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Windows XP, released in 2001, is one of the most iconic and enduring operating systems in computing history. Built on the Windows NT kernel, XP marked a major transition from the instability of the Windows 9x line to a more secure, multitasking-capable OS — while maintaining user-friendly interfaces that appealed to home and business users alike. Despite end-of-life status in 2014, XP remains relevant in legacy systems, embedded environments, and malware research labs.

For hackers and security researchers, Windows XP is a vital system to understand. Its lack of modern security features like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), Data Execution Prevention (DEP) by default, and Secure Boot make it a soft target for exploit development and proof-of-concept testing. It’s often used as a sandbox environment to study older malware, understand historical vulnerabilities, and practice offensive security techniques without modern defenses getting in the way.