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Posted - July 05 2008 : 13:22:32
Windows XP's End Of Life: XP, We Hardly Knew Ye
Posted 7/4/2008
With the passage of Microsoft's deadline on June 30, 2008, Windows XP is now unavailable for most segments of the population. Yes, XP had problems at its start, including a resistance to activation. I didn't like it, and still don't. I've been in situations where activation has meant much more than the 6 minutes that phone activation says it'll take. Yes, XP is still supported, but for most people, support boils down to the ability to get things like recovery discs from their computer's manufacturer. Very few people actually get technical support for Windows from Microsoft. The reason for this is that Microsoft requires the computer's manufacturer to provide that support. So Windows Update is the main Microsoft source of support for most people. That support will be available until 2014.
Having said this, you can get Windows XP on a type of computer called the Ultra Low Cost PC. These systems can get Windows XP, but the types of hardware that can be included in such a computer are limited. Basically, if the computer can run Vista, it must run Vista. You can also get Windows XP on a computer bought from a System Builder (like me) until the end of January, 2009. The best way to get XP Professional if you need it though, might be Windows Vista's downgrade rights. If your copy of Vista is of the Business or Ultimate stripe, you can take advantage of those downgrade rights to install a copy of XP Pro or Tablet Edition that you already own. Just be sure and get the XP drivers first.
Episode 23: In a very special "Tech Tips & Rants", we lament the failure of the SaveXP campaign to get a reprieve granted for Windows XP. We look at the options you have available to you now if you still need to use XP. We wrap up the show with a tongue-in-cheek eulogy for our favorite OS. |
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