Microsoft has developed an ultra-secure version of Windows XP, with many settings locked down by default. The hardened OS isn t for sale to the general public; it s made specifically for the military. The Air Force persuaded Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to provide it with a secure Windows configuration that saved the service about $100 million in contract costs and countless hours of maintenance. Both home users and IT shops can benefit from the work by applying the secure configuration settings for Windows XP.
Source: https://threatpost.com/microsoft-develops-secure-windows-xp-military-050109/72775/