Final answer:
The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used in operating systems like Windows XP to automatically assign network information including IP addresses to devices as they connect to a network.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protocol used in many operating systems, including Windows XP, that automatically issues network information such as an IP address to a device as it connects to the network is the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). DHCP is essential for the management of IP addresses within a network and provides a mechanism to automate the distribution of network configuration parameters, such as IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS servers, without the need for a system administrator to manually assign this information to each device.