Windows XP is an operating system first released on October 25, 2001, by Microsoft

Did you know that Windows XP was first released in an event on October 25, 2001, held at Times Square’s Marriott Marquis Theatre? Along with Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates, leaders from the PC industry and many eminent personalities were present at the event.

Hyderabad: Microsoft Corp. announced the worldwide availability of Windows XP with a celebration in the business capital of the world: New York City. Customers are now able to acquire the new Microsoft Windows XP operating system on new personal computers and in retail stores throughout the world.

Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates presented the keynote address at the most important product launch in Microsoft’s history, accompanied by leaders from the PC industry, more than 50 Microsoft partners, a special welcome by New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and an appearance by television’s Regis Philbin at the event in Times Square’s Marriott Marquis Theatre. Codenamed Whistler, Windows XP was arguably the best version of Windows ever despite its divisive look.

It unified Microsoft's business and consumer Windows products meaning that the consumer version had better security and stability.

The new approach of one OS with several variants was added which is why we got Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP, Professional. It had a bunch of new features added in the huge Service Pack 2 update, and it became the longest-lasting Windows OS, selling from 2001-2007.

• Often abbreviated as XP, Microsoft Windows XP was code-named Whistler and is short for Windows experience. Windows XP is an operating system that was first released on October 25, 2001, by Microsoft and designed to help bridge the gap between Windows 9x/ME and Windows NT/2000. The Windows XP upgrade was available for Windows 98, ME, and 2000 users.
• The two primary versions of Windows XP are Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP, Professional.
• Home Edition - Full or upgrade and only 32-bit.
• Professional - Full or upgrade and 32-bit or 64-bit.
• Windows XP,available in Windows XP N and Windows XP Home Edition N, are versions released by Microsoft as part of an agreement with Europe's competition commissioner. In these versions of Windows XP, the user could choose their media player and download and install it on their computer.

Windows XP included various new features not found in previous versions of Microsoft Windows. Below is a listing of some of these new features:-

1. New interface - A completely new look and ability to change the look.
2. Updates - A new feature that automatically obtains updates from the Internet.
3. Internet Explorer 6 - Includes Internet Explorer 6 and new IM.
4. Multilingual support - Added support for different languages.
5. Increase reliability compared to previous versions of Microsoft Windows.

Windows XP system requirements are:-

• 233 MHz or faster processor.
• 64 MB RAM minimum (128 MB recommended).
• 1.5 GB hard drive space.
• CD-ROM or DVD drive.
• SVGA video card.
• 100% compatible Microsoft keyboard and mouse.
• Standard sound card for sound capability.
• Upgrade requires Windows 98, 98 SE, or ME.