Life and Death of WindowsXP but what's next!

In a recent article "The 100 Best Products of the Year" - PCWorld, Edited by Mark Sullivan the fourth (4th) product listed is Windows XP. Originally released October 25, 2001 it has evolved into the favored operating system. This is not an expression of what could become of Windows Vista only a statement of what has become of Windows XP... and when you make your next computer purchase.

"Microsoft Windows XP (operating system, not sold separately)
It has been discontinued except as an option for certain low-end
PCs, but XP is leaner, meaner and less bloated than Vista. Despite
the outcry from users, however, at press time Microsoft still
planned to retire the OS on June 30, 2008. Read full article here "

I remember years ago that we could not give up Windows 2000 because of the instability of Windows XP. Drivers and application software finally caught up. Stability no longer became an issue. It was then hacked and attacked but Microsoft released monthly security and critical updates to help us through. Three service packs had been released and installed to further keep this going with the latest released just April 21, 2008. You did install SP3 by now I hope? Contact me if not.

Well you are moving towards the perfect storm:

1. How long will Microsoft authorize sales of Windows XP?
2. How long will OEM's like Dell continue to offer Vista with the XP downgrade?
   Click here to read Dell's downgrade offer.
3. How long will AMS continue supporting Windows XP? They did drop support for Windows 2000 on a prior version of AMS360.
4. How long until hardware and software manufacturers release stable drivers?
5. Will your new computer purchases support all the latest hardware?
6. Will your current hardware survive until all the questions are answered?

Deciding when to purchase your next computers will be a challenge. Your workstations are now 4, 5 even 6 years old. Remember you were happy with a 2 to 3 year life cycle in the '90s. Purchasing tomorrow at the "big block" store will not save you money. I have been seeing too many clients purchase these computers with the wrong version of Vista which you don't want and configurations that don't support the Vista version needed for AMS360.

I am working hard to research answers for you but I could use some of your input. Please post a comment with some of your thoughts and concerns.

Contact me here for a personal response or to schedule an appointment.