paularoid
06-21-2008, 12:53 PM
From today's issue of Data Doctors comes this. I just knuckled under and purchased my first ever copy of WinXP a couple of days ago myself in order to have a "legitimate" copy before the time where I could get it "legitimately" passed. What I ended up getting was the "Professional" version as opposed to the "Home" version. It ended up costing me twenty more dollars but as much of a "twidget" as I am I figured I'd go whole-hog so to speak. Now I can -really- get into trouble. :p
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Here are the currently published timelines and associated events for Windows XP (all subject to change!):
June 30, 2008 - PC manufacturers and retailers stop selling computers with XP installed. The only source of new computers pre-loaded with Windows XP is through generic “white-box” computer resellers.
Jan. 31, 2009 - Microsoft stops selling Windows XP altogether through any channel (with the exception of some non-US versions and specialized low-end laptops).
April 14, 2009 - Mainstream support ends (free live support and warranty support). Free maintenance (Windows XP updates) will continue but will be limited to security fixes only.
April 8, 2014 - All support for Windows XP ends – no more security fixes, no more support of any kind from Microsoft…you are on your own!
Our company’s suppliers (which are “white-box” systems) have confirmed these dates as well.
To add to the confusion, manufacturers and white-box dealers can offer “downgrade” rights to those that pay for Windows Vista Business or Ultimate until January 31st, 2009.
This means that you pay for Windows Vista Business or Ultimate, but the computer gets loaded with Windows XP Professional (XP Home is not available for downgrades).
This program was designed primarily for businesses that have not approved Vista for use on their corporate networks, but anyone can take this route (and it may be the safest, because you will already have what you need to migrate to Vista in the future.)
If you choose this option, make sure that the manufacturer or reseller includes the Windows XP disks (they will usually charge a little more for it, but you want the disks!) or you could be stuck down the road if you need to reinstall Windows XP.
Here’s the bottom line: You will be able to purchase some form of a computer with Windows XP pre-loaded on it until January 31st of 2009, however, starting on July 1st, 2008 it will become increasingly more difficult and more expensive because your options will narrow.
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Here are the currently published timelines and associated events for Windows XP (all subject to change!):
June 30, 2008 - PC manufacturers and retailers stop selling computers with XP installed. The only source of new computers pre-loaded with Windows XP is through generic “white-box” computer resellers.
Jan. 31, 2009 - Microsoft stops selling Windows XP altogether through any channel (with the exception of some non-US versions and specialized low-end laptops).
April 14, 2009 - Mainstream support ends (free live support and warranty support). Free maintenance (Windows XP updates) will continue but will be limited to security fixes only.
April 8, 2014 - All support for Windows XP ends – no more security fixes, no more support of any kind from Microsoft…you are on your own!
Our company’s suppliers (which are “white-box” systems) have confirmed these dates as well.
To add to the confusion, manufacturers and white-box dealers can offer “downgrade” rights to those that pay for Windows Vista Business or Ultimate until January 31st, 2009.
This means that you pay for Windows Vista Business or Ultimate, but the computer gets loaded with Windows XP Professional (XP Home is not available for downgrades).
This program was designed primarily for businesses that have not approved Vista for use on their corporate networks, but anyone can take this route (and it may be the safest, because you will already have what you need to migrate to Vista in the future.)
If you choose this option, make sure that the manufacturer or reseller includes the Windows XP disks (they will usually charge a little more for it, but you want the disks!) or you could be stuck down the road if you need to reinstall Windows XP.
Here’s the bottom line: You will be able to purchase some form of a computer with Windows XP pre-loaded on it until January 31st of 2009, however, starting on July 1st, 2008 it will become increasingly more difficult and more expensive because your options will narrow.