Windows XP Gets a Reprieve--Kinda Sorta
Yesterday, rumors surfaced that Microsoft would extend sales of Windows XP past the cut-off date of June 30th it had announced--but only for low-cost laptops. Today, the company is confirming the buzz: It'll still sell Windows XP Home as an operating system for what it calls Ultra Low-Cost PCs--small, cheap, less-that-powerhouse notebooks along the lines of Asus's EEE PC.
Microsoft is also re-confirming that it plans to end all other OEM and retail sales of XP on June 30th, and to discontinue "mainstream" tech support for XP in April of next year. The bottom line is that it'll still try to mostly kill off the world's dominant operating system in the next year...but it's conceding that Vista is simply too resource-intensive to make sense for extremely low-cost computers.
(It would, of course, be a nightmare scenario for Microsoft if ULPCs became popular and it didn't have a competitive OS for such devices, since Linux is very much viable on very basic hardware.)
This is an interesting twist to be sure, but it won't do anything to calm down the far-from-tiny number of people who passionately believe that Microsoft should simply continue to offer Windows XP for the foreseeable future. We heard from thousands of them when I did a little survey on XP vs. Vista, and more than 100,000 folks have signed our sister publication InfoWorld's Save XP petition.
I know where I stand on this: Microsoft has a lot of customers who have no desire to move to Vista any time soon, and rather than deny them the option of buying a new Windows XP computer, it ought to sell them the Microsoft product they want. They'd be happy; Microsoft would still make money. And nobody could accuse it of shoving Vista down anyone's throat.
Assuming that only really cheap, basic laptops will have XP starting on July 1st, there will be a strange scenario for XP holdouts: They'll only be able to get what they see as a superior version of Windows by paying less for a new computer. I wonder if people will opt for an ULPC not because of tight budgets but simply to get the edition of Windows they want?
And another question: Did Microsoft ever envision a scenario in which its current version of Windows simply wouldn't run satisfactorily on a popular PC platform a year and a half after that version of Windows shipped?
And a question for you, in the form of a poll: What's your take on today's development?
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I think quite honestly that Microsoft should not have done this on the merit that it should be able to make a striped down version of Vista for such computers. Actually this would make most people happy if they could turn off the stuff they don't use. All well...
Wow, 100,000 people (most of which probably don't even own Vista) want to keep XP? That's pretty low considering there are about 150,000,000 Vista users... besides, who says you can't like Vista and still want XP to be sold too?
What Microsoft is doing is really just a way of deflating any Linux market share increase.
"And another question: Did Microsoft ever envision a scenario in which its current version of Windows simply wouldn't run satisfactorily on a popular PC platform a year and a half after that version of Windows shipped?"
I believe they ask themselves that everytime a new version of Windows is released... and the same answer is always: Lets move forward with technology, not stay in the dark ages ;) ... if they didn't take advantage of new technology (e.g. faster processors, more ram) then there would be no 'push' to develop the hardware any further.
Well, I guess that the eventual demise of XP is one of the prices of progress. That said, I have moved-on to WinXP Pro x64 Edition because I built a new computer with 64-bit architecture, but I just do not want to pay for Vista 64-bit at least until it ships with SP2 or SP3 already on it. Moreover, I've heard plenty of buzz about businesses that have migrated to WinXP Pro x64 Edition for the same reasons, plus the fact that it operates almost exactly the same as WinXP Pro, requiring little or no training for new users. Microsoft really does need to give comsumers a choice between the two so they can maintain their marketshare, otherwise..........
microsoft=`s a dictatorship these thumsucking pinheads just want to jam a operating system that many people just dont want down the consumer`s throat.
SHAME on you Mr. Bill!!!!
There should be a movie about this .... ohh there is "Catch 22"
Bottom line is Win XP works just fine, and after the trouble I saw just getting Vista based laptops to connect to a wireless network, I wanted nothing to do with it. I always upgraded in the past, but it stopped now, at least till I start hearing positive things about Vista.
It also saves a lot of money this go round not to have to upgrade to the hardware just to run Vista effectively. $$$$$ saved!!!!!
I love pushing the envelope on hardware and software, and know it is necessary, but not this time for me and many others.
