And you still run XP?
Most people will say YES… I still run Windows XP, mostly this has a very common reason… "I tried Vista and it didn't work as I expected". Some others still run Office XP!
Well, yes, somehow, Microsoft managed to make a bad impression with Windows Vista. Nevertheless, many people has not even tried it and just follow the flow and say NAH!
OK, call me fortunate, but I've been running Windows Vista since it was launched. I used to work for a Microsoft partner and my role then and I didn't have the latest hardware, however I had an average laptop by then. Vista ran smoothly and I became one of it's defenders.
I've been informally asking people about why they hate Vista, and it is funny to see many answers so confusing that I'm sure now that those people are not quite sure about reasons for not running it. Even companies are buying new powerful machines and not taking advantage of their full potential because they are sticking to a 7 year old software. Now I wonder… was it that good?
Well here comes the news: Microsoft is ending mainstream support for Windows XP on April 14 (yes, in just 10 days) and it is also happening to Office XP (A.K.A. Office 2002). But what exactly does this mean?
Well, Microsoft supports its business software for 10 years divided in two phases. First, a period of 5 years from its market release, called "mainstream" support, where licensed customers can ask for changes, security updates, other non-security hotfixes, free support (based on promotions and licensing agreements).
After the first 5 years, the business products (this does not happen for consumer products such as games), start their "Extended support" phase, where Microsoft only will deliver updates related to security and paid support (other non-security fixes can be made under a special contract that has to be signed up to 90 days after the product starting this phase)
All of this is clearly explained in this page: Product Lifecycle Support Policy
Well, take care then… if you run XP, give a try to Windows Vista and Office 2007… you'll find that it is not that bad. If you still want to run XP, take a careful look… will you need support? What kind of support? Do you really need to take the risk or isn't it a risk for you at all?
You're on time!
Currently a consultant for Core IO technologies for Microsoft Services in Spain, Mauricio is certified in various Microsoft areas and titles covering messaging technologies, security products and operating systems, but also products and areas such as MSF, MOF, ITIL and project management.
Born in Medellín, Colombia in 1972.
Since very young, very interested in computing, science fiction and high technology.
Studied Systems Engineer at EAFIT University where also made a specialization in International Businesses and an MBA.
Moved later to Madrid, Spain, where studied for a master in Telematics Engineering, at the Carlos III University.
Inmersed in Microsoft technologies since 1994 (Microsoft Mail and Windows for Workgroups) in various scenarios of deployment, support, design, implementation, et al.