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Unless libraries are actually using Microsoft's support services,
there's no reason to hastily jump ship from WinXP to anything else.
Here's what Microsoft says about the end of support date that is
approaching:<br>
<blockquote>"Windows XP will transition from the
Mainstream Support phase to the Extended Support phase on April 14,
2009, as scheduled. During the Extended Support phase for Windows XP,
Microsoft will continue to provide paid support and security updates at
no additional charge. Extended Support for Windows XP will retire on
April 8, 2014." -- <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean31">http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean31</a><br>
</blockquote>
We don't use Microsoft's support services and so long as they continue
to issue security updates, we'll be happy to continue using XP so long
as it does the job.<br>
<br>
In our case we lease most of our public PCs and the current crop with
Windows XP installed will go off-lease a couple of years from now. At
that time we'll lease new machines for the public with whatever OS
makes sense at that time. For staff and other PCs we own, attrition and
planned replacement will take care of the transition between now and
when extended support for XP comes. By then we'll have a mix of Vista
and Windows 7 unless it makes sense (and it just may) to upgrade our
staff's Vista boxes to Win7 when it is released.<br>
<br>
-- J. Guilford<br>
<br>
Microsoft's Lifecycle Policy FAQ:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy">http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy</a><br>
<br>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:shivelri@oplin.org">shivelri@oplin.org</a> wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid:49DBA1BD.5020600@oplin.org" type="cite">Hello
all,
<br>
<br>
I am curious as to how other libraries are handling the end of support
of Windows XP?
<br>
<br>
Are you upgrading to Vista? Holding out for Windows 7? Or are you
looking into switching into the GPL line of OS's like Linux?
<br>
<br>
Interestingly as I studied the lifecycle plan as released by Microsoft
(link provided below), I noticed that Microsoft only supports software
for 5 years or 2 years after its successor product is released, which
ever is longer (consumer products). Therefore if Windows 7 releases as
rumored this year support for Vista could be knocked off as soon as
January 2012 (Jan 2007 + 5). Where with the same expectations for W7
releasing this year would mean support until at least 2014 (2009 +5).
Just some food for thought.
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-gb&x=16&y=12&C2=1173">http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-gb&x=16&y=12&C2=1173</a>
<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
------------------------------------
James Guilford, I.T. Manager
Westlake Porter Public Library
Rediscover the Web!
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/">http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/</a> </pre>
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