Uh-Oh, MS Windows XP really IS going to be harder to find...

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

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Still Buying Windows XP

We've had to downgrade a couple of laptops from Vista to Windows XP and have yet to purchase a new workstation with Vista. We're buying Dells with Windows XP (usually Pros, although we have bought a couple of Home Editions).

We don't have anything against Vista, but with the problems we did run into we ask our customers if they have a need (or desire) for Vista and so far it's been a unanymous "let's stick with XP." We are supporting a handful of Vista machines and other than the two that needed to move back to XP, they've been ok.

We'll probably continue to buy XP into 2008 now that Microsoft has decided to keep selling it (Microsoft extends Windows XP's stay), according to CNET.

CNET also tells us that Microsoft is allowing PC manufacturers to offer a downgrade to XP to buyers of new computers with the Windows Vista Business and Ultimate versions The (XP alternative for Vista PCs).

Fujitsu has gone so far as to include a XP disk with its laptops and tablets, says CNET.

and from eWeek... XP's Success Isn't Vista's Failure

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