When I was a young man I was DOS. I spent my days in simple surroundings, and expected little out of life. Then, one day, for no apparent reason I decided to change the way I looked. I added a few colors, some pretty boxes and decided to change my name to Windows. I was 30 at the time.

This went on for a few years and I made a few alterations to my appearance, but basically, I stayed the same. In 1995 I decided to get out of my rut. Really shake things up. So, like a snake, I tossed off the old skin and retooled. Made myself much prettier and really expanded my horizons. I changed my name to Windows 95, to be more in keeping with the times. I was able to take on much more. The public reacted to my new persona in a very positive way. This is great, I thought. I was on top of my game. There were some pretenders to my throne, but nothing real serious.

I coasted for a while. Added a couple of bells and a few whistles and renamed myself Windows 98. A while later, in what can only be described as an extremely narcissistic moment, I renamed myself simply ME. But eventually, I started to fall behind. I could see the writing on the wall and I knew I wasn't fooling anyone.

With the new millennium approaching quickly I decided I needed another change. I was getting older and I needed more stability in my life. So I went into seclusion for a while. Mulled over my options and finally emerged twice the man I was before. This time, I decided to call myself 2000, in honor of the new millennium. I was bigger, stronger, and more dependable. People liked me again. I couldn't be happier. To celebrate my rebirth I took a trip to British Columbia Canada for a well deserved holiday. I spent weeks on the slopes at Whistler and Blackcomb. I spent my evenings celebrating at the resort/saloon called Longhorn. It was just what I needed. I felt revitalized. Completely refreshed. I knew my new 2000 core was solid but I decided a new face was needed. My eXPerience told me that a simple facelift to my 2000 core would be just what the Doctor ordered. By late 2001 I looked completely different. I renamed myself again, this time to reflect my many years of eXPerience. I decided on the name Windows XP. And that is how I stand right now.

I'm not sure what the future holds, but I know it will be different.