Every time we build a system on the Dell website they tell us, in bright red lettering, that June 18 is the last day to order a system with Windows XP. Microsft said in multiple statements over the past year or so, "Windows XP will no longer be available for purchase from Microsoft for general retail and OEM partners as of June 30, 2008."
Ah, but the operating system that wouldn't die isns't quite dead yet!
Retailers can continue to sell copies as long as they were purchased before June 30, and manufacturers can continue to sell Windows XP PCs as long under the same circumstances. Expect to see them available for a while, just not from Dell.
Another option for someone purchasing a new PC will be "downgrade rights." The OEM can sell a PC with Vista as the operating system, but downgrade it to Windows XP before shipping it. Dell will apparently only be offering this for a handful of models and only until January, 2009. advertising that yet, but I'm sure we will. These PCs will ship with both operating system and driver disks so the buyers can upgrade to Vista if they're so inclined.
Microsoft will be offering bug and security updates and support for Windows XP until April, 2009 and security updates until April, 2014.
Here is more information directly from Microsoft via their Windows Life-Cycle Policy page and MICROSOFT SUPPORT LIFECYCLE BLOG
Microsoft
Windows XP
Vista
Dell
Windows XP support
Vista downrade
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