Microsoft Pledges Windows XP Support Through 2014

Osiris · 06-25-2008, 08:21 AM

For the last year the media outlets keep telling us that Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP. No more XP support! No wait…they are keeping it. Hold on, it’s only for 5 years. Actually, that support is only for netbooks and UMPCs. What is that you say? Support for Windows XP will now last until 2014? I wonder what it will be tomorrow?

In a letter sent to customers this week, Microsoft senior VP Bill Veghte said the software maker will provide security patches "and other critical updates" for Windows XP until April, 2014. "Our ongoing support for Windows XP is the result of our recognition that people keep their Windows-based PCs for many years," Veghte wrote.

[H]ard|OCP - www.hardocp.com

Jorsoft · 06-25-2008, 08:51 AM

I figured they'd make it official soon. As long as there's a new niche for it to make money in, why not keep it around?

Trotter · 06-25-2008, 09:01 AM

It makes sense for MS to do this... too many have XP and cannot, or will not, move to Vista. If 7 has the same or higher minimum requirements than Vista, these same people won't move for it, either. the indset is, "What I have works, so why would I spend money for something I don't need?" by 2014, the vast majority of these computers will no longer be in service.

This is also for the business side. Many businesses are still on Win2000, but most use XP now. Moving to Vista ain't cheap, especially if it would require replacing most if not all of the computers in the company. Offering support for several more years will allow companies to move to the new OS as they replace older machines.

If MS just up and cuts support, it will be royally screwed.

cloksin · 06-25-2008, 10:15 AM

Why is everyone acting like this is new news. I guess people would rather listen to other people that are not informed to get the information they desire. If you would listen to M$ and check their website regularly you would know that they have never stated anything other than offering support for XP until April 8, 2014. It is the publicly announce support policy and XP will transition from the mainstream support phase to the extended support phase on April 14, 2009.
Follow this link to hear it straight from the horse's mouth, in an article that was last updated on May 13, 2008.

Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 ends on July 13, 2010

Mak213 · 06-25-2008, 01:05 PM

This means more trouble to get Windows 7 to users.

EricB · 06-25-2008, 01:27 PM

when I tell you guys that MS is bipolar and their minds changes from one minute to the next, then you guys laugh at me. but look at what always happens

they reverse their position. again

Mak213 · 06-25-2008, 01:38 PM

Well this is just the support aspect. This doesnt mean they will continue to sell it till 2014. Look they just stopped support on 98SE about 2 years ago. They will continue to sell it till 2010 and support it till 2014.

Trotter · 06-25-2008, 04:22 PM

If I build a new rig, I will go with the newest OS. If not, I will play with Vista a little but stay with XP. I know my wife and mother-in-law won't move from XP... both have told me to "Leave my computer just like it is!"

Mom didn't raise no fool...

EricB · 06-25-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mak213

Well this is just the support aspect. This doesnt mean they will continue to sell it till 2014. Look they just stopped support on 98SE about 2 years ago. They will continue to sell it till 2010 and support it till 2014.

they will change their position on that too if needed. look at their history. if xp is still the favorite os of choice in 2014, they will still sell it

Mak213 · 06-25-2008, 04:52 PM

Yeah and just like i said before they have to kill XP now or it will haunt them for ever. It may be the most popular Windows to date. But if they ever plan on getting a new Windows to take off without it being compared to XP every step of the way they have to stop the XP Beast now. No matter what the outcry is.

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