The supply of Windows XP Professional activation keys is running dangerously thin.  That’s probably not mathematically speaking but nevertheless, Microsoft has released a new version of Windows XP Professional to manufacturing.  It includes no updates or improvements at all but was simply to address the issue of dangerously low supply of product activation keys.

The new build known as Windows XP Professional XP SP2c will be released to resellers and system builders next month.  Microsoft wishes XP would just die and that every living soul on the planet would buy a new computer or upgrade to Vista.  This poses a problem for businesses, not as big a problem for consumers.

Windows XP is still set to terminate at the end of next January and will only be available to small scale system builders until 2009.  Don’t think that places like Newegg won’t be more than happy to sell you that shiny new copy of Windows XP OEM, because it probably will have them available for some time after 2009.

Windows XP is Vista’s own worst enemy.  XP works and many businesses and consumers alike see no reason to upgrade.  A six year old operating system, still useful?  Blasphemy I say, blasphemy.  Yet it continues to sell well.

The stronger than anticipated Windows XP sales can be attributed to some manufacturers offering “Customize with XP” options as opposed to earlier policies which said new systems would ship with Vista only.  That changed quickly after a consumer outcry.

Those of you still wanting XP can still get it but may I suggest upgrading to a shiny new Vista system?  Please?  Don’t use a six year old operating system, it’s old, don’t use old technology, that’s pretty much the motto around here.  And yes, we are perfectly happy using early releases that may be partially broken, it’s new, that’s the price you pay and to us, it’s worth it.

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Entry was posted on Sunday, August 12th, 2007 at 9:58 am under Microsoft.

Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.
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