End-of-Life XP: what do you think will happen?

[ahhaa]

I just noticed an OfMax ad for XPsp2, as an upgrade package, for $139... people are paying that?

Most products get discounted as they approach their end, but with the delays to Vista, MS still seems to be making every nickel they can off XP.

What do you guys think? Will there be a price cut on XP as Vista comes out? Or will XP just disappear from the market?


Given all the aggravation the constant patches have caused, I think MS owes us a final CD- a Service Pack 3 that condenses XP back into an OS.

[Jo The Veteran]

I'm replying to your post title and title only and i believe the anwer would be, FORMAT!

[BogieV]

I'll be rethoric!
What happend with Windows 2000 Pro? Do you see it discounted? I'm in Japan and here it's price is above that of WinXP.

Something is really wrong here. I'm not from the guys that sware at MS - actually I haven't had much of software (OS) problems. I've had hardware problems with both Windows (failed harddrives, defective MoBo) and Mac (random restarts, but found to be minor problem - after exchanging mainboard battery it required to be reset - something written only in service manuals).

So what I wanted to say is I wonder why Mac OS is so cheap and it comes with bunch of software that is 3rd party in Windows. Well Apple hardware is a bit more expensive and basically requires in house service but still the difference is huge.

Win XP Home should cost like 50 USD for the retail - period!

[ahhaa]

my list of hotfixes and updates is longer than my program list. it takes several minutes to start & shut down. security is still swiss cheese...

... and I just heard that Vista will cost closer to $200!

[ark]

Perhaps I am old fashioned and do not like to change wagons too often. For me Win98SE is still a robust workhorse (and is supported in my P2-333MHz, which does a lot of tasks faster than my P43.2GHz with WinXP Pro). I suspect VISTA is another bloated package and there would not be any end to patches.

[TBoneit]

Why is windows 2000 still holding its price, because it is Win2000 Pro, compare to WinXP Pro not home.

Second reason is no product activation, same for Office 2000. Many people hate Product activation.

[edDV]

my list of hotfixes and updates is longer than my program list. it takes several minutes to start & shut down. security is still swiss cheese...

... and I just heard that Vista will cost closer to $200!

There will be a XP SP3 at some point to consolidate the updates. I wish they would do this quarterly.

Why would they discount the old stuff? Their issues are support and they would rather support the current product, but I'd expect 7-10 years ongoing support for XP with increasing reluctance.

[mh2360]

Microsoft have now officially declared as "obsolete" all OSs up to and including Windows ME. There will no longer be any new updates for these. Windows 2000 will have security updates at least until June 2010. I can see Windows XP being supported (if only by security updates like win2k) until at least 2013. So buying Windows XP now wouldn't be an awful idea. If history is anything to go by, Windows Vista won't be worth buying for at least another 2-3 years, after they get the first 2 service packs out for it...

[ahhaa]

hiya mh-
I heard there was a XP-N version distributed in the UK that had IE & OE removed as per the EU monopoly decision. (They told us it couldn't be done...) You know anybody that gave it a try?

[BogieV]

Yes, what I ment is Win2k pro is more expensive than WinXP Pro, but your point is right TBoneit.
Despite this I still consider buying OEM WinXP Home to replace my SFF PC's Win2k. There are some driver incompabilities with Win2k and all in all WinXP (with the whole patches) is a bit more complete product for the end user (and especially for HTPC)
.
I've noticed that it really matters who's the user. Usually the beginners don't have much problems, but the active users can mess up Mac OS or Win - you call it.
Anyway - Vista is no option for many of us with it's ridiqulas hardware requirenments.
Hopefully MS doesn't quit the support of it's older OSes any time soon.

[hudsonf]

Hopefully MS doesn't quit the support of it's older OSes any time soon.

I think this will depend on the success or lack of with Vista. If everyone says "It's new and I have to have it." support for XP will stop. But if everyone says "I'm happy with XP and don't need Vista." support for XP will last a long time.

[jagabo]

Hopefully MS doesn't quit the support of it's older OSes any time soon.

I think this will depend on the success or lack of with Vista. If everyone says "It's new and I have to have it." support for XP will stop. But if everyone says "I'm happy with XP and don't need Vista." support for XP will last a long time.

Of course, with WGA Microsoft could force you to upgrade to Vista whenever they wanted. And they could prevent anyone from using new installations of XP by stopping product activation. Aren't those nice thoughts!

[BogieV]

Then we all go to Macs :P

[edDV]

Then we all go to Macs :P

I'd take a Mac on the side if you are paying. I wouldn't want a Mac for the main machine.

