Windows XP allowed to live again

Microsoft has given yet another reprieve to its seasoned Windows XP operating system.
The cut off date for PC makers to obtain licenses for the software was 31 January 2009.
But now Microsoft has put in place a scheme that will allow the hardware firms to get hold of XP licences until 30 May 2009.
Previously Microsoft extended XP's life until 2010 - provided it was installed on netbooks and low-cost laptops.
Windows XP was originally due to disappear off shop shelves on 30 January 2008. It was to be removed so as to make way for Windows Vista which went on sale to consumers early in 2007.
Despite Microsoft's claims that Vista has sold well, consumers have reacted badly to its release.
Microsoft granted the reprieve largely because of customer's preference for XP.
Many PC makers also got around the restrictions by exploiting a clause in Microsoft's licensing terms that allowed them to offer a "downgrade" licence. Issued with a new PC running Vista it allowed customers to replace it with XP.
The latest reprieve affects PC makers and resellers who were working to a 31 January 2009 deadline to order licences for XP.
Many feared they would have to stockpile licences before the cut-off and hope they could sell them in the coming months.
Now, Microsoft has changed the terms allowing the resellers to order before 31 January but take delivery at any time up to 30 May.
The change in policy is another indication of the general resistance to Windows Vista.
Early versions of Windows 7, the replacement for Vista, are due to appear in late 2009. (from BBC News)

Not surprised Vista has been a disaster..

ewww Vista ewwww

yeaaaa XP yeeeaaaa XP

I have a Mac, but I am told that Linux is also very good to replace XP, instead of Vista and it can be downloaded free.

running vista on my laptop.not overly keen on it but it will have o do for now lol

I didn't notice the difference - perhaps ignorance is bliss :roll:

Yea ................... XP rocks IMO!! Still use it on all my machines, cannot abide Vista, too memory hungry and 'flashy', most of the special "features" are gimmicks.... well IMO obviously!!











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Then ignorance is definitely bliss........

My Mac mini PC is a few years old and it has never given any problems at all. I was given a 3 year old Dell last weekend discarded from a bank (minus a hard-drive). I have put in a 250GB drive and installed Linux - plus a lot of stuff from one of the free depositories. I am really chuffed - and see no need to get anything newer. I know that many makers are now offering Linux on new machines (thanks to the failure of Vista), but I feel that Linux, which it also totally free, will enable a lot of older PCs to be recycled and re-used. Ermmm .... I will take a look at the recycling dump, if the rain has not drowned everything. Recycle/reuse!