What?

Formally speaking, Microsoft has stopped selling Windows XP through retail and distributor channels.  But that's not the end of Windows XP by any means.  In a companion guide titled: 'Win XP SP3-The What, Why & How? (w/Notes on IE 7.0)', we wrote about Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) which we now routinely install for all of our clients.  In a sense it makes Windows XP almost as new as Windows Vista with its Service Pack 1 or even Windows 7.  But this is still not the end for Windows XP.

Why?

Users who choose to will be able to use Windows XP on new PCs for a long time.  The rule that applies is what Microsoft calls "Microsoft Select License, Open License, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) License, and Full-Packaged Product (FPP) License Downgrade Rights" which is explained in detail on their website (See it at: www-microsoft-com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=4f4b3cfd-7f4e-46cb-8117-8275f7683d3f&DisplayLang=en, <-- Copy, Paste and fix).  Essentially this means that Windows XP can still be installed on any PC that was sold with a valid Windows Vista or Windows 7 license.

How?

In practical terms our clients are faced with just the decision to add another $100 or so (e.g. less than an hour in billable time) to get Windows XP with SP3 on a new PC, or to make the commitment to transition to Windows Vista or Windows 7 and learn the new operating system.  In general our advice is that switching to Windows Vista is not a worthwhile investment, and that users should, when they're ready, jump to Windows 7.  And another 'good news' item is that, if and when you determine the time is right, upgrading to Windows 7 will generally involve only time and NO additional software cost.

If you have questions about Windows XP vs. Vista or Windows 7, please share them with us.  We'll be happy to help you be in control of deciding what's right for you and when!

If getting more life out of Window XP interests you, the guide referenced above (e.g. titled: 'Win XP SP3-The What, Why & How? (w/Notes on IE 7.0') may also interest you.

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