For the last couple months Microsoft has put forth a campaign to remind users that support for Windows XP SP2 will soon end. The official support end date for Windows XP Service Pack 2 will take place in the end of July 2010, roughly seven months from now. While this might seem like plenty of time it’s important to be prepared in the shift of support policy.
Microsoft reported on their official Blog that in addition to the closed support of XP, Windows 2000 Server and Client support will come to an end on July 13th 2010. Microsoft is hoping that most consumers will switch over to its new Windows 7 platform but at this time there are update alternatives. Even though support for Service Pack 2 will end, Microsoft will continue to address issues in SP3 until 2014. What this means is that one way or another, systems will now need to be patched and updated to receive official support. Additional information on potential upgrade and migration information is available on Microsoft’s Springboard Series Blog.
As of last October, it is estimated that Windows XP still operated 80% of the commercial PCs on the market which makes this a bold push from Microsoft. While Windows 7 has been highly received by many there is still much hesitation to upgrade after the debacle that was Windows Vista. The final verdict on Windows 7 is still out but as the final support days come to a close over the next year many will feel little alternative.
Whether you intend to upgrade to a new operating system or hold onto XP as long as possible now is the time to plan for the change. At the bare minimum, all of your systems should be upgraded to the newest service pack. The end of XP Support could be a headache but if you prepare for the change it doesn’t have to be.
- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department
2 Comments to The End of XP
Alan KJanuary 21, 2010
It really depends on what version of Windows you’re running. I upgraded to Windows 7 a couple months ago and haven’t had any problems. I used to get crashes with XP quite frequently. Of course the less said about Vista the better.
January 13, 2010
It is true that I am hesitant to switch to Windows 7, however I suppose I do not have much of a choice. Windows has been disappointing lately and I am not happy with these current conditions. Anyone have any insight as to how to alleviate any of these issues that Windows has been presenting lately?