Microsoft Pulls The Plug on Windows XP

In what appears to be a last ditch effort to sell more of it's newest operating system (OS), Microsoft has notified computer manufacturers that by the start of 2008, they will no longer be allowed to ship PCs loaded with Windows XP.

"The OEM version of XP Professional goes next January," said Frank Luburic, senior ThinkPad product manager for Lenovo. "At that point, they'll have no choice."

"Dell recognizes the needs of small business customers and understands that more time is needed to transition to a new operating system," Dell said on its Direct2Dellblog. Dell plans to continue offering Windows XP on select Dimension and Inspiron systems until later this summer.

The extremely rigorous hardware requirements coupled with a major lack of compatible drivers and programs for Windows Vista has left a lot of people leary of Vista, preferring to purchase PCs loaded with Windows XP.

Microsoft's "mainstream" support for Windows XP Professional under their SupportLifecycle Policy ends on 04/14/09. No updates will be issued after that date unless you pay for "extended support" which is available until 04/08/14.

As with the release of previous Microsoft operating systems, soon you'll be stuck with Windows Vista whether you want it or not. Unless of course, someone brings another lawsuit against Microsoft -- or you go with a Mac.

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