Ballmer: XP will stay if customers want it - bit-tech.net Forums

Tim S · 25th Apr 2008, 12:22

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2008/04...mers-want-it/1

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has said that the software giant may re-evaluate its plans to stop shipping Windows XP on 30th June if demand from customers is there.

Paradigm Shifter · 25th Apr 2008, 14:09

Only problem I can see with this is that they'll go by how many copies XP continues to sell. People buying pre-built PCs will get ones with Vista - not because they like Vista more than XP (chances are they won't much of a clue about either). With Microsoft selling copies of Vista to OEMs cheaper than XP, the OEMs will pass on that extra cost to the purchaser. This will result in the purchaser opting (most likely) for the cheaper option, which would be Vista.

Other issue is that the people who don't really want to shift to Vista likely already have copies of XP, and won't want to be buying more copies than they need.

So Microsoft win either way.

Kierax · 25th Apr 2008, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paradigm Shifter

Only problem I can see with this is that they'll go by how many copies XP continues to sell. People buying pre-built PCs will get ones with Vista - not because they like Vista more than XP (chances are they won't much of a clue about either). With Microsoft selling copies of Vista to OEMs cheaper than XP, the OEMs will pass on that extra cost to the purchaser. This will result in the purchaser opting (most likely) for the cheaper option, which would be Vista.

Other issue is that the people who don't really want to shift to Vista likely already have copies of XP, and won't want to be buying more copies than they need.

So Microsoft win either way.

Nicely put.

Squadexodus · 25th Apr 2008, 14:19

Can we still buy keys for the software? I have the disk.

DriftCarl · 25th Apr 2008, 14:28

I guess it goes to show how good XP really has been tuned out to be. Becuase of its super long life, there are now hundreds of thousands of forum threads around the internet for exery possible problem that could happen to your windows XP install. google is like an extended windows XP manual now.

zoom314 · 25th Apr 2008, 15:24

If customers still want XP? Are they Nutz? Of course people still want XP, XP works fine, Improvements to the video driver to enable DirectX 10 could possibly be made in XP, I mean why reinvent the Wheel MS? Some users will get tired of Vista and have either turned off UAC making Vista into little more than a gussied up XP or just gone back to XP. Besides not all hardware will run under Vista. And there are people Who can't buy Your new shiny OS, Like Me and I have 5 PCs with XP loaded on them, 4 in XP Pro x64 and one in XP Pro(x32), So It would be quite expensive for Me to upgrade. I won't even get into much about Apples campaign to woo XP users to the MAC which has grown their share of the computer market to about 14% from around 4%. Oh and to You overclockers, MACs aren't overclockable at all as the Firmware won't allow It.

yakyb · 25th Apr 2008, 15:57

if it goes EOL are we allowed to Pirate it?????

hypothetically speaking?

Paolo · 25th Apr 2008, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakyb

if it goes EOL are we allowed to Pirate it?????

hypothetically speaking?

Ah, no. As you mention - it's still `piracy' even although MS don't sell it any more.

By the same token, another company couldn't just grab an XP iso from the web after EOL and start spinning off copies for profit (legally)...

quack · 25th Apr 2008, 17:14

No. Don't be silly. It'll still be under US copyright for a ridiculous number of years.

Penrhos · 25th Apr 2008, 17:14

I'd have loved to buy XP Pro with my new laptop but couldn't find anywhere that would sell me it without Vista on.

I benchmarked it with Vista - out of box & with all the crap turned off - Aero etc.... and it was much quicker.

Then as a test I stuck XP Pro on and it was subtantially quicker, I'd be running XP if I could but there are no XP drivers for some of the hardware inside. Vista is just bloatware - supposedly more secure but still bloatware. Why should an o/s need to use almost 50% of one core of a CPU and need two gigs of ram to run when I can run Windows 2003 Server or XP-Pro for half the overhead.

