• Windows XP is short for the Windows "Experience" operating system.computer image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com
  
  In early 2001, Microsoft announced Windows XP operating system. Windows XP , short for "experience," was released in four main versions: Home, Professional, Media Center and the Professional x64 edition. The Windows XP Home edition supports casual computer usage, typically in homes. The Windows XP Professional edition supports more advanced computer usage, such as in a workplace environment. The Windows XP Media Center edition supports the integration of television, video, DVD and other multimedia formats. The Windows XP Professional x64 edition was developed to run on 64-bit based computers.
  
  

Unified Code Base

• Before Windows XP, Microsoft developed operating systems that were for either personal home use or business use. Microsoft developed Windows XP as a single core operating system to serve as a foundation for both the personal (XP home) and business (XP Professional) operating systems.
  
  

Remote Desktop

• Remote Desktop is a new feature that was introduced by Microsoft in the Windows XP operating system. Remote Desktop allows users to access and "log on" and control a computer at another location. Employees who travel often or work remotely will still be able to access a physical computer located at the office through the Remote Desktop application.
  
  

Remote Assistance

• Remote Assistance was introduced into Windows XP to support collaboration and troubleshooting for remote Windows XP users. Remote Assistance allows one user to connect to another Windows XP computer and "take control" of another computer. Remote Assistance is helpful for aiding a coworker who may be located at another geographical location.
  
  

Graphical User Interface

• Microsoft introduced a cleaner Graphical User Interface (GUI) in Windows XP to reduce clutter on the screen. Many of the standard icons, such as the "My Documents" shortcut, are moved to the Windows XP Start menu located on the lower left hand corner of the screen, instead of directly on the Desktop.