[jagabo]

Then we all go to Macs :P

I'd take a Mac on the side if you are paying. I wouldn't want a Mac for the main machine.

You won't need a new machine. Apple will eventually sell their OS for all PC hardware.

[Dv8ted2]

Then we all go to Macs :P

I'd take a Mac on the side if you are paying. I wouldn't want a Mac for the main machine.

You won't need a new machine. Apple will eventually sell their OS for all PC hardware.

As long as Steve Jobs is at the helm, that will not happen.

[mh2360]

hiya mh-
I heard there was a XP-N version distributed in the UK that had IE & OE removed as per the EU monopoly decision. (They told us it couldn't be done...) You know anybody that gave it a try?

Nope, Nobody I know has tried it, but this guy has...

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_n.asp

[ROF]

Hopefully MS doesn't quit the support of it's older OSes any time soon.

I think this will depend on the success or lack of with Vista. If everyone says "It's new and I have to have it." support for XP will stop. But if everyone says "I'm happy with XP and don't need Vista." support for XP will last a long time.

Of course, with WGA Microsoft could force you to upgrade to Vista whenever they wanted. And they could prevent anyone from using new installations of XP by stopping product activation. Aren't those nice thoughts!

What does WGA have to do with needing an upgrade? WGA runs transparent on my systems. I have not seen it effect my system operation and I find it highly unlikely that it ever will. So what do you mean by saying WGA could force you to upgrade? Vista will have something much stronger but just as transparent reporting any anomalies to the software owner and if necessary the software licensee. Microsoft has discontinued support for several OSs. Once they reach the ten year mark it usually is cut off. The success or lack there of for the latest OS has little or no effect on this legacy support especially for a corporation such as Microsoft. Microsoft has shown that within months to a year after the release of an OS upgrade they are already R&Ding a new one to replace the new OS. In order to profitably fund this future OS legacy support for two or three generation old OSs is discontinued. Microsoft Windows XP will be no different.

Will it be discount priced? Probably not any lower than it already is, but you will see this OS no longer stocked in local stores after several months of a new release.

[edDV]

Then we all go to Macs :P

I'd take a Mac on the side if you are paying. I wouldn't want a Mac for the main machine.

You won't need a new machine. Apple will eventually sell their OS for all PC hardware.

If Apple did and it was good, I'd buy one. Microsoft needs a serious competitor more than anything else. Apple needs a fight as well to shake the crap out of that company.

Only problem is Gates & Co. still exercise control over the current Apple. It would take a third party.

[ROF]

Then we all go to Macs :P

I'd take a Mac on the side if you are paying. I wouldn't want a Mac for the main machine.

You won't need a new machine. Apple will eventually sell their OS for all PC hardware.

If Apple did and it was good, I'd buy one. Microsoft needs a serious competitor more than anything else. Apple needs a fight as well to shake the crap out of that company.

Only problem is Gates & Co. still exercise control over the current Apple. It would take a third party.

A serious competitor is exactly what is missing from this equation.

[jagabo]

Then we all go to Macs :P

I'd take a Mac on the side if you are paying. I wouldn't want a Mac for the main machine.

You won't need a new machine. Apple will eventually sell their OS for all PC hardware.

As long as Steve Jobs is at the helm, that will not happen. :wink:

A few year ago everyone said the same thing about Intel processors.

What does WGA have to do with needing an upgrade?

My point was that with WGA Microsoft has control over your computer. Legal issues asside, they can shut you down whenever they feel like it, for whatever reason they want. And with Product Activation they can prevent you from simply reinstalling Windows XP to get around it.

[gotnotime]

There already is some discounts going on. Now that Microsoft announced that it will no longer support SP1 ver of XP after 10/06. I just picked up Windoes XP (sp1) Pro for ~$90.00 (U.S.). Installed it and upgraded to sp2 on web. This saved me $40-50.

[handyguy]

First I have to run the software/hdwr compatibility programs to see if my software works with Vista. Then I have to buy whatever I need so it works with the new OS. Therefore, much more than $200....

I think to just get a new Dell computer that already has everything that works with it when it comes out.

[ahhaa]

ROF : A serious competitor is exactly what is missing from this equation.

Exactly; and if it doesn't come from English speakers it will from Asia; most likely China. And we thought Help files were obscure now!

What really bugs me is that Linux is competing with itself, all those distros for OSheads; its like wanting to take the kid's car to the store... the engine is fine-tuned, but there's no trunk or sterring wheel. Linux market share should be shooting up, but installation probs still turn away as many as adopt.