At work we are using XP Fundimentals on most of our desktop kit because out of over 3000 PC's only a handfull are Vista compatible. All new kit is downgraded to XP (if possible) as we do not see any future in deploying Vista into the corperate environment for the forseable future.

Breach · 25th Apr 2008, 17:26

"System builders are still scheduled to stop selling machines with Windows XP installed"

As I remember companies like Dell did this, and went back to selling XP along with Vista

Come on MS, no one wants Vista, admit it and hurry up with Windows 7

Blassster · 25th Apr 2008, 19:02

I used to work at a place like Radio Shack in the fall, and almost every computer customer was disappointed and/or angry that we only sold vista machines.

Tyinsar · 25th Apr 2008, 20:38

Personally I'd like to see a switch to a pure 64-bit OS - with XP as an included component run in virtualization.

Sadly I'm starting to agree with those that claim Vista is like Windows 3.0 / 95 / ME - all quickly surpassed by 3.11 / 98SE / XP - even as far back as my DOS days I skipped from 3.3 to 5 since 4 was a mess.

DXR_13KE · 25th Apr 2008, 20:53

XP dies and i need a XP licence and i can't get it... then i will simply put linux in it.

edit: i also consider that Vista is very good.

Tyinsar · 25th Apr 2008, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by DXR_13KE

edit: i also consider that Vista is very good.

Agreed, I have it on one of my machines and have not had any issues at all - However, with the plan for Windows 7 so soon it feels like Vista is merely a half step to something else.

koola · 25th Apr 2008, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyinsar

However, with the plan for Windows 7 so soon it feels like Vista is merely a half step to something else.

Quick OS 10.5 is shipping, get Windows 7 and a half (codename Vista) RTM!

crazybob · 25th Apr 2008, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penrhos

I benchmarked it with Vista - out of box & with all the crap turned off - Aero etc.... and it was much quicker.

Then as a test I stuck XP Pro on and it was subtantially quicker, I'd be running XP if I could but there are no XP drivers for some of the hardware inside. Vista is just bloatware - supposedly more secure but still bloatware. Why should an o/s need to use almost 50% of one core of a CPU and need two gigs of ram to run when I can run Windows 2003 Server or XP-Pro for half the overhead.

Did you disable Windows Defender, as well? It's the biggest resource hog on a clean Vista install. Apparently, Defender slows general use by 10% and disk access by over 50%. Disable it, and everything runs as smoothly as XP. And don't claim that you've just negated all the benefits of Vista; it's only an antivirus program. There's still quite a bit more security underneath which doesn't kill your performance.

I quite like Vista, actually. It's not compelling enough to switch from my perfectly good XP install (I'm pretty lazy and what I have works well) but I also don't consider it some horrible curse. If my computer currently had Vista on it, I'd be just as happy.

Kipman725 · 26th Apr 2008, 12:29

well react OS and wine along with debian looks like it will be system of choice in the future. I currently run winowsXP/ubuntu duel boot atm.

johnnyboy700 · 28th Apr 2008, 09:00

I recently bought a new laptop, took an image of the hard drive and scrubbed Vista in favour of XP Pro. That way If I have to return it I can restore the drive to its original state. Vista isn't too bad but I'm still keeping XP as I simply prefer it, I'll stick with it until I'm forced to change.
I kind of think that Microsoft seem to be listening to the public regarding the future of XP but they are making it as difficult as possible. Probably because they don't want to have to make a humiliating climb down and go back a step with a major event like Vista, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

completemadness · 28th Apr 2008, 14:18

Quote:

Ballmer made it clear that most retailers and PC makers are now choosing Vista over XP

What do you expect? MS have said they cant get hold of it after a certain time

The companies have to start trying to sell it, otherwise consumers will realize, and ask - why aren't they selling it? (and then realize how much a POS it is)
Not forgetting they need to get some kind of support base setup

Quote:

and he said that most consumers are also purchasing Vista these days.

