...::: Guatewireless.org ::::..

Windows XP (whose code name was Whistler initial) is an operating system that was released on 25 October 2001 by Microsoft. They are considered to be in the market of 400 million copies running. The letters "XP" from the word experience (experience in Spanish).

Windows XP is an operating system developed by Microsoft-oriented environment, including any business or home computers, laptops, the "Tablet PC and Media Center. Windows XP is the successor to Windows 2000 and Windows ME, and the first Microsoft operating system geared to the consumer that is built with a core architecture of Windows NT and is available in PC versions of 32 and 64 Bit.

Editions of Windows XP is the most common issue for the HOME PROFESSIONAL home and that has additional features such as the possibility of joining a domain, instead of just working, and support for dual processors. Media Center Edition is a version of XP Professional that comes in PC characteristics including a remote control and that enhances the multimedia capabilities, such as watch and record TV, play videos, photos or music, or receive HDTV and share data with an Xbox 360 through Online Spotlight. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is designed to run on the platform are portable Tablet PC with touch screens. Two 64-bit versions were released, Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for Itanium processors and other processors designed for AMD64 and EM64T.

Unlike Windows XP versions of its previous shows improvements in stability and efficiency of Windows. Presents a graphical user interface (GUI) significantly redesigned, Microsoft promoted a shift to a more user-friendly than in previous versions of Windows. The new capabilities of management software were introduced to avoid "DLL Hell" that plagued the old versions of Windows. It is also the first version of Windows that uses product activation to reduce software piracy, a restriction that did not sit well with some users. Windows XP also has been criticized by some users for security vulnerabilities, integration of Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player and player aspects of its interface.

History

Microsoft produced two separate operating systems. A line was directed at the home computers based on a core MS-DOS and represented by Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows Me, while the other, based on a core "NT" is displayed by Windows NT and Windows 2000, was designed for the corporate market and business and included special versions for servers. Windows XP is the attempt by Microsoft to offer a unique multi-operating system, with the disadvantage of eliminating support for programs based on MS-DOS operating system.

Details of Windows XP

Windows XP is built on the code of Windows 2000 with a new graphical interface (called Moon), which features slightly redesigned, some of which resemble the desktop environment in Mac OS X. The login screen graphical images for each user is a good example.

Versions

Microsoft originally released for sale in two versions:

Windows XP Home is for the domestic market, this version does not originally support for SMP, though the service pack is used that function, thanks to this processor with HT can be used with this version.

Windows XP Professional has additional features designed for business environments, such as network authentication and multiprocessor support.

In November 2002, Microsoft released for sale two new versions of Windows XP for specific hardware:

Windows XP Media Center Edition for PCs special.

Initially, these were the PCs HP Media Center Computer and Alienware Navigator series. Windows XP Media Center Edition should be sold with one of these computers could not find in stores.

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition specially designed for portable computers with a touchscreen that support handwriting and portarretratos size screens.

Additionally, the March 28, 2003, Microsoft released another version:

Windows XP 64 Bit Edition for manufacturers whose fate are 64 AMD and Intel 64-bit extensions.

Some time later, in June 2005, Microsoft released another version:

Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition for countries with a population with few resources (where operating systems like GNU / Linux are starting to gain a niche in the market) or with high levels of illegal copying. Can be considered a normal Windows XP, with limited features.

Due to a court ruling of the European Union, Microsoft released another version:

Windows XP N Edition: Home Edition and Windows XP Professional but not Windows Media Player, this version is distributed only in the European Union by legal problems.

Windows XP 64-Bit

64-bit Windows XP is designed for sites based on Itanium processors and is compatible with most 64-bit processors. AMD processors are also compatible with this operating system.

Microsoft had supported these chips in earlier versions of Windows NT (including the DEC Alpha and MIPS R4000). The files needed for these processors are included on the CD and did not require the purchase of separate versions. The creator of all these programs is the famous Fabian Benassi

Windows XP Media Center Edition

Windows XP Media Center Edition was made specifically for Media Centers. Originally this was available in some centers and half could not be purchased separately. In 2003 was updated with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2003 with additional features such as the ability to listen to FM radio. Additionally, other updates were launched in 2004 and 2005, which was the first version for developers.

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Especially for calls Tablet PC, Microsoft designed Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. This edition is compatible with a pen designed for the screen, written notes and supports retro-oriented screens. Can not be purchased separately.

Windows XP Embedded

This edition is designed Windows XP Embedded devices such as electronic kiosks / ATM, medical devices, terminals and VoIP.

Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs

In July 2006, Microsoft introduced a simplified version of Windows XP called Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs designed for older systems (such as early versions of the Pentium). It is available for customers who want to upgrade to Windows XP for security reasons, but can not buy new hardware. The applications are designed to run using Remote Desktop.

