Posted by Windows XP iso released in 2001, has been the most popular operating system offered by Microsoft. This is because it is super-fast, light, stable and user-friendly. Its compatibility with all SATA drives makes it apt for the major necessities of a computer system. The overall interface is not only simple to use but also comes with eye-catching visual styles and effects. The operating system comes in various editions.
The ISO Format
The various editions of this operating system (OS) are downloadable online in the iso file format. This ensures that it can be read by a variety of devices.
Windows XP Editions
- XP Starter Edition
- XP Home and Professional Editions
- XP Media Centre Edition
- Subscription and Pre-Paid Editions
- Tablet PC Editions
- 64-Bits Editions
- Editions for Embedded Systems
Starter Edition
This edition which is more like the Home edition in its feature costs less than the rest. It is chiefly available in developing countries. Here are its features that stands it out.
- Relatively cheap
- Can only run 3 programs at a time
- Country-specific computer wall paper and screensavers
- Localized help features for starters
Windows XP Home Edition
This edition as implied by its name is suitable for personal or home use. It comes with some cost-effective security and privacy features such as
- Internet Connection Firewall
- Personal Privacy
- Personalized login
- Shared Documents Folder
- Fast User Switching
- Remote Desktop access
- Windows Media Player
Windows XP Professional Edition
Businesses of all sizes are better handled by this edition. In addition to all the features of the Home Version, it comes with other security management and business features to better enhance the safety of your business. These include:
- Black Hole Router
- Improved Media Center
- Improved Wireless LAN
- Built-in CD Burner
- Faster Boot and Application Launch
- Certificates Services
- Encrypting File System
- Blank Password Restrictions
- Internet Protocol Security
- Corporate Security
- Smart Card Support
- Credential Management
- Certificates Services
- Background Intelligent Transfer
- Native support for the ZIP Files
XP Media Centre Edition
Released first in September 2002, this edition formerly code-named freestyle was initially available for computers with media center capacities. It retains most of the features of the XP Professional and has since its first release undergone two updates in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Here are the striking features of this software
- Live TV
- Can record live TV to the PC
- Remote-controlled Audio and Video
- High End Visual Screen Savers
- Screen Dancers
- Auto Playlist DJ
- FM Radio Tuning
- CD/DVD Video Burner
- Photo Viewer
Subscription and Prepaid Editions
These are supplementary editions of windows XP home edition released by Microsoft in 2006. They differ from the former in accessibility mode which can either be subscription-based or pay-as-you-go based. The package became known as Microsoft FlexGo initiative with a metering device to prevent tampering. It was Microsoft’s way of making PCs more accessible and affordable to low-income earners by ensuring that users only pay for what they use. With prepaid edition, a voucher has to be bought each time the computer is to be operated. All features of XP home edition are present.
Windows XP ISO Download was introduced for general users in the year 2001. It is also said to be OS of the century. It was the successor of Windows 2000 and preceded MS Windows Vista. It is a part of Windows NT family. Because of its popularity and a few bugs, its 3 three versions were released which are following Win XP Service Pack 1, Win XP Service Pack 2, Win XP Service pack 3. Windows XP really became the best Microsoft Edition of its time. Windows XP was different from older OS’s. Simpler UI yet useful features, it really fulfilled the requirements for a fresh era of OS’S. That’s the reason People were amazed.
Windows XP Professional ISO DOWNLOAD FREE 64 Bit help run heavier applications. It still continues to be a great operating system. Windows XP ISO was the first user-friendly yet high-performance Operating-system common users. There are a lot of advanced features that were added in ISO. The Auto software unit installation and maintenance feature help the users to quickly set up their desired apps. The firewall has been improved and now it offers more protected from viruses and other threats. EFS (Encrypting File System) is itself a great addition to this version. Windows media player to play all sorts of media.
Tablets PC Edition
Windows XP Tablet PC edition comes pre-installed on notebooks or certain computers called tablets except for MSDN and Volume License subscribers. For this edition to be installed successfully, the tablet PC must have a touchscreen device or tablet digitizer and a special control button for scrolling. Here are some of the unique features associated with this edition
- Windows Journals
- Input Panel for Tablets
- InkBall
- Energy Blue Theme
- Educational Packs such as Equation Writer, Hexic Deluxe, and Ink Flash Cards
- Microsoft Experience Packs such as Media Transfer
64-Bits Editions
There are two sub-editions of this OS released by Microsoft to support 64-bit hardware. They are Windows XP 64-Bit Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
The former lost support from Microsoft in July 2005 after which no further security features updates were released for it. However, the latter continued to thrive coming with different service packs. Each pack is an improvement on the earlier one as it contains one or more features the others does not have.
Windows XP ISO Download
In general, the 64-bits editions have the unique advantage of increase in the maximum number of virtual memory that can be allocated. The two versions are also immune to certain viruses and malware that often attack 32-bit systems.
Editions for Embedded Systems
There are some devices such as ATMs, Cell Phones, thermostats and calculators with dedicated functions which are usually having real-time computing constraints. These are the ones know as embedded systems. The edition, known as Microsoft Windows Embedded brings all of the features of XP Professional to these systems just with some few differences. Here are some of the features you get in XP Professional but which are absent in embedded
- Online Product activation
- Windows File Protector which helps ensure that files which are not digitally signed by Microsoft are not overwritten
- Windows setup
- Windows Updates
- MSN Explorer
- Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
- Windows XP Tours
System Requirements for Installation
For all editions, the following system specifications will just be sufficient for installation. However, lower editions mean lower requirement.
- Installed Memory (RAM) of not less than 128 Megabytes (MB)
- At least 1.5 Gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
- Intel Pentium III or higher processor
- CD-ROM Drive or other Compatible devices for Media
- Super VGA (800 x 600) Video Card
- Keyboard and a mouse or some other compatible input devices
Price Comparison
It should be noted that many of the editions of Windows XP are no longer in stock. However, here is the price comparison for the available editions.
- XP Professional goes for 229 dollars
- Windows Embedded at 995 dollars
Upgrades
Depending on your choice and the task you wish to perform, your Windows XP edition can be upgraded to higher and newer versions. However, you have to first be sure that your PC can run the Windows version of your choice. To upgrade to Windows 7 for instance, it is advisable to first download the Windows 7 Advisor to ascertain compatibility.
Here are some higher versions of Windows to which your Windows XP may be upgraded to
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows 10
Recommendation
Windows vista iso has indeed come a long way. It has enjoyed wide acceptance due to its efficiency and simplicity. However, it is no longer supported by Microsoft itself and many hardware. It’s surely still functional but apart from the fact that it is becoming daily unsecure, it may one day stop working completely because of zero support by software and hardware
You may wish to consider upgrading your XP edition to Windows 7 which has not only gained popularity but also boasts of wide support from virtually all modern soft and hard wares.