As more and more MS software is for Vista, and DX10 only its not surprising

Not forgetting the fact XP prices are rising and its harder to find copies as MS tries to kill it off

25th Apr 2008, 12:22	#1
Tim S Pewlius Caesar bit-tech Staff Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Ascot, Berks Posts: 18,021	Ballmer: XP will stay if customers want it http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2008/04...mers-want-it/1 Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has said that the software giant may re-evaluate its plans to stop shipping Windows XP on 30th June if demand from customers is there. __________________ Tim on Twitter \| Tim's Blog \| Tim's Flickr The bit-tech Blog \| bit-tech on Twitter \| Join the bit-tech & Custom PC folding team (#35947)

25th Apr 2008, 14:19	#4
Squadexodus I got my cookie. What about you? Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 595	Can we still buy keys for the software? I have the disk. __________________ I blame the sun. It makes my computer short out. http://valid.x86-secret.com/cache/banner/357403.png

25th Apr 2008, 15:57	#7
yakyb CK is God!!! Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,061	if it goes EOL are we allowed to Pirate it????? hypothetically speaking? __________________ Gaming Box:: q6600 @3.0 :: 9800gtx :: Abit IP35 :: 4gb :: 1.4TB :: akasa eclipse :: Win7 Development:: PhenomII 955BE @3.2 :: 4200 :: asus M4A785 M Evo :: 1.25TB ::Win7 Media Centre :: q6600 @3.0 :: x1950pro :: asus p35 epu :: 8gb :: 320 GB :: Lc17B :: Win7 server:: I7 860 :: p55 gd65 :: 3450 :: 8 TB :: 8gb :: Rebel 12 :: server 2008 R2

25th Apr 2008, 17:14	#9
quack \o/ Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: England Posts: 5,220	No. Don't be silly. It'll still be under US copyright for a ridiculous number of years. __________________ Denying Rights to Music lovers. Denying Rights to Movie lovers.

25th Apr 2008, 17:14	#10
Penrhos Supermodder Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Leicester UK Posts: 324	I'd have loved to buy XP Pro with my new laptop but couldn't find anywhere that would sell me it without Vista on. I benchmarked it with Vista - out of box & with all the crap turned off - Aero etc.... and it was much quicker. Then as a test I stuck XP Pro on and it was subtantially quicker, I'd be running XP if I could but there are no XP drivers for some of the hardware inside. Vista is just bloatware - supposedly more secure but still bloatware. Why should an o/s need to use almost 50% of one core of a CPU and need two gigs of ram to run when I can run Windows 2003 Server or XP-Pro for half the overhead. At work we are using XP Fundimentals on most of our desktop kit because out of over 3000 PC's only a handfull are Vista compatible. All new kit is downgraded to XP (if possible) as we do not see any future in deploying Vista into the corperate environment for the forseable future. __________________ 1)Shuttle SN85G4, A64-XP3000+, 2256M PC3200, 160G Maxtor Sata,Pioneer 108, 9800Pro, XP-SP2.(18880 3dmark2001se) 2)Asus A7N8X Dlx, XP2800+, 2512M PC2700, 2120G sata - JBOD, 1200G pata, Pioneer 108, 52X CDRW, 9800Pro, XP-SP2.(15,650 3dmark2001se) 3)Soltek Qbic QI3601, 512M PC2100, Pioneer 107, 48X CDRW - FTP and D/l PC

25th Apr 2008, 14:09	#2
Paradigm Shifter Lethargic Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,210	Only problem I can see with this is that they'll go by how many copies XP continues to sell. People buying pre-built PCs will get ones with Vista - not because they like Vista more than XP (chances are they won't much of a clue about either). With Microsoft selling copies of Vista to OEMs cheaper than XP, the OEMs will pass on that extra cost to the purchaser. This will result in the purchaser opting (most likely) for the cheaper option, which would be Vista. Other issue is that the people who don't really want to shift to Vista likely already have copies of XP, and won't want to be buying more copies than they need. So Microsoft win either way.

