanguage support is a boon for business operations spanning the globe, and its power management features stretch battery life on laptops. Moreover, it can dynamically allocate system memory for device drivers and other requirements, preventing the sort of system crashes that often cause blue screens of death.
2. Security
When Windows XP was first released, many users and critics complained about the product activation system, which required that computers undergoing upgrades install the original software within a set time frame or risk being blocked from running unless they were reactivated with Microsoft. Other complaints were over compatibility issues and a lack of security features.
In May 2019, Microsoft released a special patch for Windows XP, and all other older unsupported versions of the operating system, in response to a new strain of ransomware called WannaCry that had affected 75,000 computers across 99 countries. Networked XP systems should use Group Policy to implement software restrictions and other precautions to minimize risk.
It is unlikely that most XP users will upgrade to a more modern operating system before Microsoft’s support for the platform ends today, but our goal with this white paper is to help them harden their systems so that they can continue to function without the risk of being vulnerable to advanced cyberthreats.
3. Ease of Use
Many people rely on a variety of programs to do their jobs and stay productive. With Windows XP, you can choose from a wide range of add-on software to meet your specific needs.
For example, if you work in a global company and need to access files in different languages, Windows XP offers multilanguage support. Or, if you use a laptop, you can take advantage of enhanced power management to extend battery life.
Another way XP makes it easier to use a computer is by offering personalization options like multiple computer accounts that track unique settings and documents. This allows family members or coworkers to use a single computer while keeping their own private information separate. XP is also the first version of Windows to utilize product activation in an attempt to curb software piracy.
4. Performance
Twenty years after its initial release, Windows XP is one of the most popular and longest-supported versions of Microsoft’s operating system. It still maintains a significant market share in comparison to its successor, Windows Vista.
The XP operating system is based on the same code base as Windows NT and 2000, and supports Intel’s 64-bit Itanium microprocessors in addition to the 32-bit x86 chips found in most desktop computers. This ensures a wide variety of hardware is compatible with the system.
By default, XP loads a large number of applications during startup. These programs are a resource drain and can be disabled to increase system performance. You can also adjust the page file size to optimize memory use. Disabling graphical effects, such as shadows and smooth transitions, can also dramatically improve the system’s speed.
5. Installation
Using a Windows XP CD, boot the computer.
Accept the End User License Agreement and press Enter.
Next, the setup screen appears asking you if you want to repair an existing installation of Windows or install a fresh copy. If you are installing a new installation, select “Fresh install.”
Setup will format the partition or hard disk drive and then start loading the files it needs to continue the installation. During this time, the system will take some time to complete the process. Once it is finished, the system will reboot. This is normal. During the reboot, a window will appear asking you to configure the region and language options for your system. This is a great time to make sure your PC has the latest drivers for your motherboard, graphics card and sound cards.