What is Microsoft's description of Windows XP Home Edition?

Answer 1

It was described as a huge update to the Windows platform giving way to the new NT kernel and a new redesigned user interface since it hasn't been different since windows 95. It introduced multiple security upgrades and more useful programs and abilities to work at a consumer level .

Answer 2

It really says something about the staying power of Windows XP when you consider just how long this operating system has held onto its market share. It’s almost ten years old, which makes it a veritable fossil in the rapidly-changing computer market, yet it still had a respectable 53% market share as of August 2010.

Think about that. More than half of the world’s computers are running XP despite the fact that Microsoft has released not just one, but two new versions of Windows since XP’s introduction in 2001. Windows in general has been successful largely because it fills a middle of the road niche - Apple’s OS may offer a bit more security and user-friendliness, but Windows offers a great deal more versatility in terms of supporting third-party software and allowing users to alter the OS.

In turn, Linux applications like Ubuntu offer even more utility than Windows, and more security, but they score pretty low in the ease of use department. While knowledgeable folks who really know their way around a computer can get a lot of use out of Linux, it’s definitely not for the novice.

At any rate, Windows XP Home Edition has been the most popular OS for nearly a decade. XP will continue to be supported in some fashion until 2014, so its lifespan is far from over. Vista and Windows 7 have begun to take its place - you won’t find a PC loaded with XP at the computer store - but XP is far from dead.

This is at least partly due to the old axiom that says if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Many users were familiar and comfortable with XP, and Vista didn’t offer enough to convince them to upgrade. Also, XP home edition is a good choice for users with older machines. Windows recommends a 300 megahertz processor and 128 MB of RAM for XP; compare that to the 800 MHz and 512 MB of RAM needed, at a bare minimum, to run Vista. In most cases, Vista will need even more resources.

If you do find yourself using Windows XP Home Edition, remember that XP received more than its fair share of criticism for security issues. As the most common OS in the world, it makes an attractive target for malware and/or hackers. Be sure to install the latest service pack, SP3, on any XP machines you might use, and be sure to keep updated virus protection running when you’re online.