Microsoft marks today as the 60-day countdown for the end of Windows XP support and wants you to get off it. Of course, they want you to get onboard with Windows 8.1 as they continue to ignore everyone’s backlash on that operating system. We would rather have seen Windows 7 be the one Microsoft recommends but they are forced to roll with their hybrid, does neither well, Windows 8.

We admit that it makes sense to upgrade. Not many of us still use technology we purchased 13 years ago when Windows XP was released. To put it in perspective for you, here’s a little trip down memory lane:

On July 20, 2001 it’s announced that PC shipments are the worst since 1986, as only Dell grows (sound familiar?)

Microsoft announces on January 1, 2001 Windows 95 is now a legacy item and will no longer be sold or shipped to any more customers.

Wikipedia, Artic, BitTorrent, LindowsOS, Internet Explorer 6, Roxio, USB 2.0, SATA 1.0, iPod, Stumbleupon, Xbox 1, Segway, Xandros and Rhapsody are all brand new and AST Computers is out of business.

UsRobotics introduces the V.92 modem standard February 27, 2001.

Napster reaches over 26 million users February 2001.

McAfee releases first handheld virus protection software March 9, 2001.

On March 8, 2001 AOL membership surpasses 28 Million.

Microsoft announces April 11, 2001 that it will no longer include Clippy with future releases of Microsoft Office.

The Code Red worm begins infecting Windows computers in July 2001 with the intention of performing a DDoS attack on the White House government web page. The worm is estimated in causing $2 billion in damages and never succeeded in it's attack.

On October 9, 2001 AMD announces a new branding scheme. Instead of identifying processors by their clock speed the AMD XP will bear monikers of 1800+, 1700+, 1600+ and 1500+, with each lower model number representing a lower clock speed.

Airlines begin to implement methods of gaining Internet access while flying.

Dean Kamen unveils the Segway December 3, 2001.

Microsoft Windows XP home and professional editions are released October 25, 2001.


If you need to upgrade from Windows 7 then Microsoft has a page available to answer all your questions at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/end-support-help, although all they can really do is tell you to buy Windows 8.1.