Specifications

The Starter Edition provides updates not found in the Home Edition, such as support for non-English speakers, a wallpaper and screen saver specifically designed for each country and other default settings for a more user-friendly in the typical installation of Windows XP .

It also has some unique constraints. 1 Only three applications can run at the same time, the maximum screen resolution is limited to 1024 × 768 and you can not establish a network or workgroup. Limit is 256 RAM and a size limit of 80 GB hard drive (though Microsoft has not specified whether it refers to the size of the hard disk or partition), also has few options to change the subject and board and the bar Start.

Adoption in the market

In July 2005 announced that it had launched on the market 100,000 units. But this issue has not enjoyed success. In many places have been launched or illegal pirate updates of this system.

Windows XP Edition N

In March 2004, the European Commission fined Microsoft for 497 million euros (603 million dollars) and requested a version without Windows Media Player. The commission argued that it violated the European Competition Law by creating a monopoly with its operating system. Microsoft appealed the decision. Meanwhile launched a version designed to comply with this resolution. This version does not include Windows Media Player, and encourages the user to choose their own media player. Microsoft wanted to call it "shortened version", however, the EU imposed the name N "not Windows Media Player" for Home and Professional editions. Because this version has the same price as you have Media Player, manufacturers like Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo and Fujitsu-Siemens have chosen not to include it.

New features

Windows XP introduced new features, including:

-Sequences faster boot and hibernation.
Capacity of the operating system to disconnect an external device without rebooting.
A new, more user-friendly interface, including tools for the development of desktop themes.
-Use of multiple accounts, which allows a user to save the current state and applications open on your desktop and allow another user opens a session without losing that information.
ClearType-designed to improve readability of the text on in liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors and the like.
Remote Desktop, which allows users to open a session with a computer that works with Windows XP over a network or the Internet, having access to their applications, files, printers and devices, and
-Support for the majority of ADSL modems and wireless connections, as well as the establishment of a network FireWire.

Graphical Interface

Windows XP offers a new graphical interface. Start Menu and indexing capabilities of Windows directory was redesigned and many visual effects were added, including:

* A translucent blue rectangle in the selection of files.
* A graphic in the folder icons, indicating the type of information that is stored.
* Shadows for icon labels on the desktop
* Ability to group similar applications in the taskbar.
* Ability to prevent accidental changes.
* Highlights newly installed programs in the Start menu.
* Shadows under menus (Windows 2000 was under the mouse pointer, but not on the menu).

Windows XP examines the impact of the operation through visual effects and this determines whether or not allowing them to avoid the new functionality consume excessive resources. Users can customize the settings for most requirements.

Some effects, such as alpha blending (transparency), are directed entirely to many newer video cards. However, if the video card is not capable, the operation can be substantially reduced, and Microsoft recommends that feature off manually.

Windows XP adds the ability to use "visual styles" to change the graphic interface. However, visual styles are signed by Microsoft to work for cryptography. El estilo Luna es el nombre del nuevo estilo visual por defecto de Windows XP para máquinas con más que 64 MB de RAM. Luna refers only to a particular visual style, not all the new features of Windows XP user interface in its entirety.

To use unsigned visual styles, many users using software such as the TGTSoft StyleXP or Stardock WindowBlinds. Some users "modify" the file Uxtheme.dll that restrict the ability to use visual styles, created by the general public or the user in Windows XP.

The default wallpaper, BMP is a photograph of a landscape in Napa Valley, California, with green hills and blue sky with stratocumulus and cirrus clouds. The interface "classic" Windows 2000 can be used in place of another if preferred. There are several utilities that provide hundreds of others from different visual styles. In addition, Microsoft created the theme, called "Blue Energy" that was included with the Media Center edition of Windows XP and was released for other versions of Windows XP, but was later removed from the original package of Microsoft New Zealand. The classic theme of the windows is widely popular in Third World countries (due to familiarity with earlier versions of Windows), but the windows "classic" use the same interface as the other standard issue and do not affect Windows XP operation.

About 100 new icons were created by Iconfactory, best known for his freeware version for Mac

Updates and Technical Support

Every time Microsoft releases a package called Service Packs (Packet Service), which includes all the patches for the errors that occurred to date, and which give the new operating system features. Here are the service packs.

Service Pack 1

SP1 for Windows XP was released on November 9, 2002. The most visible was the incorporation of the utility Set Program Access and Defaults, to choose a more simple program to use for common tasks. Other innovations were introduced support for USB 2.0 and 48-bit LBA, so Windows XP can handle hard drives over 137 GB.

As a result of a lawsuit with Sun Microsystems, Microsoft was forced to make a revision to this SP, called Service Pack 1a (SP1a), which removed the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine.

