If you want to grab a standalone copy of XP the last chance is on 30 June, but if you plan to order a new machine with XP pre-installed prepare to say your final farewell by this evening.
Today’s deadline is due to Microsoft’s Windows life-cycle policy for the outgoing operating system. This policy means the last system builder licence available to PC manufacturers is 30 June, so Dell is taking last orders within the next day for its machines with Windows XP.
However, it’s not all bad news for those averse to or not ready to take on the Vista operating system.
Customer support for the product is now extended until 2014 due to overwhelming public demand, which means that security updates and patches will continue to be made available until this time.
PC manufacturers Dell will continue to provide the XP operating system, albeit on a limited basis.
“Customers may continue to get Windows XP Professional by exercising downgrade rights that come with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate licences,” said a spokesperson for Dell Ireland.
“Dell is offering an optional service to install Windows XP Professional for a customer, while also providing them with a Windows Vista licence and Windows Vista operating system DVD.”
This is currently available as an option on the Dell Latitude, OptiPlex and Precision systems at no charge.
The Dell spokesperson also added that from 01 June, 1 Vostro and XPS gaming customers purchasing an XPS 630 or XPS M1730 have had a third-factory install option, where Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate can be downgraded to Windows XP Professional.
“This is a Dell-provided service to factory install Windows XP for customers, while also providing the customer with a Windows Vista licence and Windows Vista operating system DVD,” added the spokesperson.
By Marie Boran
