Microsoft will extend life of Windows XP--again

MIAMI--As I predicted last week, Microsoft has decided to extend the life of Windows XP, although only for a limited class of machines.

Microsoft said on Thursday that it will continue to allow Windows XP Home edition to be sold for a class of computers it calls "ultra-low-cost PCs." It's a category that covers machines with slower processors, smaller screens, and in many cases flash memory for storage, rather than a traditional hard drive.

Microsoft will give PC makers the option of using Windows XP or Vista on ULCPC devices, said Michael Dix, general manager of Windows client marketing.

Still, the minimal hardware used in ULCPC systems might make Vista ill-suited to such a task. The decision to discontinue Windows XP might have driven even more device makers into the hands of Linux, hence the extension.

The Asus Eee PC.

(Credit: Asus)

Overall, big-name computer makers are still scheduled to have to stop selling Windows XP for all other uses by the end of June. Mainstream technical support will continue to be available for Windows XP through April 2009, and more limited support will continue through April 2014.

Dix said that Microsoft is confident that it can discontinue Windows XP at the end of June for mainstream PCs. "We have received affirming feedback from partners that they are ready to make the transition," he said.

Computer makers will be able to sell XP Home on new ULCPC machines through June 30, 2010, or one year after the launch of Windows 7, the next major release of Windows, whichever is later, Microsoft said.

A Microsoft representative on Thursday reaffirmed that the company expects to ship the successor to Vista roughly three years from Vista's January 2007 debut.

Microsoft is also publishing a set of guidelines Thursday designed to make it easier for makers of flash-based computers to use Windows. Many of these initial devices have launched running Linux, though some, such as the Eee PC from Asus, are also being offered in Windows versions.

Microsoft has already extended the Windows XP sales deadline once. In September, it said that computer makers would be able to sell Windows XP until June, rather than the original January 2008 deadline.

At the time, Microsoft also announced that computer makers in emerging markets could sell Windows XP Starter edition until June 2010.

For Microsoft, Wednesday's announcement is an acknowledgment of two things. First, that Starter Edition alone does not fulfill all of the emerging market demand, and second, that developed markets are also showing interest in low-power, low-cost laptops.

News.com's Mike Ricciuti contributed to this report.

[zeroplane]

Windows in 2010?

By 2010 I won't be on windows.<br /><br />I have developed software for over 11 years on multiple platforms both open source and proprietary. I have used windows since 3.11 up to Vista, Mac OS 7 to 10, and linux in multiple flavors for about four years.<br /><br />I have decided my next computer will be a Mac or a Hakintosh both dual booting with Ubuntu and using Wine in Linux and on OS X.<br /><br />Surprisingly I am not the only one choosing this path.

[Delfairen]

re: Windows in 2010?

The problem with other os's and the ones you listed is that for the average user doesn't have the knowledge, time or patience to install one or are bothered enough to even think about making the move.<br /><br />I tried Ubuntu but due to a couple of pieces of hardware in my machine it was a painful and horrid experience.<br /><br />My machine runs faster under Vista than under Ubuntu due to this. Add in the fact that I can run games and use the programs I wish without having to scour the net to find the one program that works the way I want with the distro of Linux or even the version of Ubuntu that I am using and I can see why people will stick with an OS from a major manufacturer.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong I love the idea of free software I just find in practise it doesn't work great.

[Fil0403]

Yes.

By 2010, more than 90% of people who use computers will (much probably) still be on Windows. I have developed software for many years too on multiple platforms both open source and proprietary. I have used Windows since 3.11 too up to Vista, Mac OS and Linux in multiple flavours for more than 10 years. Unlike you, I have decided my next computer will be a Windows PC. <br />Not surprisingly, numbers show I am among more than 90% of people choosing this path, whereas you are among less than 10% of people choosing that path.

[ssicomputers]

One thing to keep in mind...

