A false alarm with support withdrawal brings a few real facts to set our clocks by
http://news.com.com/False+alarm+over+Windows+support+deadline/2100-1016_3-6026576.html?tag=nefd.ledeMicrosoft is making changes to its support Web site in an attempt to clear up confusion over its plans for the consumer editions of Windows XP.
Until Tuesday night, a posting on Microsoft's Web site stated that support for Windows XP Home and Windows XP Media Center Edition would end on Dec. 31, 2006. That would mean no more security fixes or any other support items, such as warranty claims, for users of those operating system products.
But the posting was incorrect, Ines Vargas, a program manager at Microsoft, told CNET News.com. The Redmond, Wash.-based software maker has now updated the online information to reflect that the consumer Windows XP editions, along with XP Professional, will be supported until two years after Vista ships, she said. Vista, the long-delayed next update of Windows, is expected to arrive by the end of the year.
"This was brought to our attention late last week, and since then, we have worked diligently to make the change on the site, which was effective Tuesday night," she said. "It was not a change in support policy. It is reflective of the policy as we understand it."
Windows XP Professional, because it is a business product, will get "extended support" for five additional years following the expiration of mainstream support, which will come two years after Vista's debut. In that extended period, Microsoft provides patches and several paid support options.
I feel they have done such an excellent job on XP there is no need to upgrade at least for many years, the old saying about if it aint broke then dont fix it rings true to me.
(Those who are eager to get the "Aero Glass" theme are probably microsofts only real customers pressing for any change. )