The bottom line is CASH you can't fight the facts. And the fact is work great or not XP is gone. Sure we might whine about it but they are going to take it away and it all ends with the bottom line being cash! So since it's apparent there aren't enough of us out there cry'ing to make Microsoft blink. Those of us that want to run XP Must buy our copy before the deadline.Yes it sucks,because I am of the same mind as dobie above I will wait until sp2 Or sp3 for vista pops up then I'll switch my machine is ready I'm just not. The change is inevitable for everyone with Windows based PC's.Oh one more thing try not to be to hard on bill he's running a company with the budget of some country's and by all accounts he seems to be better than the leaders of most. He ain't broke...Vista will work sooner or later and then will all cry about losing it.."LOL" Just my opinion, Have a great day! clshew
I think windows xp should still be around.Now Vista gets complicated and users need an OS where they are adapt in using.Vista is still growing up and after years of fixing and changing, the vista maybe better than the xp. Like those days of xp.People said windows 98 is better but look at now, xp is leading and I think Vista will change. Microsoft should not force users to use the latest Vista on users. And Microsoft should not sell and open the Vista for the people when it is not yet fully fixed from its bugs and others stuff.
People who assume that if we wait long enough Microsoft will fix Vista have forgotten Windows ME. MS may believe ME sank b/c there were too many alternatives and that eliminating alternatives will fix Vista. But ME sank b/c it stank, and Visa stinks. I know people who bought Vista machines and had so much trouble they went back to XP. I know people who, having gone shopping and found only Vista machines, bought Macs. In this economic climate, many will simply decide not to replace their XP machines. MS is just a big old behemoth now with more greed than brains. Too bad they were allowed to kill off all the viable competition.
Wow! A 150,000,000 Vista users! I think not. As a person that has used Vista off and on since it's beta conception, a PC tech for the last 12 years and on fairly high performance PC's, I still say that the O.S. is not what it is cracked up to be. I understand changes that are being made on a regular basis with both hardware and software in the tech industry but there should be a point in time that someone has enough decency (Microsoft) to just say that they will provide the consumers with what they want and maybe even provide a few different options and extend the overall life suport for each O.S.
Its all about money...If so many users prefer XP then they should
be allowed to continue as long as they own their machines..Just
because the IT at Microsoft can't get their act together, don't make
the people who like XP pay for it...
M$crosift put lots of time, effort and money to get vista to the public, so they have to push it. One way is to force vista is to discontinue support and selling of XP.
I have a vista-ME box and it really does suck. I wouldn't recommend vista to anyone.
I also bought the vista box because it came with the Dell I purchased and to buy XP with same box would have cost almost $100 more, go figure.
This is why M$crosoft can boast the figures they have and no other reason.
Long Live my next OS, Linux
I have machines with XP Pro, XP Home and Vista Home Basic. I have to say I really do not like Vista at all. It is a huge resource hog, locks up the PC all the time and none of the updates seem to help. I have upgraded the memory of the Vista machine 2 times since I bought it with hopes it would help and I was disappointed each time.
I for one will use the different versions of XP as long as I possibly can.
Only Microsoft could consider the basic capitalist concept of giving the customer what they want a nuisance.
XP? Vista? What are these? I am still using 2000 Pro, and on new hardware!
For those who say we must move forward, I would ask that they provide evidence that we have. And remember, you are under oath! Just because something is "new", it does not mean it is "better".
Microsoft brings out a new OS to slow down current hardware. People buy new hardware to speed up the new OS. And the cycle repeats. Sorry, but I am not a trained rat.
The only thing I see moving forward is Microsoft's bank account.
Open thinking to Bill Gates and StevBullmer;
Micro$oft is big; and both of you can conduct your company's business much bettter -without all the bully-boy and hard ball tactics.Especially Bill Gates. You've got a brain; try to use it in relationshops with human beings instead of the black and white of zero's and ones. You have manipulated and conned early beginnings , very admirable and ballsey ; if not Mesa levels. Your are so rich you couldn't liquidate your near cash assest fast enough to Establish another Foundation forAMERICANS who've slipped between the cracks..the neuvue poor hanging on by their fingernails . You can never spend fast enough if you never touched your current capital,
What I'm saying, sir,you can now afford, yes, afford to become a gentleman. You can afford to be magnamimous in your activities . Raise your son as a gentleman ansd not the rich bully boy type. In a way, you are American "Royalty" don't mess it up so badly we just get a bad taste in our mouths.
Y is it that existing XP users feel the need to upgrade (or is it downgrade) to Vista as per MS's deadline. Just don't bother. As if you were getting any real big-shit tech support in anycase.
BTW, not that I'm insinuating, but software piracy really comes to the rescue here. Buy XP Pro pirated, the latest final SP3 patch will be out anyway. Be done with it. you will always find good third-party tech support still without MS official support.