OEM licenses of XP will still be available to the system builder channel until the end of 2008.<br /><br />So yet another reason to frequent your local PC builder / brick &#38; mortar shop.<br /><br />The June deadline only applies to big volume OEMs.

[Phred15]

XP form me and friends

I will continue to use XP on any new builds and will help friends out by installing a hacked version of XP on their OEM computers when they find that they can't live with Vista

[basraw]

help me do that

hehe

[mikalg]

Shhhhhhh!!!!!

That is illegal, and immoral.<br /><br />It is also what half the population who HATE Vista will do also.<br /><br />Redmond is going to lose a lot of sales to "hacked" versions of XP with this decision.<br /><br />Oh well, what else can be done.

[m.o.t.u.]

Funny you should say that......

My daughter recently purchased the best spec'd laptop within her budget. As we had dealt with the seller before, he openly suggested the same idea as yours.<br /><br />Long story short, although the laptop was bundled with Vista, we had him install XP instead.<br /><br />Why should we have to upgrade RAM on a machine that is sold with Vista?<br /><br />More power to you.<br /><br />Kind Regards......

[Wupta]

Bye Bye Microsoft

I'm moving on. I will definitely get a linux system the next time around. Don't need microsoft any longer for doing my day to day activities. I am now mainly web based and have access to all the softwares on-line. All I need is a stable platform to launch a browser and off I go. I love it! <br /><br />As Gates himself said it best "resistance is futile".

[richto]

But no one uses Linux

But no one uses Linux. Well except a few third world countries that cant afford a real OS. And some of those formatted it an installed Windows, lol.

[plbyrd]

Reading between the lines.

I believe we have an <a href="http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/visualbasic/dotnet/archives/unofficial-launch-data-for-windows-7-23517">(Un)Official launch date for Windows 7</a>.

[Imalittleteapot]

Linux/XP Wins Again.

Oh so Windows 7 is supposed to be modular so the install can be lighter. That means I can take out the stuff I don't need.<br /><br />Awesome, however with XP or Linux I can install everything plus the kitchen sink and still have better performance than Vista.<br /><br />Windows 7 I only get one or the other? What was the marketing strategy again?

[adrienne92880]

No Buena Vista .... I'm going to learn a new OS now ...

So I purchased a new Toshiba a couple of weeks ago and have been battling with Vista. It hates a lot of my old programs and is a fight to get a lot of things done. So now Microsoft assumes I can just hop up and dance down to the store and drop several thousand bucks on new software? Nice to know THEY have the money to do this. I don't.<br /><br />So I have a friend teaching me how to use Linux so I can be Microsoft OS free since they can't seem to make an OS that doesnt run like rubbish.<br /><br />Thanks Microsoft for pushing me to learn new things - like how to live without you. Good job.

[russkeller]

They did the same to my folks

I made the mistake of recommending Vista to my folks because so many so called pro's were saying it was okay for new PC's with Vista on it. Now they don't trust my advise. I tried it and the experience turned into an Ubuntu user.

[claudio29751]

No Buena Vista....Yes Ubuntu Social Club !

Go for Ubuntu(Linux),Adrienne you will enjoy it! <br />Only the word Ubuntu and the sense of what it means..will make you happy and part of a community <br />I'm not young and so its hard a bit but every time<br />I got things right I learned something new.I'm so sorry for you that Micro$oft got your money for the OS.If you knew before only the (Toshiba)was good and saved some money as well. Adrienne a computer is a machine just like an Air Conditioner ...ones you open Windows it stop working!<br /> best regards to you Ciao Claudio T.<br /><br />ps:Sorry for my poor<br /> English I hope you <br /> got what I mean.

[My-Self]

21 days to wait ...

If you can wait 21 days, you'll even be able to get Ubuntu 8.04 that contains many enhancements for laptops, such as the new tickless kernel (better battery life), a better scheduler for an even more responsive machine ... Compatibility with Toshiba machines is very good.

[cross platform]

What I think Is Really Funny Is......

