Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system turns 10-years old today.

Windows XP released to retailers on October 25, 2001. Codenamed whistler, Windows XP development started in 1999 when the operating system was known as Windows Neptune. Windows XP (which stands for experience) was developed for around 18 months and released to end users on October 25, 2001. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and Vice President Jim Allchin delivered the final Windows XP code to PC makers via helicopters during the RTM party on August 24, 2001. The helicopters, decorated with Window XP and PC maker logos, each received gold master copies of the operating system before making their way back to each OEM’s headquarters.

Windows XP was designed as the successor to Windows 2000 and Windows ME and ushered in a new green and blue task-based GUI. Microsoft added in a number of visual effects to Windows XP including drop shadows and various animations across the operating system. Microsoft also shipped a “bliss” default wallpaper that featured a landscape of the Napa Valley in California. Windows XP’s radical new theme engine kick started a craze of “XP styles” for third-party skinners.

Microsoft broke with tradition for Windows XP and introduced a Service Pack 2 with a number of new features for the operating system. SP2 was designed to secure Windows XP after a number of high profile exploits hit Windows XP, including the Blaster worm in 2003 and the Sasser worm in May 2004. Service Pack 2, introduced in late 2004 added WPA Wi-Fi support, an ad blocker for Internet Explorer 6 and bluetooth support. Microsoft also shipped a major update to its inbuilt firewall and Data Execution Support. The software giant also included Windows Security Center, designed to warn users if their antivirus software is not installed or is out of date.

Windows XP still dominates modern day computing and is expected to go “end of life” on April 8, 2014. Windows 7 only recent passed Windows XP usage worldwide. Windows 7 now accounts for 40.21% of all global desktop operating system usage across the world. Windows XP usage slipped to 38.64% in the month of October according to StatCounter. The drop in XP usage has been consistent since Windows 7′s launch. Microsoft is urging businesses to move to Windows 7 instead of waiting for Windows 8. The software maker penned a blog post earlier this month, celebrating 10 years of Windows XP by urging XP users to move to Windows 7. Around 90% of businesses are committed to migrating away from Windows XP and Office 2003 to modern software such as Windows 7 and Office 2010, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft has promised to reinvent Windows with Windows 8 and unveiled its “reimagined” Windows 8 last month. The new interface features a Start Screen with identical styling to the company’s Windows Phone software. Microsoft is planning to allow application developers to create Metro style apps that interact with the Start Screen and operating system. Microsoft’s unique approach will also provide rich and easy integration across applications for developers. Microsoft is expected to make Windows 8 available on ARM and Intel based tablets in mid-2012. Microsoft’s bold choice of a touch based user interface as a replacement for the Windows Start Menu speaks volumes about how the company is positioning Windows 8. In eleven years we’ll likely be celebrating the history of Windows 8 and looking forward to a new release in a whole different world. Happy 10th birthday Windows XP.