What do I do if my computer starts up in Safe Mode?

First, try rebooting and if that does not work it would be helpful if you checked the Device Manager (right-click on the My Computer icon, then the Device Manager tab; or click Start, Settings, Control Panel, System, Device Manager). Click the + in front of a category to see the devices in that category. When a device is not working properly, there is usually a yellow circle with an exclamation point in it or a red X through the icon.

What is Windows XP?

Windows Whistler is the codename for the first joint business/consumer version of Windows built on the Windows 2000 OS kernel for stability and reliability. To bring the reliability of Windows 2000 to consumers as soon as possible and address the feedback from enterprise customers, Microsoft planned a phased release of Windows XP beginning with the desktop products and followed by the server versions. Windows XP is their first step in the Microsoft .Net vision. Learn more here

What is the difference between the 32 bit and 64 bit windows XP versions?

The 64-bit versions will only work on newer Intel Itanium based hardware. The 32-bit versions will work on all x86 compatible hardware (such a Pentium III, 4, etc).

What are the minimum requirements for XP?

Microsoft says:
PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233-MHz minimum required; Intel Pentium / Celeron family, AMD K6 / Athlon / Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features) 1.5 gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space.
Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor CD-ROM or DVD drive Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.

Will my programs from Windows 95, 98, ME, NT work in Windows XP?

Most programs that work on Windows 95/98/Me and NT will work on versions of Windows XP. As with Windows 2000, several compatibility updates are sure to made after the product is released. There will be problems running older DOS programs.