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.

Editions

 * Starter This version was intended for emerging markets. Cannot launch more than 3 programs at a time and can utilize only up to a maximum of 512MB RAM. This version is meant for low-cost PC's.
 * Home Edition This edition is for low to mid end PCs and can address up to 4 GB RAM. This version was included in ULPC(Ultra Low PC's)
 * Professional This is the mainstream high end version.
 * Media Center Edition This version is specially for Media Center based PC. System requirements are significantly higher than other editions. This version includes Media Center and new themes.
 * Embedded This version is intended for the embedded sector.
 * Tablet PC Edition This version was included in tablets from 2002-2006(+). This is the tablet-optimized version of Windows XP.
 * Windows XP 64-bit Edition This version was intended for 64-bit PC's and thus could address far more RAM amounts. One such edition was for Itanium as well.

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.