Computing Made Easy for April 21, 2008

Eric, I have heard that Windows XP won’t be available any more starting in June, is that right?

Although Windows XP will be available in June, June 30th, is the date set by Microsoft in which PC manufacturers are to stop selling computer with Windows XP installed.  This means that starting in late June / early July, I wouldn’t expect to see Windows XP computers for sale from manufacturers, much like you might have already of seen in the retail industry, however this doesn’t mean the end of Windows XP. 

Sure, there is a certain pace to technological change, and remember that Windows XP has been out since 2001 and Windows Vista is already on its first Service Pack.  The evolution of the desktop operating system would actually indicate that Windows XP has had a long life, one met with resistance at first, like Windows Vista has met as well.  With that said, expect to see Windows XP for a long time as solution providers like Computing Made Easy (CME) help clients leverage the Windows Vista license agreement that allows users that purchase Windows Vista Business or Ultimate version to “downgrade” to Windows XP Pro and to later upgrade (and CME does this at no cost to the client). 

Windows XP has a long timeline ahead of itself as its not until April 14th of 2009 that Microsoft currently has slated to end “mainstream” support.  This means that until then, Windows updates, patches and fixes will still be produced and available for free download.  In addition, Microsoft has committed to “extended” support until April 8th 2014, at which time all support for XP is scheduled to end.  Until then, I expect for security fixes to be made available. 

With what I read is being referred to as Windows 7 (the next new version of Windows), currently scheduled for 2010, Windows XP will likely last until the next new version of Windows is ready, or until Windows Vista’s service pack two or three, make us all feel more comfortable upgrading.  As time moves on, hardware and software manufactures, will resolve compatibility issues and just like Windows XP became the standard despite our business clients preferring to stay with Windows 98, another new operating system will become another new industry standard.