: Microsoft engineers selected the image to be the default wallpaper for Windows XP (codenamed "Whistler").
The photograph was captured in by former National Geographic photographer Charles O'Rear . While driving through Sonoma County, California, to visit his girlfriend, O'Rear pulled over along Highway 12/121 to photograph a lush, rolling green hill under a brilliant blue sky. 1920x1200 The History Behind Microsoft XP's “Bl...
: Despite popular belief, the image was completely unedited . The vibrant colors were the result of a specific type of Fuji film and the timing—winter rains had turned the hills emerald green, and a brief break in a storm provided the crisp white clouds. : Microsoft engineers selected the image to be
: Because the original film was so valuable, no shipping company would insure it for the full amount. O'Rear had to personally fly to Microsoft’s headquarters in Seattle to hand-deliver the transparency. Cultural Impact : Despite popular belief, the image was completely unedited