It seems Microsoft are just as fond of Windows Vista as we were. Microsoft have said they will end support for its unloved Windows Vista operating system a few months ahead of Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2000.
Support for Windows Vista RTM (i.e. Vista with no service packs), ends April 13. Support for Windows XP SP2 and all versions of Windows 2000 ends July 13. Also on the latter date, Microsoft will end support for Windows Server 2000. If you are running these versions after April 13 you will no longer receive updates or support.
What termination of support means is that Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for those products, leaving them completely open to the any more security flaws that may arise.
Also on July 13, Microsoft will move Windows Server 2003 from Mainstream Support to Extended Support. Under Extended Support, Microsoft no longer provides no-charge incident response, warranty coverage, or design changes and feature requests. Instead users will have to pay to open up a support ticket.
But the answer to this is quite simple really. If you’re running Windows Vista RTM, simply update to either SP1 or SP2, and if your running Windows XP update to SP3. Or maybe a better idea would be to update to Windows 7 or a new PC altogether. And for those of you running Windows 2000, just get a new PC please!
Microsoft believes it is important that all customers take action prior to the end of support date, not only so that they know their options and can prepare, but also to ensure their environments are as secure as possible
Brandon Le Blanc, Microsofts in house blogger said
We recommend that those of you still on Windows XP SP2 install the latest service pack available via the Microsoft Update Web site—Windows XP Service Pack 3—or look at moving to Windows 7,Keeping your PC up to date and as safe as possible is something that people need to think about beyond just being on the latest service pack,
He also noted the importance of keeping Windows update turned on so as to make sure you stay up to date with the latest patches, security updates and software.
“I want to remind everyone of the benefits of keeping Windows Update turned on. Through Windows Update, not only are you provided with the latest security updates and service packs for Windows at no cost, but also the latest updates to products such as Internet Explorer 8 and Microsoft Security Essentials,”