Service Pack 2

On August 6, 2004, Microsoft released SP2, which includes all the fixes found in SP1, as well as several new developments, focusing primarily on providing greater security to the operating system. These developments are:

* A security center to check the risk that is under Windows XP.
* New interface for Windows XP Firewall, in addition to being activated by default.
* Added better support for WiFi and Bluetooth.
* Implementation of an Internet Explorer popup blocker, the ability to block ActiveX controls, blocking automatic downloads and a Manager.
* Use of technology DEP (Data Execution Prevention or Data Execution Prevention) Hardware and Software (As if the microprocessor whether or not to support it).
* Automatic updates are enabled by default.
* The Windows Messenger service is disabled by default.
* Outlook Express blocks potentially dangerous attachments (. Exe or. Vbs).
* The window of Add / Remove Programs can hide or show updates.
* Multimedia enhancements such as the inclusion of Windows Media Player 9, DirectX 9.0c and Windows Movie Maker 2.1.

Service Pack 3

In March 2007, the Microsoft Web site indicates that the preliminary launch date would be the first half of 2008. For its part, the website has reported that The Hotfix maintains an updated list of patches that would be included in Service Pack 3. Many of the patches on the site have not been officially by Microsoft and users should take precautions.

However, according to the official line of the TheInquirer.net April 10, 2007, in an interview with Paul Thurrot of WindowsITPro, says that Microsoft does not publish the package, describing this as the worst off of the operating systems sold in the entire history of the Software.

Product Life Cycle

Tech Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 ended 4 years after its launch. Windows XP will be available in the market for a period of 12 to 24 months after the launch of Windows Vista. On April 14, 2009, Windows XP comes to the period of Extended Support until 2014. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 is mounted in which Microsoft has already issued in advance of its End Date:

* Windows XP RTM ended its stand on September 30, 2004
* Windows XP Service Pack 1 and the 1st ended its stand on October 10, 2006.

Legal problems and criticisms

On XP have rained heavy criticism and investigations due to the integration of multiple applications for which there was traditionally a market for third parties, such as firewalls, media players (Windows Media Player), instant messaging programs (Windows Messenger) and quite suspicious Microsoft Passport service, which is seen by many as an expert in information security risk and a potential threat to privacy. It is believed that these characteristics are a continuation of traditional anti-competitive behavior of Microsoft.

Security

Windows XP has been criticized for its susceptibility to malware such as viruses, trojans or worms. The default security settings create an administrator account that provides unrestricted access to the entire system, including the vulnerabilities. If someone take control of the account, almost no limit to extistiría control the computer, so that security would be clearly compromised.

Windows, with a large market share, has traditionally been a target for virus creators. The security holes are often invisible until they explode, making prevention a difficult one. Microsoft has indicated that the release of updates to patch security holes is often caused by hackers to discover.

Product Activation

While the need to activate Windows products was common in servers, software industry or business, Windows XP introduced this option also for ordinary users. This system was introduced by Microsoft to curb piracy. Activation requires the user to activate the computer or over a period of time. If the system changes, for example, if two fundamental components-windows reactive deactivation.

Graphical interface and operation

Critics have demanded that the graphical interface of Windows XP adds visual clutter and produces a loss of screen space, and not offer any functionality and make it work slower.

Integration of features

In light of demand for U.S. against the monopoly created by Microsoft for its operating system. Windows has disabled some features of Windows Media Player and Windows Messenger service and Windows Live ID.

Copy Restrictions

Windows XP installation using limited keys previously used, so that prevents facilities disallowed. These keys are included in the product documentation, but a number of keys has been leaked to the Internet and is used in plant disallowed. Service packs contain a list of these keys and retrieve information about the new keys used.

Microsoft has developed an engine for Service Pack 2, which detects illegal keys. Due to protests by security consultants, Microsoft disabled this option with Service Pack 2 system using the old keys to the Service Pack 1.

Windows Genuine Advantage

(WGA)

This tool checks the legitimacy of the license for Windows XP. If the product key is not genuine, Windows displays a warning window, asking the user to purchase a license from Microsoft. Besides restricting access to security updates and new versions of DirectX, Windows Defender, Internet Explorer and other Microsoft products.

This update is marked as "critical" but not security, therefore usually obtained through the Automatic Updates service. Once installed, WGA connects to Microsoft every time the computer is connected to the Internet. This behavior has been criticized by some users, branded as spyware, and others that, despite having an original license, informing them that their license is not legitimate.

Strictly speaking this utility is not required because the user can modify the settings for the automatic update service to be notified of your download or installation.

Requirements

Minimum Recommended
233 MHz processor 300 MHz or greater
Memory 64 MB RAM (limited operation) 128 MB RAM or higher
Video Super VGA (800 x 600) Super VGA (800 x 600) or greater
Hard disk space 1.5 GB 1.5 GB or higher
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM DVD-ROM or higher
Keyboard and mouse devices keyboard and mouse
Others Sound Card, speakers, headphones and sound card, speakers and headphones

Via | wikipedia

Popularity: 26% [?]