Why is Windows XP is being shelfed already by mircosoft?

Question

I dont have a problem with windows XP, it meets my needs and quite happy with it ,,,why are mircosoft are already shelfing it away? There are lots of software issues and hardware issues with windows vista , and already getting bad press on the internet. in which i belive will be solved , in about a years time. am i right not to rush to PC World and buy another "windows vista" ready computer until these issues are sorted out first ? After all it is just another platform ..... How long will windows XP will last for at least ? any idea how long windows XP will last for?

Answer 1

You're quite right, XP is not in need of a replacement. Microsoft must replace Windows every few years though, because it makes up a large part of their income, and without it they would be poor!

You can rest easy though, even MS plans to support Windows XP until at least 2009.

Buried deep on Microsoft's site is a list of 'end of life' dates when they will stop updating software.

You can see this here:
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/?sort=PN&alpha=Windows

Answer 2

XP will still be suported for years to come, vista is a new operating system so will have teething problems, if I remember correctly XP had some problems too.

When XP was released processors were 32bit, now 64 bit and dual core are quickly becoming standard with quad core on the way. XP was not specifically designed for these processors. XP also doesn't handle large ammounts of memory like vista will be able to handle. Vista is newer so should handle newer hardware better.

If XP is still enough for you then you don't have to upgrade. Microsoft only just stopped supporting windows 98 last year so XP should continue for a while. Wait till you are ready to get a new PC then upgrade to vista at the same time

Answer 3

Microsoft will support Windows XP for 5 years after the release of Vista. In addition, XP can still be used even after that 5 years is up, although there will be some security risks to running an essentially unpatched XP system.

The problem that you are going to run into is other programs. One big advantage that Vista has over XP for gamers is DirectX 10, which will be able to run the next generation of games at their full potential. Microsoft has no plans to release DirectX 10 for XP that I am aware of, and once more games start supporting, and eventually requiring, DirectX 10, then an upgrade for the people running those games will become more important.

In addition, other programs will slowly weed out their support for XP. Already, it is difficult to find programs of any kind for Windows 98 and sometimes even Windows 2000, and finding something that will work in Windows 95 is rare anymore. Eventually, the same thing will happen to XP, as software companies other than Microsoft embrace Vista more and more (and whatever comes out of Redmond after Vista).

Answer 4

Does it matter? They have to continue to support XP whether they like it or not. XP will no longer be shipped on any new computer or will not be for a long time, because the majority of the world likes to jump on the bandwagon. Vista is pointless and just "pretty".. I rather have speed then looks when it comes to an OS anyways, shlt my XP looks like oldschool 2000 b/c everything is turned down to speed up the machine a little. Vista will do the same thing XP did, it will get better bug wise after the first sp or two but still be the same thing as XP just different looking..

Answer 5

Well, you're exactly right. Microsoft would be quite unreasonable to end support early for XP. Microsoft will be supporting Windows XP for at least 3 more years, and by then, most likely, the various problems with Windows Vista will be ironed out. I know the feeling of being forced to upgrade, though. I run XP, but I remember the days when I used to love Windows 98SE. Still, Vista is a pretty cool-looking-and-acting operating system. I'd get it in a couple of years.

Answer 6

Microsoft want your money, hardware makers want to break your bank account, 3rd party software producers are hoping you could help enrich their investor return. Only way to do it is come up something look and feel better: Vista.

Unfortunately, many didn't know Vista is nothing but hype as WinXP did. There are OS better and free calls Linux, BSD can do all, yet come with full package including softwares Microsoft requires you to pay another hundreds of dollars if not thousands. Those OS security is far ahead of winXP. Vista is now catching up with those OS by copying it with a twist. Since newer generation is smarter now, especially come to computer. Microsoft strategy is speed up the process shelfed the winXP so these kids have no choice but upgrade.

Any corporations has something to do with Microsoft willingly to colaborate ram up the effort, so they could have a share of piece of pie.

All Microsoft hope for is 10% users upgrade per year, that translate few more extra $billions for Bill Gate, a few hundreds $millions for each of collaborating CEO as reward. For the next few years, world richest person will be crowned with $100 Billion net worth, nice isn't it?

Answer 7

Whether you continue to buy XP is the your choice but Microsoft has extended the help they will on XP to 2014, so I was told.

They are going to release a third service pack for the operating system.

Answer 8

Becuase they wan't you to buy Vista. XP will last for about 3-5 years.

Answer 9

Simply don't buy Vista yet. XP pro will be supported for some time still.

Lifecycle information for specific Microsoft products: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeselect

Some frequently asked questions about Microsoft's product support lifecycle: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy

Answer 10

well frankly it's mince - that is a biased view , of course, from a mac user . lets face it this ahem new stuff we ( yes i use xp pro too ) use is rubbish - i once heard an american guy on BBC radio 4 who was involved with inter net development and he says the web / internet could have been made virus free etc , and can still be ,amazing .