One of the world’s most beloved computer operating systems will no longer see worldwide official support. After launching in 2001, Microsoft is finally pulling the plug on Windows XP, the OS that was the first for many in the world. The rolling grassy hills under a quintessentially blue sky (incidentally a photo of the Napa Valley) greeted millions around the world as they first put on a PC. So it’s no surprise that even now plenty of computers use it – both out of necessity, like ATMs, which have not changed their OS since they came on the scene, or out of sheer familiarity, like that one uncle who has never wanted to upgrade. It’s been a long run, so let’s look at some of the milestones.
Neptune to Whistler
Microsoft began working on Windows XP in the latter half of the 1990s. It was named Neptune then and was built on the Windows NT Kernel, which was mainly used in consumer PCs. Microsoft had wanted to build two different OSes, based on different needs of consumers and businesses, both based on Windows 2000 that preceded. But in a move that has shaped the future of Windows, it decided to use just one OS which would serve both types of customers. Codenamed Whistler, this is what we know as XP.
In April 2000, Microsoft formally showed an early build of Whistler, which showed some of the new features, such as user switching, native CD burning support, digital media features in Windows Media Player and of course that familiar Start Menu, but in a completely revamped avatar.
Brand XP
Neptune to Whistler
Microsoft began working on Windows XP in the latter half of the 1990s. It was named Neptune then and was built on the Windows NT Kernel, which was mainly used in consumer PCs. Microsoft had wanted to build two different OSes, based on different needs of consumers and businesses, both based on Windows 2000 that preceded. But in a move that has shaped the future of Windows, it decided to use just one OS which would serve both types of customers. Codenamed Whistler, this is what we know as XP.
In April 2000, Microsoft formally showed an early build of Whistler, which showed some of the new features, such as user switching, native CD burning support, digital media features in Windows Media Player and of course that familiar Start Menu, but in a completely revamped avatar.
Brand XP
In February 2001, the company made the Windows XP name official. The XP as many would have guessed stands for experience, which, Microsoft would like us to believe, is what they were delivering. But it rolled off the tongue so well and had a catchy sound. It was a name that was destined to be liked. It was loved so much by Microsoft that it carried the name to Microsoft Office as well, naming it Office XP for this specific release. XP would be released in different versions – Home and Professional – with slightly different elements according to the needs they met.
Starting XP
When clicked, the Start Menu on XP threw up a newer launchpad for all your software and applications. Firstly, it featured a mysterious two-column layout, and you could ‘pin’ apps that you wanted on one column and the other greatly eased what settings and parts of the computer one wanted to access. The Start Menu is so second nature to most users that Windows 8 became the subject of ire for dropping it. Now that it’s back with the latest update to the OS, Microsoft is paying XP a tribute as it leaves official support...
Starting XP
When clicked, the Start Menu on XP threw up a newer launchpad for all your software and applications. Firstly, it featured a mysterious two-column layout, and you could ‘pin’ apps that you wanted on one column and the other greatly eased what settings and parts of the computer one wanted to access. The Start Menu is so second nature to most users that Windows 8 became the subject of ire for dropping it. Now that it’s back with the latest update to the OS, Microsoft is paying XP a tribute as it leaves official support...
Source: Technology News 2014
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