What you need to know about Windows XP
Windows XP is retiring at the end of the month, like all its predecessors. After seven years of service, Microsoft is ending sale of the operating system to PC manufacturers. It sounds scary but every dark cloud has a silver lining.
I am sure the news could not come at a better time, after all we have been through a lot together with Windows XP. The average computer user has spent over 8000 hours using Windows XP and is the system most used to the connect us to the Internet.
So if you’re not ready to make the switch to the world of slick graphics and smooth animation that is Windows Vista what are you going to do after the cut-off?
Solving Tech Problems with Windows XP
There is some hope that Windows will continue to offer support for the numerous technical issues that users face everyday with XP, until 2014. However, support may just be the bare minimum and difficult to get hold of.
If you have a major problem you may want to consult a good Internet tech forum or Geeksquad for a solution. Chances are that if you have an issue, other users will have a similar issue for which there is a good chance for a solution rather than consulting Microsoft tech support.
Options for XP on New PC
If you have your heart set out for a XP after the deadline , you will still be able to purchase a machine with it preinstalled despite Microsoft’s cut off date.
Retailer and PC manufacturers that have acquired unused XP licenses before the cut-off date will still be allowed to sell the operating system on new PCs.
Switching Operating Systems
A second way of getting XP on a new machine is through downgrade rights. If the PC manufacturer has obtained downgrade rights from Microsoft, they will be to sell you a PC that originally had Vista but was downgraded to XP before it was sold.
If this is the case, you’ll be supplied with the discs for XP and it’s drivers, as well as the same discs for Vista, so you can re-upgrade at a later date if you decide to. Dell have confirmed that they will make this option open to customers, but it only lasts out until January 31st next year.
‘Limited Hardware Capabilities’
Another way that you can get your hands on XP is by purchasing a PC that has ‘limited hardware capabilities,’ a term Microsoft has coined for machines that cannot handle Vista. These are basic machines that do not have the processing power, laptops such as the Asus EEE for example, that run slow processors and have limited RAM. However, this is only until June 2010.
XP is Still Hanging On
XP still has some shelf life yet. There are still legal ways to purchase XP at least until June 2010, which is likely to be extended. Support for XP will be until 2014, allowing us enough time to get used to another operating, probably Vista’s successor. Long Live XP!
Filed under: Computers & Technology