As of October 11, 2006, Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP SP1 and SP1a with security updates, although the day before it issued patches for multiple vulnerabilities affecting the operating system, 2 of which were judged “critical.”
Under Microsoft’s current lifecycle policy, it promises to support Service Packs with security updates for 12-24 months after the release of a succeeding Service Pack. Windows XP as a whole will age out of support only after two years have passed from the time Windows Vista is officially released.
Windows XP SP2, the free-of-charge update first issued in 2004, can be downloaded from the Microsoft Web site.
- Microsoft Security Updates For September | September 12, 2006
- Microsoft Patches For February 2007 | February 13, 2007
- Microsoft Patches For December 2006 | December 11, 2006
- Microsoft Security Updates For October | October 10, 2006
- Microsoft Office 2003 SP3 May Be Here Soon | July 25, 2007
This is generally what you get when you decide to use proprietary software.
Even with non proprietary software there is a shelf life with versions.
So why is this? It’s because newer, more stable and secure versions have been developed.
If you want to have some fun with old software no longer supported, check out my Browser Graveyard post.