Microsoft pulls the plug on WinXP SP2

[renovation]

http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=22601
Less than six months after the apparently successful launch of Windows 7, Microsoft has decided to cut the umbilicus to the operating system many end-users - especially businesses - clung to during the Vista era.

Windows XP SP2 is the OS many people used for many years, but on 13 July Microsoft will support it no more. It is still supporting XP SP3 however, so Microsoft is not yet forcing XP users to upgrade, but this is a strong signal to XP users nonetheless.

A version of Windows that is having the umbilicus completely severed on 13 July is Windows 2000 and anyone still using Vista RTM (SP0) will be compelled to at least get the latest service pack on 13 April. Of course Microsoft would rather they moved up to Windows 7.

In case you're wondering why running an OS that Microsoft no longer offers support for, the announcement offered the following warning:

Keeping your PC up to date and as safe as possible is something that people need to think about beyond just being on the latest service pack. I want to remind everyone of the benefits of keeping Windows Update turned on. Through Windows Update, not only are you provided with the latest security updates and service packs for Windows at no cost, but also the latest updates to products such as Internet Explorer 8 and Microsoft Security Essentials.

MOST OF US THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE COMING WITH THE RELEASE OF WINDOWS 7 :(

[Markel]

Why not just install SP3?

[renovation]

Why not just install SP3?thats what most will do but that will be a short fix i feel. my gut feeling is around april 2012 MS will pull on XP totally. it's all about $$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Markel]

thats what most will do but that will be a short fix i feel. my gut feeling is around april 2012 MS will pull on XP totally. it's all about $$$$$$$$$$$$$
By that time Windows XP will have been out for 10.5 years. If I'm still running it by then (not likely since I have a Windows 7 upgrade ready to install) I think I'll have gotten my $40 dollars worth (XP Pro full version).

[renovation]

may of been out 10.5 years but there people and corp. running machines with windows 95 and older on there computers ! and not everyone can see spending $$$$ to update a good working machine that is doing all they want or need from it. you need a power house to play freecell, surf the net or use MS word - for in office memos? i know one company who still uses a 486 computer and printer to write up client orders ~

[InfiniteNothing]

99.9% of people don't get support from Microsoft. What's the big deal?

[Devhux]

99.9% of people don't get support from Microsoft. What's the big deal?

Security updates are the primary issue. Microsoft issues security updates only on Operating Systems that are currently being supported.

[InfiniteNothing]

Security updates are the primary issue. Microsoft issues security updates only on Operating Systems that are currently being supported.
Isn't SP3 a security update? I just don't see why anyone cares.

It looks like XP will get free updates at least until 2014, which is a really long time from now.

http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?alpha=Windows+XP

[Markel]

Security updates are the primary issue. Microsoft issues security updates only on Operating Systems that are currently being supported.
Which is why any corporation with a decent IT staff definitely is not still using Windows 95, 98, NT, or 2000. At least, not on computers connected to the network.

Admittedly, I have some customers who are still using Windows 3.1 on some of our older equipment. They just don't want to invest in upgrading (which would require replacing some expensive interface cards). But other customers are always wanting to upgrade because of their IT policy.