Everytime Cnet posts an article like this talkbackers use it to promote their favorite alternative OS OS X, Linux etc.<br />The truth is that MS will just keep plodding along and Vista will eventually get all it's bugs fixed. Market share for these alternatives will stay about the same. That's abouit it folks. I have Vista on the computer I'm typing this on right now. The computer isn't new it's 4 years old. I upgraded just like any thinking person would do before a major OS change. It runs just fine on my computer and better than XP SP1 did when it was new. The thing about Vista is MS took so long to bring it to market users had collected all this old software that still ran on XP. If they had brought something out sooner the overall change wouldn't have been that big a deal.

[developIT]

It's either you suck at computers or you're a Liinsucks zealot

I can't seem to believe that a Windows operating system would suddenly not support old programs. NIce try, zealot. I have very old Windows programs and they still run very well under Vista. Don't throw the limitations of Linsucks at Microsoft. Why don't you just try Windows so your posts will have some credibility.

[groink_hi]

I was expecting this...

...with the class-action suite against Microsoft for claiming that a certain PC is "Vista capable" when it really isn't. This turn of events IMHO is a result of this lawsuit. And it should be this way - put Vista on hardware that can REALISTICALLY handle it, and XP Home on the weaker hardware.<br /><br />Techies keep making up excuses for Microsoft and the PC vendors, such as "You can always remove X and Y to make it faster" or "Reformat and install clean." No, with the millions of PC buyers out there, a large majority of them will not make the effort to optimize (or even realize the need to do so.) And they really shouldn't. In commerce, it does not make sense for a consumer to purchase a finished good, and then be required to modify it to maximize performance.

[igl00lgi]

Sure it does

If your a monopoly.

[t8]

In 2010 Web Apps will rule

in 2010 Web Apps will rule. All we need is a browser and a bit of hardware that can handle a browser.<br /><br />Updating drivers, viruses, and Microsoft Windows will be a thing from the past.<br /><br />Sure it will take time for MS Windows to wind down. But winding down it will.

[groink_hi]

I don't buy that....

Even today, web and virtualized applications has its place. But even in 2010, we can't expect the majority of users to shift to these technologies. It isn't even an IT problem - it is a business impact problem.<br /><br />Issues to consider:<br />- Need: PCs will still require no network connectivity. This is especially needed for classified systems and other systems where access to an outside resource is not a requirement.<br /><br />- Performance: I still believe that metal alloys is faster than air. Accessing applications - either by server-end processing or downloaded - will never match the performance of an application that runs in local memory and off a local fixed drive. A person running something as intensive as Photoshop or AutoCAD needs as much speed as one can afford.<br /><br />- Security: Even in 2010, protocols can still be reverse-engineered. Applications can be tampered with in the streaming process. And then you have to address issues with the various legislations like HIPAA and such.<br /><br />If I had to choose, I would choose a virtualized technology like SoftGrid over web applications.

[theantibush]

101st

NUTS

[gkechnie]

Microsoft

I am so unhappy with microsoft!<br />I run xp on a fast system and it "work"<br /><br />A buddy run Vista three tmes faster than mine it "sick". All Microsoft is more ,more and more money I am not going to update again.<br />Mac system is the way to go or Linex?<br /><br />Thank you

[igl00lgi]

Were moving on..

We fell for this and bought several laptops with Vista on them. Big mistake. The cost in time was immeasurable. We are a small company, we need these things to just work, and work fast not like a dog. We are evaluating Macbooks now. We are also researching using VM with Ubuntu/Linux that are to be used in specific dedicated tasks. Things are looking like we will move toward Macbooks with Open Office. We have yet to try google office tools. But no more Vista.

[jezmondo]

iWork?

