Microsoft Will Terminate Updates for the Older Windows OS Versions

Microsoft Corporation reminds about the forthcoming closure of the maintenance cycle of the older Windows versions for the consumers who are still using them.

Each software product (in this case, the operating system) has its own life and support cycle, says the company in its statement. Windows operating systems are applied with the basic support (called mainstream) for the first few years, which includes ongoing updates and security maintenance. At the end of the main support, the extended support is applied during which only security gaps are fixed, if any are detected.

At the end of the extended maintenance period, any OS updates are terminated.

According to Microsoft representatives, it is important to know that in the coming months updates will be terminated for these operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista without Service Pack. Therefore, Microsoft recommends that you download the latest operating system security updates (Service Pack) free of charge or obtain the latest operating system - Windows 7.

The company also prepared answers to frequently asked questions about the OS duration:

What if you use the Windows Vista operating system?

If you are using a licensed OS Windows Vista without Service Pack, we recommend you to update it - download and install the latest service pack for Windows Vista called Service Pack 2. Another advanced solution is to switch to the latest operating system Windows 7, which was introduced to the market in 2009 October. Operating system's Windows Vista upgrades will be discontinued this year in April 13.

What to do if you are using Windows 2000 or Windows XP SP2?

This year, in 13 July, support for the Windows 2000 and Windows XP SP2 versions will be terminated. For the Windows XP SP2 users it is recommended to install the latest update package for Windows XP called Service Pack 3 or switch to Windows 7. For the Windows 2000 users it is recommended upgrading to Windows 7.

What else should users know?

It is useful to enable automatic updates called Windows Update in the operating system's settings. In this way, your protection will be continuously updated; users will receive the latest operating system updates, as well as updates for programs such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or Microsoft Security Essentials.

How do I check which Windows version I am using?

Click Start button, choose Run (or the keyboard combination of Windows key + R) and type "winver" (without the quotes). In the table you will see which version you are using.

You should hurry up and update your system or switch to the newest Microsoft product - Windows 7.

Sources:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/support/endofsupport.mspx

http://blogs.technet.com/lifecycle/default.aspx