Bits from Bill

Technology thoughts leaking from the brain of "Bill Pytlovany"

Monday, September 25, 2006

Happy 5th Birthday Windows XP

It really doesn't seem like it's been 5 years since the introduction of Windows XP. I was reminded today by Rob Pegoraro at the WashingtonPost.com.
(Click to read more)
 Windows XP Launch Party Badge
I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for Windows XP which was held in New York City. The event which included a concert in the park by Sting was held in the shadow of  the 9/11 attacks.

Microsoft moved the launch in NYC to support the perception that the city was indeed safe for visitors. It was a very considerate thing for Microsoft Corp and I applaud them. Security was tight and I almost didn't get in to some events because my badge said "Bill" but my NYS drivers license says "William".Frustrated smile
 
My favorite part of the XP launch was Bill Gates showing how easy it was to get the Blue Screen of Death on previous versions of Windows. The theme seemed to be “Upgrade to our new Windows because our old Windows really suck”.

Unfortunately, the birthday celebration comes just as Microsoft announced they'll be dropping support for Windows XP SP1 and SP1a on October 10th 2006.  This includes security updates. (Click to read more)

I’m actually a fan of Windows XP  and with the exception of a test machine, I won’t be upgrading to Microsoft Vista real soon.

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2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, Bill,

Thanks for both useful and entertaining write-ups.

Am I overlooking something when reading "Happy 5th Birthday Windows XP", or why do I not find the beef?

Why completely forgetting to mention Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)?


Why would someone not prefer using Windows XP Service Pack 2 over of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 1a?

Considering the security missing in Windows XP SP1 and SP1a, Windows XP SP2 is a significantly less hazardous O/S than its predecessors were.

SP2 has improved security and comes better pre-configured for safer setup and system configuration than its predecessors came, or were able to provide.

So why would anyone stick to Microsoft Windows XP SP1 and SP1a?

Hence, see no big deal in MS ceasing the support for them. If there still are users of SP1 and/or SP1a and they upgrade to SP2, it might even have a positive impact on the general internet security.

The huge size of the free (Service Pack 2) download should not be a hindrance with broadband connections, and besides, there are alternative free CD-ROMs available containing the entire SP2.

Discussing other, completely different O/Ss is of course an entirely different question.

Thanks in advance for prompt comment.


-Pete

[Happy user of the awesome WinPatrol PLUS version 10 providing an extra layer of security and control on the fully patched Win XP SP2 platform]

2:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hey Pete,

You make a great point. SP2 is already two years old but I'm sure there are still alot of people who haven't upgraded. People fear change.

From the developer point of view it's a nightmare to support older versions but I just hate to see it cut off so quickly.

Thanks!
Bill

4:01 PM  

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