25th Apr 2008, 14:28	#5
DriftCarl Multimodder Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 198	I guess it goes to show how good XP really has been tuned out to be. Becuase of its super long life, there are now hundreds of thousands of forum threads around the internet for exery possible problem that could happen to your windows XP install. google is like an extended windows XP manual now.

25th Apr 2008, 15:24	#6
zoom314 Multimodder Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Yermo, CA, USA Posts: 174	If customers still want XP? Are they Nutz? Of course people still want XP, XP works fine, Improvements to the video driver to enable DirectX 10 could possibly be made in XP, I mean why reinvent the Wheel MS? Some users will get tired of Vista and have either turned off UAC making Vista into little more than a gussied up XP or just gone back to XP. Besides not all hardware will run under Vista. And there are people Who can't buy Your new shiny OS, Like Me and I have 5 PCs with XP loaded on them, 4 in XP Pro x64 and one in XP Pro(x32), So It would be quite expensive for Me to upgrade. I won't even get into much about Apples campaign to woo XP users to the MAC which has grown their share of the computer market to about 14% from around 4%. Oh and to You overclockers, MACs aren't overclockable at all as the Firmware won't allow It.

25th Apr 2008, 17:26	#11
Breach Supermodder Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: WA Posts: 354	"System builders are still scheduled to stop selling machines with Windows XP installed" As I remember companies like Dell did this, and went back to selling XP along with Vista Come on MS, no one wants Vista, admit it and hurry up with Windows 7 __________________ Project :: SSC (Super Sport Computer)

25th Apr 2008, 19:02	#12
Blassster Minimodder Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Canada! Posts: 47	I used to work at a place like Radio Shack in the fall, and almost every computer customer was disappointed and/or angry that we only sold vista machines.

25th Apr 2008, 20:38	#13
Tyinsar 6 screens / 1 card Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: AB.CA Posts: 2,005	Personally I'd like to see a switch to a pure 64-bit OS - with XP as an included component run in virtualization. Sadly I'm starting to agree with those that claim Vista is like Windows 3.0 / 95 / ME - all quickly surpassed by 3.11 / 98SE / XP - even as far back as my DOS days I skipped from 3.3 to 5 since 4 was a mess. __________________ It's not about how life treats you, it's about how you treat life.

25th Apr 2008, 20:53	#14
DXR_13KE Madeira's banana is the best!!! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Madeira ; Portugal Posts: 6,466	XP dies and i need a XP licence and i can't get it... then i will simply put linux in it. edit: i also consider that Vista is very good. __________________ *Renegade X - 0.40 Release!* <---- CLICK!

26th Apr 2008, 12:29	#18
Kipman725 When did I get a custom title!?! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: UK Posts: 1,753	well react OS and wine along with debian looks like it will be system of choice in the future. I currently run winowsXP/ubuntu duel boot atm. __________________ Sn45g game server mod My Electronics Site Hardware: 3400+ Sempr0n, 1GB RAM, 1.28TB local storage, x1950pro,Razer Viper,M$ comfort curve 2000,L70S + 17", Fujitsu 17" CRT Audio: HD-650's, PE congress amp, Sound Blaster AWE64, Soundblaster 24bit

28th Apr 2008, 09:00	#19
johnnyboy700 Hypermodder Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 783	I recently bought a new laptop, took an image of the hard drive and scrubbed Vista in favour of XP Pro. That way If I have to return it I can restore the drive to its original state. Vista isn't too bad but I'm still keeping XP as I simply prefer it, I'll stick with it until I'm forced to change. I kind of think that Microsoft seem to be listening to the public regarding the future of XP but they are making it as difficult as possible. Probably because they don't want to have to make a humiliating climb down and go back a step with a major event like Vista, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.