Upgrade Or Die!

Stemming from the recent Conficker virus attacks, Microsoft has learned that millions of users are running unsupported operating systems. By unsupported I mean users are running outdated operating systems that Microsoft no longer supplies patches for, specifically security patches.

Microsoft has a detailed operating system life cycle policy but will support their operating systems for roughly five years after its release date. The company provides these updates and patches for free. Once the five year life cycle is reached, the software enters an extended support period where volume licensees can purchase support from the company. Eventually, Microsoft will "retire" the product and cease to provide any kind of updates or support.

I was surprised to learn that so many computer users were behind times. I run Windows XP on my home computer and I sometimes feel "left behind" in the Vista era. I simply refuse to upgrade to a operating system that has had such terrible reviews. Windows 7 will be released soon and I will upgrade after it has been reviewed thoroughly. What if it bombs? I can continue to use XP but its life cycle will end shortly. Windows Server 2003 SP1's life cycle will end in April of this year.

The point I am trying to make is that I feel Microsoft has always been very pushy in making its consumers upgrade. I understand their need to put time and money into new technologies but I feel five years of support is not enough when you are releasing operating systems that tank.

I guess there is always Linux....

Complete story:http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=2205