Windows XP allowed to live again

[Kevin]

Microsoft has given yet another reprieve to its seasoned Windows XP operating system.

The cut off date for PC makers to obtain licenses for the software was 31 January 2009.

But now Microsoft has put in place a scheme that will allow the hardware firms to get hold of XP licences until 30 May 2009.

Previously Microsoft extended XP's life until 2010 - provided it was installed on netbooks and low-cost laptops.

Windows XP was originally due to disappear off shop shelves on 30 January 2008. It was to be removed so as to make way for Windows Vista which went on sale to consumers early in 2007.

Despite Microsoft's claims that Vista has sold well, consumers have reacted badly to its release.

Microsoft granted the reprieve largely because of customer's preference for XP.

Many PC makers also got around the restrictions by exploiting a clause in Microsoft's licensing terms that allowed them to offer a "downgrade" licence. Issued with a new PC running Vista it allowed customers to replace it with XP.

The latest reprieve affects PC makers and resellers who were working to a 31 January 2009 deadline to order licences for XP.

Many feared they would have to stockpile licences before the cut-off and hope they could sell them in the coming months.

Now, Microsoft has changed the terms allowing the resellers to order before 31 January but take delivery at any time up to 30 May.

The change in policy is another indication of the general resistance to Windows Vista.
Early versions of Windows 7, the replacement for Vista, are due to appear in late 2009.


Source : BBC

[Decode]

I think Microsoft will end up selling licences until Windows 7 comes out in 10 months or so.

[The Professor]

The BBC are late, I heard this on cnet's podcast about a month ago. Steve Bulmer (I think that's his name) pretty much said they may as well carry on selling XP until windows 7 because XP works and Vista doesn't. They hope windows 7 won't be as much as a resource hog as vista so they can get that on the low powered stuff which is restricted to xp atm.

[Jordy]

The BBC are late, I heard this on cnet's podcast about a month ago. Steve Bulmer (I think that's his name) pretty much said they may as well carry on selling XP until windows 7 because XP works and Vista doesn't. They hope windows 7 won't be as much as a resource hog as vista so they can get that on the low powered stuff which is restricted to xp atm.

It's Steve Ballmer (CEO and Bill Gates school friend )

The media seem to keep expressing all this 'hate' on Windows Vista how everyone still wants Windows XP but as far as I'm aware it's just Netbooks who want Windows XP really and it's not the consumer particularly being reluctant to move to Windows Vista like they originally were. I hope they'll leave it till Windows 7 as Windows 7 will have a netbook version too, which will then be a good chance to phase out Windows XP.

It makes me laugh all these people who don't like change Windows Vista because of all the changes are waiting for Windows 7, Windows 7 has some of the most drastic changes to the OS since Windows 95 such as a change in the Taskbar, these people will either jump on the Windows Vista band-wagon when it's too late or just continue loving Windows XP (Forever).

[Decode]

They hope windows 7 won't be as much as a resource hog as vista

Thats already happened At the moment I am using 32% of ram (on windows 7 with browser, msn and itunes open), but when I was on vista I was using between 42-50%.

[awelsh]

Good news, hate windows vista. Got it on a pc here and its just useless, windows xp media center FTW

[Decode]

Good news, hate windows vista. Got it on a pc here and its just useless, windows xp media center FTW

How is it useless, its the same as xp with more features? :rolleyes:

[awelsh]

How is it useless, its the same as xp with more features? :rolleyes:

My one crashes more, could just be the pc though and knowing the other people who use it then some crap has come on from the internet. Whereas my laptop is only used by me so nothing stupid has ever been downloaded.

[HotelUser]

How is it useless, its the same as xp with more features? :rolleyes:

Vista is nothing more than a downgrade from XP. It is certainly not like XP.

[N!ck]

I prefer Vista to XP other than the fact all the juicy settings are harder to get to/have to go around the houses.