Microsoft dropping support for XP

 Here's an email I got today for one of my contacts for Microsoft. If this includes you, you might think of upgrading. You don't want to be running XP weith no security patches.

I’m reaching out to flag news from Microsoft that will impact a large number of people and thought you might be interested in sharing this information with your TechMan readers. During the next several months, as part of Microsoft’s established support lifecycle policy, Microsoft will be ending support for Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista with no service packs installed (sometimes referred to as Windows Vista RTM/SP0), and all versions of Windows 2000. Since Windows 2000 is largely used by enterprise and commercial customers, this mail focuses on Windows XP and Vista.

 

As mentioned in a post today on the Microsoft Support Lifecycle blog, the key dates customers need to be aware of are:

•       April 13, 2010 - Windows Vista (with no service packs installed) will reach the end of support. End of support means there will be no more security updates for this version, though customers who are on SP1 or SP2 will continue to receive security updates and support.

•       July 13, 2010 - Windows XP SP2 and all versions of Windows 2000 will reach the same milestone.

 

Microsoft believes it is important that all customers take action prior to the end of support date, not only so that they know their options and can prepare, but also to ensure they are as secure as possible with their Windows PCs. That is why the company is taking a variety of steps, including:

o   New web content that went live today for consumers and businesses at www.windows.com/end-of-support, providing them with information and assistance for their support questions.

o   Working directly with enterprise customers and partners on their migration plans.

o   Additional resources through our customer support channels including online content and proactive discussions with customers who call in through support.