Windows XP provides a graphical user interface with desktop, icons, taskbar, and start menu for multitasking and accessing programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and games. The mouse and menus allow users to open and manage files on the local computer, network, and internet through features like arranging icons, refreshing the desktop, creating folders, and changing themes. Basic computer functions like shutting down, restarting, or putting the computer to sleep can be accessed through the start menu or taskbar.