Actually I rather like Apple's iWork, it's very "Mac-ish" and <br />doesn't cost a fortune. It can read/write office file formats. I find <br />it easy to use, and produces nice results. It's not as heavy weight <br />as Microsoft Office for Mac, but I think for a large number of <br />users it provides more than enough.<br /><br />I have both it and Microsoft Office 2008 on my Mac, and iWork is <br />my "weapon of choice". OpenOffice.org is fine, but doesn't feel <br />quite right on the Mac (it eschews a lot of Mac conventions). <br />GoogleDocs just doesn't cut it for me.<br /><br />I think a lot of people underestimate just how cool iWork'08 is.

[ralfthedog]

Try NeoOffice for the Mac.

If you want to run Open Office on the Mac, try NeoOffice. It is a port of Open Office that has been optimized to run better on the Mac. It is great!

[feranick]

It's really sad

It's really sad to see how a 10 year old OS can make still news for a major software company. I mean, were we talking about cars, it's like Ford extending the life of their 1965 sedan. I mean, sure WinXP works fine (even the 1965 sedan does), but 10 years are just a way too long time not to be ignored.

[SilverbackRK]

Microsoft's Big Lie Re: XP Professional

Hidden in this announcement is the claim that other editions of XP like XP Media Center and XP Professional Edition will be phased out.<br /><br />True enough for Media Center Edition --- the only catch is most of the components for that functionality is available from third party suppliers.<br /><br />XP Professional? There is no phase out. There is a price increase as anyone who licenses Vista Business have the right to upgrade to XP Professional. <br /><br />So as long as Microsoft gets their notch in the boot for Vista Business, they don't care if you actually use XP Professional.<br /><br />As with XP Home, XP Professional can be upgraded to include Media Center functionality with third party apps.<br /><br />Face it, Microsoft Vista is toast.

[rajeshmail201]

Good luck

using Open office. If you thought Vista was a big mistake, this would be catastrophic.

[The_happy_switcher]

wow, what a prediction. What's next?

The sun will rise tomorrow? Microsoft has to keep this turd up to date because its latest polished turd won't be ready for mass consumption for another 5 years.

[Seaspray0]

Wow, another apple fanboy. What's next?

You are confused. Vista? That you can call a turd. XP? Still the most popular and yes, a good operating sytem. But what else would I expect from an apple boy who worships steve jobs.

[Norman Moore]

XP continuance

There are still a lot of business applications used by places I take care of that are not yet supporting XP. I think that Microsoft will have to extend the life of all versions. I am planning replacements of hardware now though as if they won't so we can get computers still equipped with XP Pro. <br /><br />I personally have no major beef with XP but as of yet only have it on a single laptop. My gripe was having to get a new printer to use just with my laptop and upgrading Adobe Acrobat to ver8. I had planned to just transfer it from the old desktop I was retiring.<br /><br />By the way XP home will no longer permit joining domains so it can not be used for business even low end workstations. It used to work at first but not any longer. The window to let you set up a domain to use with a server no longer appears. The same for Vista Home Premium.

[Norman Moore]

OOPS

I didn't read carefully enough, my Laptop is Vista not XP

[Vonmaxx]

Vista or XP

Vista works fine now on My wife's computer But you need a lot of <br />power. Ram at least 3 gigs and a Quad core.<br /> I am going to buy me a new Macbook pro, I plan on using boot <br />camp and I want XP Pro.<br /> How soon until Microsoft starts phasing out boxed XP?<br /> Thanks

[royc]

Boxed XP

is no longer out there. I haven't seen it this year.<br /><br />If you want to get XP you need to hurry and get the OEM version. The last time I saw it, it was $109.00 and I ask about it and was told get it now, it would be $129.00 in a few weeks. <br /><br />I think he said he would have to stop selling it the end of May or maybe it was the end of June.

[surfboy90291]

My new MacBook ROCKS!!!

Thanks to Vista, I just bought a new MacBook Pro. I will never go <br />back. Thank you, Microsoft. The five years you spent developing <br />Vista has clearly been wasted. What were you thinking? What are <br />you thinking? Wow? Not even close! Your inability to deliver a <br />finished, polished and functional successor to Windows XP has <br />converted me to Mac user for good.

