Back in October 25, 2001, Windows released its new operating system, Windows XP to lukewarm response from consumers. Despite initial resistance from consumers, Windows XP stands above other PC operating systems as the longest and most popular OS to date.

Windows XP was a turning point for Microsoft. It was Microsoft's first mass-market operating system and offered true protected memory, preemptive multitasking, multiprocessor support and multiuser security. At its peak, more than 80 percent of PC users had a Microsoft XP as their operating system.

The road to success for Windows XP wasn't easy, it faced tough competition from Microsoft's other operating systems. Windows 2000 users weren't swayed by XP's user interface and dismissed it as a minor update. Home users were initially turned off by the hardware demand for Windows XP and scarce driver support drove off gamers. Enterprises didn't want to switch from Windows 95 even if the older OS was unsuitable to enterprise computing.

Time, proved to be Windows XP best ally. Computers got faster, driver support grew and improved, the growth of the Internet made security a concern and soon everyone was switching to Windows XP. Microsoft also cemented XP's status by making it a better operating system. The software company released the Service Pack 2 with improved Wi-Fi support and made XP more secure.

Windows XP continued to dominate for years after. It didn't help that its successors were less than stellar. Windows Vista, released in 2006, was years too late and users didn't want a new operating system especially one that was so bogged down with technical troubles. Vista peaked at 19 percent market share before Windows 7 was released.

Now with Microsoft gearing up to release Windows 8 and Windows 7 finally claiming more that 40 percent market share, Windows XP is about to set off for its long delayed and much deserved retirement. As PC shares fall to tablets and smartphones, can Microsoft's Windows 8 hope to achieve the same success as Windows XP? Time will only tell.