History

• Windows XP was released on October 25, 2001. Unlike the case of its predecessors, Windows 98 and Windows 95, where Windows 98 was considered just a tweaked version of Windows 95, Windows XP was a totally new edition.
  
  

Types

• Windows XP comes in four versions: Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center and Windows XP Professional x64, which is the 64-bit version of the classical Windows XP Professional. They are built around the same kernel, based on the NT technology, but each one is adapted to its field of work. Windows XP Media Center is enhanced for multimedia content. Windows XP Professional has all the features that Home Edition does with some added features and functionality such as multi-core processor support.
  
  

Features

• All the features of Windows XP were written from scratch around the more stable NT core. Windows XP comes with a more clean design to help you manage your files and applications faster. The menus are intuitive and searching for files has been made easier with the advanced search function. The mode the users log into is totally redesigned to be more friendly and safe. Windows XP also has remote control capabilities, which will allow you to control your PC without having to physically sit in front of it or request remote assistance if you are having trouble with your computer.
  
  Windows XP also comes with an integrated firewall and an efficient updating system that will keep your computer up-to-date with the newest updates. Microsoft also introduced a new file system protocol, NTFS, which gives out faster data access than FAT16 or FAT32 standards used in prior versions of Windows.
  
  

System Requirements

• Microsoft Windows XP requires at least a 233 megahertz processor, 64 megabytes of RAM and 1.5 gigabytes of free hard drive space. Recommended system requirements include a CPU faster than 400 megahertz and 256 megabytes of RAM.
  
  

Benefits

• It is more stable due to its NT-based technology. The new updating system will make sure you are never behind with updates or bug fixes and patches. The fact that it supports multi-core processors, along with the new NTFS file system, which will improve the file operation timings, indicates Windows XP is built for speed.