Dell to continue to offer Windows XP until 2010

Despite the several deadlines Microsoft has set for Windows XP, Dell will continue to support and ship computers loaded with XP until 2010 (when Windows 7 is expected to make its debut). Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that it was extending the life of Windows XP on ultra-low-cost computers, like the Eee PC. However, Microsoft has issued June 30th as the date for PC manufacturers to discontinue shipping machines with Windows XP.So the question is, how is Dell able to continue supporting the aging, yet still popular operating system? Simple...by taking advantage of a “loop hole” in Microsoft’s system builder license. The “Windows Vista Downgrade” clause essentially states that PC manufacturers are able to ship and preinstall PCs with XP Professional to consumers who select Vista Ultimate or Vista Business as their operating system of choice. The fine print grants PC manufacturers the freedom to determine how to implement the “downgrade.” In Dell’s case, after June 18, the company will factory-install XP Professional for customers who choose “Vista Ultimate Bonus” or “Vista Business Bonus” as their OS configuration option. Those that choose the latest Windows operating system will be given installation DVDs of both Windows XP and Vista; thus, allowing users to “upgrade” whenever they are ready. Technical support for both operating systems will continue to be offered by Dell.