[richto]

It will rock even more when you install Bootcamp + Vista

It will rock even more when you install Bootcamp + Vista! Then you dont need to bother with that MAC OS crap and the zillions more security patches than Vista it needs...

[gibsonelliot]

Microsoft wants all web based

Bill has been on a long track to "own all the software on every desktop" for years. He would love for a system to be a web browser only, with no local storage so he can rent you his software forever, charging whatever he wants. <br /><br />I've been using Windows since 3.1, and have always hated having to write programs for it. I always thought that bloated pig was wasting my time when DOS and Deskview would have been a better path for technology to follow.<br /><br />Every engineer at my office, myself included are moving to Ubuntu. Bye bye "meglo" Bill!

[Walter L. Johnson]

Almost time to switch to Linux

I have no plans to ever update all PCs from Windows XP to Windows Vista or Windows 7. Every single time I have made an upgrade I have had to dispose of working hardware that the newest operating systems did not support. That is on top of already high prices and excessive features for Windows Vista.<br /><br />Home users simply don't need the latest and greatest. Often if you don't update things like Word Processing Software and you aren't a gamer, an old PC is good until compatible hardware components can no longer be found when they wear out.<br /><br />Every time Windows stops support for a version of its operating system, Linux becomes more and more attractive to switch to if a switch is needed. With Linux some capable user can always write a new software driver for old or new hardware.

[theantibush]

hey, cuz! how are ya...and all that bs

The Linux driver support is very good these days, now that graphics and network card manufacturers are producing native drivers. My hat is off to the ndiswrapper people regardless, for the magic they write. <br /><br />Things have changed quite a bit over just the last 3 years in the Linux world.<br /><br />High-quality distros, built from the Red Hat Enterprise Linux sources (like Scientific Linux and CentOS), are truly capable platforms, as are others (such as SuSE EL).<br /><br />Now I have a graphics desktop splayed across three LCDs, and wireless laptops that auto-connect across access points, not to mention rock-solid super computers. <br />Quite amazing, modern Linux is.<br /><br />But I still have XPP. It came free with some of these machines. <br /><br />I don?t mind it.<br /><br />What I do mind is having the rug ripped out from under me every 5 or 10 years.<br />That simply doesn?t happen on my open source platforms.<br /><br />Ive thus come to regard Microsoft as something akin to a distant cousin that appears<br />every once in awhile, with the fake ?hi friend! how are ya?? jovial behavior, when you know its only a matter of a few moments before the pest hits you up for cash that you will never see again.

[BitBoi33]

Down Windows - Up Linux

What's so pathetic is Microsponge is loosing market share and they know it but they keep on trying to dupe people into buying defective software!?!<br /><br />Strictly speaking, I still have a legal copy of XP legally installed on one particular machine but that dual-boots beautifully...with Linux as the dominant OS...and I never any files and I have full access to them. My other computers ALL RUN LINUX!!!<br /><br />Cheers.

[BitBoi33]

re: Down Windows - Up Linux

(what's also pathetic is that I can't type)<br /><br />Of course, the 2nd paragraph SHOULD have read:<br />"...and I never lost any files and I have full access to them."<br /><br />(meaning Linux allowed me to switch with no compromise to using/creating/editing documents, spreadsheets, graphics, music, videos)<br /><br />Sorry about the omitted word.

[developIT]

Who cares...certainly not the 90+% of PC users

What is so pathetic is how Linsucks zealots keep metioning market share. Since when is less that 5% market share significant?

[albizzia]

Down Unix, Up Linux?

Actually, Microsoft hasn't lost market share. <br />Most of the gains for Linux has been at the expense of Unix, which is slowly collapsing under the freeware onslaugt. Linux was designed to appeal to Unix geeks, but it really doesn't appeal to the non-tech computer users, who continue using Windows and/or Mac.