What You Need To Know About Windows Xp

They did it with 95, NT, 98, ME, and now it's the turn of XP, the great switch off. As of 30th June 2008, Microsoft is to stop supplying and offering support for Windows XP.

I am sure the news could not come at a better time, after all we have been through a lot together with Windows XP. The average computer user has spent over 8000 hours using Windows XP and is the system most used to the connect us to the Internet.

So if you're not ready to make the switch to the world of slick graphics and smooth animation that is Windows Vista what are you going to do after the cut-off?

Solving Tech Problems with Windows XP

In terms of getting support for the numerous technical issues that XP users come across everyday, some form of support from Microsoft will exist until at least 2014, so that gives you another six years, although the support may be more difficult to get hold of.

If you have a major problem you may want to consult a good Internet tech forum or Geeksquad for a solution. Chances are that if you have an issue, other users will have a similar issue for which there is a good chance for a solution rather than consulting Microsoft tech support.

XP On Brand New Machines

As for buying XP on a new PC despite the bosses at Microsoft quite categorically stating that you won't be able to do so after 30th June in reality you will. So they lied but it's actually done us XP lovers a favor so we're not going to complain.

Retailer and PC manufacturers that have acquired unused XP licenses before the cut-off date will still be allowed to sell the operating system on new PCs.

Managing Operating Systems

A second way of getting XP on a new machine is through downgrade rights. If the PC manufacturer has obtained downgrade rights from Microsoft, they will be to sell you a PC that originally had Vista but was downgraded to XP before it was sold.

If this is the case, you'll be supplied with the discs for XP and it's drivers, as well as the same discs for Vista, so you can re-upgrade at a later date if you decide to. Dell have confirmed that they will make this option open to customers, but it only lasts out until January 31st next year.

'Limited Hardware Capabilities'

There is an alternative legal way of getting your hands on XP. That is purchase a PC that has 'limited hardware capabilities,' a term that Microsoft has phrased for machines that lack the muscle power such as slow processor or limited memory, to run Vista. Laptops such as the Asus EEE lack both processor power and hard-disk space to run Windows Vista. Instead these machines must run XP.

XP Still Has Life Yet

To tell the truth, XP lives on. You can still buy it until at least June 2010, which will probably be extended, and you'll still get support until 2014. That's a long time to say goodbye to your favorite operating system, although you need to be aware that eventually you're going to have to make the switch.

Article Source: http://www.search4allinfo.com

Kay Brenner is a Faster computer expert who restores slow PCs, saving you from the hassles of struggling with a sick computer. To reclaim your dream machine you first bought, download a free PC Optimizer

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