- Windows XP looks very much like other versions of Windows. So if you've already been using Windows, you'll be able to start using XP quickly and easily. There are many improvements over previous versions of Windows. With Windows XP you won't find yourself working to address conflicts or watching ScanDisk search your drive for errors. Also, XP has some advantages over Vista. Microsoft is fond of releasing operating systems before they've been adequately tested, and Vista is no exception. Windows XP, on the other hand, has been on the market since 2001. The bugs are all worked out.
- Many of the features of Windows 98, 2000 and ME which consistently malfunctioned actually work in Windows XP. For example, many users of Windows 98 could bypass a password to access the computer. Windows XP enforces the passwords, increasing the security of your computer. Windows 98 also often failed to install new plug and play hardware. The Windows XP user rarely has to struggle with a new hardware installation, as the New Hardware Wizard completes the needed setup in most cases.
- Windows XP is much better looking than the battleship-gray interface of past Windows operating systems. It's also much more user friendly and far less prone to crashing. Windows XP supports multiple, password-protected user accounts. A new feature of the operating system is the Security Center, in which you can manage your anti-virus software, Windows Firewall and automatic updates. The Network Connection Wizard makes network setup simple and quick. The Scanner and Camera Wizard make it easier to download your pictures onto your computer.
- The minimum system requirements recommended by Microsoft for Windows XP are too low. Microsoft claims that you can run this operating system with only 128 MB of memory. The truth is that an absolute minimum of 256 MB is required. 512 MB is even better. Preferably, your processor should be 1 GHz or higher. This is because you won't just be running Windows XP. You'll be running many other software programs, many at the same time. If you're having problems with Vista, you can either downgrade to XP or dual-boot both Windows and XP until the problem is solved.
- Retail sales of Windows XP have been discontinued. However, Microsoft has announced that it will continue to offer mainstream support for XP through April 2009. This support is for users who purchased a retail copy of Windows XP. Extended support will continue through April 2014. Extended support includes free security updates and paid technical support.
