WINDOWS XP

WINDOWS XP:

We have so far been learning about computers in general. Now, let us start learning about an important and popular operating system known as 'Windows XP'.
In this chapter, let us see what is Windows XP and also some basic operations.

What is Windows XP?

Windows XP is a user-friendly operating system produced by Microsoft with a graphical user interface(GUI) for use on desktop and notebook computers. XP stands for 'experience'.
Windows XP is known for its improved stability and efficiency over the 9x versions of Microsoft Windows. It is also the first version of Windows to use product activation to combat software piracy. Windows XP is available in many languages.

Windows XP Editions :

The most common editions of the operating system are Windows XP Home Edition, targeted at home users, and Windows XP Professional,which has some additional features and targeted at power users, business and enterprise clients.
Windows XP Media Center Edition has additional multimedia features enhancing the ability to record and watch TV shows, view DVD movies, and listen to music.
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is designed to run ink-aware applications built using the Tablet PC platform.
There is also Windows XP Embedded, a componentized version of the Windows XP Professional, and editions for specific markets such as Windows XP Starter Edition

What is GUI?

GUI is Graphical User Interface. Before we try to understand GUI, we must first see what is an interface. An interface is a (logical) connection between two entities, in this case between the user and the computer. It enables the user to interact with the computer.
Before the introduction of GUI, most of the operating systems used Command Line Interface(CUI), which required the users to remember some cryptic commands and type them without any errors. With GUI, all the information is displayed on the screen with pictures and hence it is very easy for the users to point and select the information that they want with the help of the mouse.

New Features in XP:

Windows XP introduced many features which were not found in previous versions of Windows. Some of them are listed below.
Faster start-up and hibernation sequences
The ability to discard a newer device driver in favor of the previous one (known as driver rollback), should a driver upgrade not produce desirable results
More user-friendly interface, including the framework for developing themes for the desktop environment
Fast user switching, which allows a user to save the current state and allow another user to log on without losing that information
The ClearType font rendering mechanism, which is designed to improve text readability on LCD monitors
Remote Desktop functionality, which allows users to connect to a computer running Windows XP Pro from across a network and access their applications, files, printers, and devices
Support for most DSL modems and wireless network connections.

System Requirements for XP:

The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home/Professional Edition are:
Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
Sound card
Speakers or headphones .