Windows XP : Question and Answers Part 2

Q: What are the minimum requirements?

Here’s exactly what Microsoft says:

• PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233-MHz minimum required;* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
• 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
• 1.5 gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space.*
• Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

You can check out more information on Windows XP requirements here for Home or here for Pro.

Q: What is Windows XP pricing?
A: Windows XP Home is $99 for an upgrade copy and $199 for the full version. Windows XP Pro is $199 for the upgrade version and $299 for a full copy.

Q: What are the upgrade paths?
A: Both Home and Professional can be upgraded from Windows 98, Windows 98SE, and Windows ME. Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 and Windows XP Home can all be upgraded to Windows XP Professional. Windows 95 is not a supported upgrade path from either version.

Q: What’s next for Windows development?
A: With SP1 complete, Microsoft will be working on Longhorn, the next consumer version of Windows. Longhorn isn't expected to hit stores till 2004 or later (probably later), so expect a second service pack in the works soon!

Q: What were the milestones in Windows XP development?
A: There were 6 major steps in the development of Windows XP:

• Beta 1 – October 31, 2000, build 2296
• Beta 2 – March 25, 2001, build 2462a
• RC1 – June 29, 2001, build 2505
• RC2 – July 28, 2001, build 2526
• RTM – August 24, 2001, build 5.10.2600
• SP1 RTM - August 30, 2002

Q: Does Windows XP have a new Graphic User Interface (GUI)?
A: Yes, Windows XP will have a "newer" look to it but will still have the basics of Windows we have grown accustomed to. The one that is debuted at the EMP is the "Luna" theme.

Q: When was SP1 released?
A: SP1 went RTM on August 30, 2002 and was released to the public on September 9, 2002.

Q: What features does SP1 include?
A: Although Microsoft has developed a habit of not including new features, Windows XP SP1 was an exception to that rule. It included support for USB 2.0 and included a nifty, government-required tool that will let you hide MS products, if you want. It also included support for other version of Windows, like Media Center and Windows Powered Smart Displays editions (codenames Freestyle and Mira, respectively). Windows XP SP1 also includes bug fixes and other general improvements.

Q: Where can I download SP1?
A: SP1 should be available to download from Windows Update, but if you would like to order a CD or download the entire file, both can be obtained from Microsoft's website.

Q: When is SP2 coming?
A: Windows XP Service Pack 2 is currently scheduled to come out during the summer of 2004. It currently is in beta testing.

Q: What additions will SP2 bring?
A: Along with the usual bug fixes, Service Pack two will bring a number of new features to Windows XP. Most of the additions deal with security. Along with ushering in version 5 of Windows Update, SP2 also brings a more complex firewall. Internet Explorer is also more set to a more secure mode by default. The new version of IE will also include a pop-up blocker.

Q: What are some of the new visual features, what did they change?
A: The taskbar has been overhauled (icon grouping), and a new uncluttered notification area. Only the recycle bin is on the desktop - the rest are kept in a new, larger start menu.

Q: But what if we want to keep the classic look?
A: Well, luckily, it seems that you can keep either the classic look or the newer, XP look as default. The GUI should be skinnable to developers.