Windows XP Legacy Hardware Edition

Responding to rumors about a new thin-client version of Windows XP, Microsoft confirmed that it is working on a slimmed-down edition of Windows XP, code-named Eiger. Although few technical details are available, Eiger would allow Microsoft to provide a platform for a tightly managed and secure desktop based on Windows XP SP2 and also suggests that Microsoft is concerned about Linux gaining a toehold on the desktop as organizations try to extend the life of their existing hardware.

Windows Embedded for Legacy PCs

To create a slimmed-down version of Windows XP capable of running on older hardware, Microsoft will likely leverage Windows XP Embedded (XPe) and Windows Terminal Services (TS). Windows XPe allows the creation of an OS image with only the components needed to support the hardware and desired applications. Although typically used to create special-purpose devices, such as a retail kiosk, Windows XPe could conceivably be used to create an OS image for computers with older processors. This image would contain only the components needed to support a few applications running locally and a terminal services client, such as those employed by Windows Terminal Services or Citrix, to enable users to run other applications from a server.