click to enlarge
Even to this day, Windows XP is the popular choice over Windows Vista in regards to performance, ease of use, and limited resource requirements. Most users who continue to use Windows 98 or ME may easily be able to upgrade: depending on their processor, hard drive space and available memory. Although XP doesn’t contain the impressive visuals, or the fun and useful gadgets that are in Vista, upgrading from an older operating system is still a good idea. On top of that, support for XP has been extended to 2014. That includes access to security updates, system packs and other important files to keep your operating system up to date. So don't think your usage and support for XP will be limited, even with Vista in circulation, and
Windows 7 around the corner. Many users still use and enjoy XP (such at myself).
Requirements to run Windows XP:
- 233MHz processor required; recommended 300MHz or higher
- 64MB of RAM required; 128MB or higher recommended
- 1.5GB of available hard drive space recommended
- Monitor that can produce images at 800 x 600 or greater
While a lot of retailers have recently been pulling Windows XP from their shelves, it is still possible to obtain a copy. Online retailers such as TigerDirect.com still carry the operating system. Home version sells for about $90; Professional version sells for about $140. Of course, a more cost effective method would be to contact your local retailer to see if they have copies of the operating system. You can also check out auction websites, such as eBay, where you may find new and unopened copies at a far reduced price.
If you want to know about the features that XP Professional carries that XP Home doesn’t, check out Joli Ballew’s article in the Windows Channel here at Bright Hub.
