XP: The end is nigh

Microsoft was due to stop shipping its XP operating system to computer manufacturer on Monday in the face of a lot of opposition.

As of now a petition to keep sales of XP alive has some 210,161 digital signatures, but today’s deadline is looming. “Join the 210,161 people so far who have signed our online petition to demand that Microsoft not stop OEM and shrinkwrapped sales of Windows XP as planned on June 30, 2008, but instead keep it available indefinitely”, the blog urges.

Last week the firm sent out a letter to customers telling them that it would be extending critical support for Windows XP until 2014. “With the June 30, 2008, "end of sales" date for Windows XP approaching, many people have asked me if they will still be able to get support for Windows XP. The answer is an emphatic "yes, you will continue to be supported."

Businesses too will continue to be supported, the letter says, offering them downgrades to the XP operating system, as will smaller PCs such as those by Asus and other budget systems, Microsoft confirmed.

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