Chapter 1. What's New in Windows XP

As we write this second edition of Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, Windows XP is about to celebrate its third birthday. With more than 210 million copies sold so far, Windows XP is arguably the most successful computer operating system ever developed. Part of the reason for that success is that Windows XP represents a vast improvement over the Windows family that began with Windows 95, reached its peak with Windows 98, and ended quietly with Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me).

For a computer operating system, three years is practically an eternity—and sure enough, Windows XP has changed dramatically since its initial release. Two major service packs have ...

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