Windows XP

Note: Many schools and units have standardized on the use of specific applications and operating systems. Faculty and staff should speak to their local support provider to determine which products are supported locally before selecting or purchasing software.

Windows XP was first released on October 25, 2001. Information Systems & Computing (ISC) recommends Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 for existing systems that meet the Windows System Specifications. For any supported version of Windows the recommended minimum system requirements are:

1.1 GHz processor with 512 megabytes of RAM

Please note that Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 and below is no longer supported at Penn as of July 1, 2007. Please also note that no 64-bit versions of Windows (including Windows XP 64-bit Edition) are currently supported at the University.

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 is supported and recommended. It is an appropriate choice for new workstations running the Windows platform because of its emphasis on security, superior driver support, stability, connectivity, and supportability. It is also the only version of Windows XP to implement the "No Execute" security capability supported by all current Intel and AMD processors. ISC does not recommend, but will support Windows XP Home Service Pack 2. Windows XP Home is missing important networking and security features, such as domain-based authentication, that are critical to many Schools and Centers in the University.

2007 Daylight Saving Time Changes

Windows XP Service Pack 2

Download and install the Daylight Daving Time (DST) patch from Microsoft.

See the 2007 Daylight Saving Time Changes page for more information.

Availability

If you plan to purchase a PC system with Windows XP, please review the annually updated Desktop Computing Recommendations for Penn. Dell and Lenovo computers can be purchased from the Computer Connection at an educational discount.

Windows is commercial software that can be purchased from the Computer Connection at an educational discount.

Microsoft software is available to University of Pennsylvania departments through the Microsoft Select Volume License Program. A detailed description of the Microsoft Program including product information and a FAQ has been prepared by the Office of Software Licensing. All purchases of Microsoft Select software are made through the Computer Connection.

Support

Primary computing support is usually located in the schools, units, and residences, close to the faculty, staff, and students being served. Contact lists are available for:

• Faculty Support
• Staff Support
• Student Support

To look up your local support provider, select your University affiliation above. You may also call First Call at 215-573-4778 to request a referral if you are not sure who to contact.

Related resources

• ISC's original Windows XP Service Pack 2 article.
• PPP for Windows XP.
• Penn's Virus Information Center web site.
• Industry references:
  • Microsoft's Windows web site.
  • Microsoft's home page.
  • CNet's enterprise operating system software web site
• The Penn PCNet site contains useful information for local support providers.