Windows XP was Microsoft’s operating system of choice for many computer users. It was released during a time of great success for Microsoft and when most computers were purchased with a full suite of Microsoft software pre-installed.
Unlike previous versions of Windows, XP allowed each user to have their own personal computer account. This meant that if someone else used the same computer, they could easily log in or out of their own account.
What is Windows XP?
Windows XP is the Microsoft operating system that defines many people’s computing experience. It was released on October 25, 2001, during a golden age for Microsoft. The company was achieving its highest revenues and dominating the PC market.
Like previous versions of Windows, XP uses a desktop as the standard interface to the operating system and its applications. This desktop consists of icons (or graphical pictures) that represent the various applications and tools available on the computer.
It also includes the Taskbar, which enables you to easily switch between open applications and Windows functions such as Help and Support, Search, and Run. It also allows you to quickly log on, change users, or turn off your computer.
Other key features of Windows XP include System Restore, which allows you to roll back your computer to a previous state, and software compatibility. For example, XP supports 32-bit processors and provides a 64-bit version of the operating system for computers with more memory capacity.
Windows XP Installation
If your computer has a hard drive, it will prompt you to choose a partition on which to install Windows XP. Depending on your computer and CD-ROM drive, this process may take several minutes.
On the next screen, you will be prompted to enter your product key. This is a one-time process, which ensures that you are using a genuine copy of Windows.
You will then be asked to enter the names of the users who will use the computer. This is so that each user can log in to his or her own computer account, which tracks the user’s unique settings and files.
You will also be prompted to set your display preferences. At this point, it is important to test your hardware and make sure that all the devices are working properly. If any are not, you can download driver software from the hardware manufacturer’s website. Then, you can restart the computer and begin using Windows XP.
Windows XP Activation
Microsoft introduced a new software protection scheme with Windows XP called product activation. This is intended to curb software piracy by ensuring that each copy of the OS is activated and unique. During the installation process, you are prompted to activate your copy of Windows XP by entering a 25-character CD Key that distinguishes one end-user license from another. Microsoft then sends a release code to your computer that confirms that the operating system is authentic and has been activated.
Although Microsoft shut off online product activation servers for XP long ago, it was still possible to activate a fresh install via phone if you could convince a Microsoft representative to help you out. But now, according to a Reddit thread, it’s possible to bypass the activation system entirely offline using Linux. It requires a little technical know-how and the right tools, but it’s doable for those that need to use XP. The method isn’t recommended for regular, day-to-day computing, however.
Windows XP Security
While Microsoft no longer provides security updates for XP, the system can still be accessed by attackers who use a variety of methods to compromise a computer running this outdated operating system. Attackers can access a hacked Windows XP system by sending malicious URLs via email or using Instant Messaging (IM).
It is highly recommended that people who are still using Windows XP upgrade to a newer operating system such as Windows 7 or 8 in order to be protected from malware attacks. However, if you have a business or personal PC that must continue to run on XP for some reason, the following tips can help you protect it.
This white paper from ESET provides an overview of how to secure popular office productivity applications, Web browsers, e-mail clients, and personal firewalls on systems running Windows XP. It also discusses securing commercial off-the-shelf software that is not included in the NIST security templates and how to apply additional security settings.