WINDOWS XP to be retired by 2008

superscaper

I'm actually surprised it's lasted as long as it has. Stopping new licenses after seven years does not seem unreasonable. But the other side is that I would have thought they'd give more settling time for Vista before they stopped licensing its predecessor than 14 months.

typeractive

gremlin666 wrote: »

Here we go again lets slag Microsoft off again. Im sick of ready stuff like this it ain't microsofts fault that hardware companys haven't kept up its not like Vista has appeard out of the blue. If so many of you hate bill gates why are you all running xp and the like. Nobody seems to mind when car companys bring a new version each year. You could always use an apple mac but think youll find a big price difference. I thinks its time to change the record and leave Vista be.

Hi Gremlin,

I don't think anyone is slagging it off as such. I think what Microsoft have done as a business is very commendable. I use their software regulary . All I was saying (not that I think you were targetting me) is there are lots more choices out there on the market for us all these days - which is great for us as consumers

If you're happy with what ya got then that's spot on

marleyboy

gremlin666 wrote: »

Here we go again lets slag Microsoft off again. Nobody seems to mind when car companys bring a new version each year. You could always use an apple mac but think youll find a big price difference. I thinks its time to change the record and leave Vista be.

I'm reminded of the time the T Ford was created, you could have any colour, as long as it was black. As there are now a vast array of car colours, makes, models and companies, competition is open to anyone, so if you dont like the car, you can easily buy another. However, as car companies bring out a newer version of a particular model, you can still be assured that the previous model will not somehow have to rely on updates or security issues, other than a drivers own common sence, one can assume last years model wont suddenly demand you buy the newer model in order for it to be driven on the Highway.

BillScarab

Did anyone notice this point in the BBC article?

"He added that PC makers could get hold of licences until 2009 if they bought them from third-party suppliers rather than Microsoft."

So people who are dead set on buying Xp will still be able to get it until 2009 if they want.

Personally I like Vista, no driver issues so far despite my printer, scanner and camera being several years old.

People do like to knock Microsoft whether it's justified or not (and it often is), it's what happens when you dominate the market.

The constant arguments about which OS/platform to use makes me smile. I can remember similar Spectrum/C54/BBC Model B and ST/Amiga arguments in the past. Now it's MS/Apple/Linux or Xbox 360/PS3/Wii.

bargainaholic

I believe that buying a Vista license, legally entitles you to run a previous version of MS Windows, so as long as you have an installation method for your chosen OS, it doesn't matter what license you have purchased. I suspect that if you have a Vista home license then you'd only be entitled to run XP home not Pro.

Sorry, I don't have Vista so can't test a license key, but "legally" you can run it. I've just been through this at work, and we're purchasing all of our new systems with an OEM Vista license, but they're being supplied with XP installed.

scheming_gypsy

Can't see where the fuss is to be honest. Microsoft have always only run support on 2 OS'.
By 2008 Vista will probably be as stable as XP SP2 BUT with Microsofts licensing rules it must mean there'll be another OS being released around the same time.

wakandem

The computer world is still in its infancy, Microsoft are like Ford was in the last century. They produced the model T & they were all the same & you could have one in any colour as long as it was black. At the time ther was no real alternative. However the model T got the world driving & they held a monopoly for quite a few years. Microsoft are the same.

As their operating systems go there is no alternative that can be used for as many applications & microsoft are therefore in no hurry to iron out the issues with vista. They will get ironed out and i'm sure in a couple of years the os will be great as xp is. There is a chance linux will make some inroads not because it is better as it arguably is but because you are not as restricted with copywrites etc.

Also one thing to remember even though it was forced on them due to uncompetitive actions, is apple & the osx would have dissapeared into the realms of history if microsoft had not baled them out.

Millionare

wakandem wrote: »

Also one thing to remember even though it was forced on them due to uncompetitive actions, is apple & the osx would have dissapeared into the realms of history if microsoft had not baled them out.

Its Something most Mac users dont realise or wont admit.

There would most likely be no Apple if Microsoft didnt save their bacon in the 90's