If you're not the only one using your home PC, we don't have to tell you how settings can inexplicably change and new icons can mysteriously appear or, worse, disappear. The beauty of XP is that it lets all users create the computer experience they're looking for. Each person can set up the Start menu the way he wants, have his/her own wallpaper, and have his/her favorite programs running—even the mouse speed can be customized! To change users, just click the Start button, switch users, and the computer is set up perfectly for the next person. There's no need to log off, just change users.

The all-new Help and Support Center built into XP has clear how-to instructions, articles, troubleshooting advice and free product updates—all written in plain, easy-to-understand language. Plus, special setup wizards give you step-by-step instructions on connecting new devices and installing new software! If you do run into a technical problem and need help, XP will let a technical support professional—or a knowledgeable friend—view your screen and resolve the problem from another computer. XP even comes complete with an Internet firewall to protect against hackers and viruses.

Windows XP is designed to take full advantage of everything digital technology and the Internet have to offer.

Digital cameras: Just plug your digital camera into your computer's USB port and your pictures will pop up automatically. Now you can print them out, email them, edit them—whatever. XP probably has the device drivers for your digital camera built right in. What happens when you buy a new camera? Not to worry, XP gets periodic updates automatically.

Music and movies: As you might expect, XP comes with the latest and greatest version of Windows Media Player. This little gem makes it easier than ever to download music, make your own CDs, watch streaming video and movies, and even listen to radio from all over the world on Internet radio.

Fun and games: XP even has special networking and Internet features that make it easy to play games with people all over the world or just down the street.

PC with 233MHz processor (300MHz or higher recommended)—Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD -K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended

128MB of RAM or higher

1.5GB of available hard disk space

Super VGA (800 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive Sound card and speakers or headphones for digital music and movies

DVD-ROM drive with DVD decoder card or DVD decoder software and 8MB of video RAM for DVD video playback

If your PC has the system requirements listed above, and you already own a previous version of Microsoft Windows, you may be able to upgrade to Windows XP by installing the retail upgrade package of the software. The upgrade costs significantly less than the full version.