I have some hope for virtual machines tho...

mh- it was only media player they pulled? I've also heard that in the UK, schools won't allow any browser but IE; are your kids over there all wannabe hackers?

[classfour]

Per the original post: Windows 98SE pretty much costs about the same as it did in the late 90s - unless you buy from a second hand vendor. Although it was better than 95 and earlier versions, I always had problems with stability. After trying to do work with video, 98SE really became a problem, and I laid out $140 for Windows 2K (loved the stability, loved the OS - only the lack of gaming options for my son was a problem) which is about what an original legal copy will run you still in many venues.

Windows really doesn't have to be discounted to sell, but even XP is cheaper than 3.1 was in the 80s.

If I weren't so lazy, I'd learn Linux or one of the other cheaper alternatives....but I haven't found an equivalent alternative to windows yet.

And one plug to the freeware guys: I've been using DVD Rebuilder Pro for about a year, and have nothing but kudos for jdobbs and team - The $10 that I spent last year to get the Pro version was probably the best software bargain that I've made.

Score one for the little guy.

[ROF]

What does WGA have to do with needing an upgrade?

My point was that with WGA Microsoft has control over your computer. Legal issues asside, they can shut you down whenever they feel like it, for whatever reason they want. And with Product Activation they can prevent you from simply reinstalling Windows XP to get around it.

False. As long as you remain within the license agreement the WGA after initial installation is never to be seen or heard from again. If it does appear again you need only to call Microsoft and within minutes your WGA issue is resolved. If you think WGA or other Genuine License Authentication system will not appear in every successive OS from Microsoft that is just being nieve. WGA has it's problems but it has genuinely(no pun) been a success for Microsoft and the industry to protect their licenses.

[jagabo]

What does WGA have to do with needing an upgrade?

My point was that with WGA Microsoft has control over your computer. Legal issues asside, they can shut you down whenever they feel like it, for whatever reason they want. And with Product Activation they can prevent you from simply reinstalling Windows XP to get around it.

False. As long as you remain within the license agreement the WGA after initial installation is never to be seen or heard from again.

Get a clue ROF. I'm not talking about the current use of WGA. I'm saying the code used in WGA and Product Activation demonstrates that Microsoft has the ability and willingness to shut your computer down. Today they do it when they think you are in violation of your license agreement. Tomorrow they could do it for any reason they want.

[BogieV]

How MS will shut my PC down I wonder? I will just plug out the LAN cable and keep on using it without internet connection! The PC will continue to work - no way they can do thet to us.

But ROF WGA is not only activation and not only once. It checks if you want some downloads or extra free soft from MS. Also for some of the patches it was neccessary too.

[ROF]

How MS will shut my PC down I wonder? I will just plug out the LAN cable and keep on using it without internet connection! The PC will continue to work - no way they can do thet to us.

But ROF WGA is not only activation and not only once. It checks if you want some downloads or extra free soft from MS. Also for some of the patches it was neccessary too.

But of course. That is the purpose of Windows Genuine Advantage. Only those who genuinely own a copy will never see that Microsoft is making a check while you download these free enhancements(or in some cases frivilous items) to your Windows Genuine Advantage machine. Fortunately, those not running a Genuine Advantage will not be offered the same products. They will have to deal with messages about not being able to download these products because they are not Genuine.

If anyone believes that Windows Vista or any successive Operating System will not be using the same intellectual property protection they are just kidding themselves.

My question is though how will Microsoft use this Windows Genuine Advantage to prevent you from using your current Genuine OS indefinitely? And please do not answer with these oddball conspiracies of Microsoft being some evil empire out to rule the worlds OSs through turtle power or something.

[ROF]

What does WGA have to do with needing an upgrade?

My point was that with WGA Microsoft has control over your computer. Legal issues asside, they can shut you down whenever they feel like it, for whatever reason they want. And with Product Activation they can prevent you from simply reinstalling Windows XP to get around it.

False. As long as you remain within the license agreement the WGA after initial installation is never to be seen or heard from again.

Get a clue ROF. I'm not talking about the current use of WGA. I'm saying the code used in WGA and Product Activation demonstrates that Microsoft has the ability and willingness to shut your computer down. Today they do it when they think you are in violation of your license agreement. Tomorrow they could do it for any reason they want.

They own the software. You agreed to allow them to terminate their licensing agreement with you at anytime or for any reason. Actually, that is a clause included in just about every licensing agreement I read before installing any software I purchase. But your theory about Microsoft forcing an upgrade through WGA is just strange and maybe a little bit paranoid. Vista uses the same thing.