Linda posted on April 23, 2009 12:05
Even though most of us are still using Windows XP, we are starting to get questions about when to expect Windows 7 and what it will hold in store. So I thought it high time for an update on Windows availability.
Although Microsoft's product life cycle website still lists January 31, 2009 as the last day a system builder, like KI Technology Group, can purchase OEM copies of Windows XP, I can tell you that I am still able to purchase it. I read that the date had been extended to April of 2010, but I have not been able to confirm that anywhere on Microsoft's site.
Of course, you also have the option of purchasing Vista Business and downgrading to XP Professional. This option would allow you to install Vista in the future without purchasing another OS license. This is not an option that is available if you want Home versions. If you want Home, you have to select XP or Vista and live with your decision.
I have Vista on both of the machines I have at my house and I have not been at all unhappy with my decision. The second machine has become our entertainment center and I really enjoy looking at vacation photos and listening to music with Windows Media Center. It is also nice to be able to play DVD's directly in Media Center and not have to rely on an add-on program, at least as long as it's not a Blu-ray!
And now Windows 7 is on the horizon and people are asking when it will be available. Microsoft has yet to announce a date, but rumor has it that they would like to release it prior to the holiday buying season.
One thing you should know if you are running XP - there will be no upgrade path from XP to Windows 7. If you really want to upgrade, then you would need to upgrade to Vista first.
Quite honestly, it is extremely rare that we work with anyone, consumer or business, that wants to upgrade their operating system. What OS should I use is really a question that only comes up when purchasing a new system. Perhaps that is part of the reason that Vista has not caught on the way Microsoft had hoped.
Windows 7 is said to contain a number of performance enhancements, including faster boot times. Some beta testers have even reported that it runs faster than XP. It is also a more secure operating system than XP, which should be a big benefit for small businesses. Of course, that is also one of the benefits of Vista and obviously not anything that spurred adoption.
With so much information available about everything these days, it is not likely that many business owners will research the pros and cons of operating system versions themselves. So if you are purchasing a new computer, find an honest technology firm that will explain things to you in plain English and help you make the best decision for your business - no hype allowed!