We have a collection of 4 arrangements for Microsoft - Windows XP Startup Sound
What iconic 4-second melody became synonymous with personal computing in the 2000s? Learn!
The Windows XP startup sound, known as "Microsoft Windows XP Startup Sound," is one of the most iconic sounds in the computer world. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Composer: The startup sound was composed by Brian Eno, an English musician, composer, and record producer. Eno is known for his work in ambient music, and he created the distinctive and soothing melody that plays during the Windows XP startup.
Title: The piece created by Eno doesn't have an official title. It's often referred to simply as the "Windows XP Startup Sound" or "Microsoft Windows XP Startup Sound."
Duration: The startup sound is approximately 3.25 seconds long. Despite its brevity, it became synonymous with the Windows XP operating system, which was released by Microsoft in 2001.
Remixes and Covers: The Windows XP startup sound has inspired numerous remixes and covers by various artists. Its popularity extends beyond its original context, becoming a cultural phenomenon in its own right.
Legacy: Even though Windows XP is considered an outdated operating system, the startup sound remains a nostalgic and memorable element for those who used it during its heyday. Many people associate it with the early 2000s and the widespread adoption of personal computers.
Sound Origins: Brian Eno's inspiration for the Windows XP startup sound reportedly came from the Microsoft sound team's request for a piece that was "inspiring, universal, optimistic, futuristic, sentimental."
Default Setting: The startup sound was the default sound that played when Windows XP booted up, but users had the option to customize or disable it in the operating system's settings.
These facts highlight the cultural impact of a seemingly simple startup sound and how it has become a symbol of an era in computing history.