Windows XP

Windows XP (codenamed Whistler) is an operating system developed by Microsoft, released 2001-10-25. It is the sixth operating system in the Windows NT operating system line, succeeding Windows 2000 and preceding Windows Vista. It is one of Microsoft's longest lasting operating systems, with almost 13 years of support (both mainstream and extended) and still run on 29.53% (see here) percent of desktop and laptop computers as of February.

User interface
Windows XP got a major UI overhaul during development, with the introduction of Themes. Users could change the way windows and buttons looked with the new visual style, Luna. It had three color schemes, which were based on blue, green and gray. Users could still select the Windows Classic theme from previous versions of Windows (98, 2000, ME, ...), and customize the preset Windows Classic color schemes.

The introduction of ClearType, an anti-aliasing font function allowed easier text reading on desktop computers with LCD-TFT monitors and laptops, but also had an effect on CRT monitors.

The taskbar is locked by default for new user accounts, to prevent accidental resizing or moving of the taskbar and/or the toolbars. Multiple instances of an application are grouped automatically and inactive tray area icons are hidden automatically, to prevent cluttering of the taskbar.

Alpha

 * There has been a debate whether this build is actually a post-RTM build of Windows 2000 Professional or an actual Windows XP alpha.

Beta 1, post-Beta 1

 * This build gave the UI a major overhaul, dropping the Professional theme and introducing the Luna style.

Beta 2, post-Beta 2

 * This build marks Beta 2, and was available publicly to Windows XP Preview Program subscribers.

RC1, post-RC1

 * This is the build distributed to Windows XP Preview Program and MSDN subscribers as RC1.

RC2, post-RC2, RTM

 * This is the build distributed to Windows XP Preview Program and MSDN subscribers as RC2.


 * This build was actually intented to be build 2545, but forked in a later decision. It has been sent for manufacturing on August 24, 2001.


 * This particular, post-RTM build is no different from the original RTM build, except for the addition of Toshiba's USB 2.0 driver support.