Oh but businesses will have a real problem here, not individual users like me. I bought a new comp for mom but didnt take Vista choice, I took Linux, formatted it and put XP Pro (my own copy...yes that is piracy) which she and I are used to. My mom aint gonna call MS for tech support she's gonna bother me and I dont want to deal with Vista issues. Better the devil u know than a devil u don't. XP is the devil I prefer.
Microsoft....take a lesson from Coke....rename it XP classic and keep it alive, forever.
Well I thik this is like anthing else being sold out there. If you don't buy it they wont sell it. I have used vista on an other computer. I'll tell you this much I'll not be buying it. If they get ride of xp I'll just get a mac. (Already shopping for one.) I beleave alot of your average users, of which I am one, will do much the same. Big bulky hard to fix and figure out.. *shakes his head* Ya, I'll stick to the frist line. They can't sell you what you wont buy.
Clearly I am in the minority here, but I like Vista. I am running Home Premium on what was a mod-range laptop in early 2007, and it's great. I have no hardware compatibility issues, no problem with my XP machines on my network, and my Core Duo processor seems to have plenty of juice.
Would XP be even faster on this machine? Yes. So? I enjoy the new features (like built-in backup software and the sidebar). I have seen improvements in the amount of memory required after applying updates; wish I could say the same of CPU usage, but oh well. I can still run five programs at once.
The only software that didn't run on Vista was ActivCard Gold, and I am willing to try again. The run in WIn XP compatibility mode has worked just fine for me otherwise.
So in the end, I am happy. Vista works fine for me and I can only scrath my head at the experiences of others who hate it. I think comments recalling the way XP made everyone nostalgiac for Win 98 are apt...
I used Vista when it came out for about a month and I fed up with it. I went back to XP. Just last month I tried Vista again, and after few weeks I changed back to XP. It was a headache and it is a big disappointment. I think Microsoft should be sued for such a terrible product. I am really amazed how Microsoft would go and introduce such a product to the world that causes just frustration.
I have been using Vista for a full year now. Although it has many bugs that still need to be ironed out, it is a good operating system. That being said, I still prefer XP for these reasons: some software still doesn't work with Vista, I don't use a lot of Vista's fancy functions (like Aero, it's a waste of everything), Vista is a resource pig.
On a personal preference, i enjoy either operating systems and I do not prefer one over the other. (Yes I have multiple computers that use Vista/ XP)
Operating Systems: Vista Business Edition, XP Tablet Edition, XP 2005 Media Edition, XP Pro.
And yet another reason for me to despise all things Microsoft! I generally keep my mouth shut in the forums but this one kind of pushes my last broken button.
I have been working with computers for over 20 years, used every version starting with DOS 1. something and have been repairing & building computers for over 15 years. The only version of Windows I have not used in great depth is ME so I can't honestly say anything about it but in general there is not much that I like about Microsoft. They are a necessary evil, if you will. I have nothing against Bill Gates either. It is just simply how they build their programs, knowingly using code that will allow idiots with half a brain to access the code and send the viruses and spy-ware.
They did come out with a very good program that was available to everyone, which was simply called Microsoft AntiSpyware. It was simple to use and protected your computer. Then they changed it to Defender. Not as easy and not for all anymore. Typical MS.
Personally I am not a big fan of Vista. I have been back and forth and Vista is way to buggy. Still to this date I have seen many people having issues with drivers etc. I have tried "vista" on 32 bit and 64 bit systems and what a mistake that was. So I went back to XP because of driver issues, and the head aches of upgrading and downgrading. bout 95% of systems I work on can only run XP. And Vista isnt made for gamers even tho many newer games will run it and older ones wont. Ill stick with Direct X 9 then run off to 10 since that is also buggy.
Also to the Mac fans out there sorry ;)
It gets worse and worse. My Acer Aspire 9410Z laptop can't run XP and be fully functional. There are missing drivers for the WIFI and who knows what else. Microsoft will get you whether you like it or not. It seems to me that we should be telling the laptop manufacturers we want the choice as well. Vista is not horrible (I am using it since I have no choice), but I like XP better hands down. Chris @ www.sterlingtek.com
I and my wife both bought identical computers running windows XP. I aspire to the theory the bigger, faster, more tech. the better. OOOOhhh well, thats just me.I changed to vista after about 6 months , just because... Inor my wife are computer techs. or even close. we are both happy with our current OS's. The only problem I have had is the vista will not work(send e-mail) with the microsoft outlook webmail.I fixed this (so far) by installing foxfire. I am not the smartest or most advanced/knowledgable person out there by no means, but the results -thus far-have been favorable. I wish everyone had the experience I have had and hope that I don't have the experience that a lot of you did. We will cross that bridge when we get there. Time will tell.