The dreaded day has come and gone. June 30th 2008 marked the first milestone in Microsoft’s plan to euthanize our beloved OS. Windows XP leaves us with more of a bang than a whimper, and considerably more street credibility than it afforded at launch. Here at Maximum PC we want to take you down the nostalgic path of Windows XP one last time. A path lovingly paved for us over the years with hundreds of patches and countless upgrades.
Windows XP
Windows XP entered the computer world at the dawn of a new era. The internet would spark a content revolution and its pioneers needed a better tool to shape the brave new world then the beleaguered Windows ME. The XP launch, for those who can remember it, occurred during a very pivotal time in PC history. Windows would be forced to transform from a stand alone platform to the “platform of platforms”. It would enter the homes and offices of hundreds of millions of users and become a household name. Today we champion the OS as a beacon of reliability, but at launch it was almost universally rejected for exactly the opposite reason. To those who can’t remember back that far, Windows XP wasn’t exactly a runaway success out of the gate. Early adopters rejected XP for reasons that very much resemble the current list of generic grievances against Vista. That’s not to say these grievances aren’t justified, early Vista adopters, just as those of the XP era, suffer the relentless growing pains of incompatible hardware, software, and steep system requirements. It’s amazing (but not surprising) that 7 years later we are right back where we started. The simple fact is that XP matured considerably over the years, gaining many of the features that were originally going to be exclusive to the next OS. Many of us took the hotfix’s and features we received for free via Windows update for granted. The sum of these patches actually far exceeded, the benefits users experienced moving from Windows 95, to 98, to 98se, and finally ME. All of these editions of Windows were marketed as unique OS’s and carried a hefty upgrade fee. Is this the type of system Microsoft wants to move us back to?
Windows Vista
As members of the Maximum PC community we carry a heavy burden. As key advisors to our technologically challenged brethren our advice influences countless technology purchases and we have successfully scared the average user away from Vista. It would appear over time however; the message has become confused. As Vista continued to improve, our views on the issue have not kept pace. Don’t get me wrong, upgrading older machines never made sense. In reality, Microsoft’s insistence that we all upgrade may have been one the biggest contributions to Vistas luke warm reception. Mainstream users simply didn’t sport the appropriate system requirements, and the new features weren’t compelling enough to upgrade. The enthusiasts crowd on the other hand, while having powerful enough hardware, weren’t willing to take the performance hit or battle early bugs. We can be an unforgiving bunch and bugs tend to get blamed on the operating system more often that not. Vista may not have been perfect, but perhaps companies like Nvidia should share the blame for buggy drivers?
Closing Thoughts
Windows XP has become that old ratty blanket nobody wants to throw out because it’s been with us since the beginning. Each exposed thread and patch represents a fond memory of our place in history as the pioneers of the digital age. It’s not all downhill for XP fans however; even Microsoft lacks the power to kill its own creation. Just like Kenny from South Park, it will live on and reappear on machines for years to come. In fact, users will be receiving patches for the legacy OS well into 2014. To add a bit of contrast to that date, this should be the same period during which we welcome the inevitable successor to Windows 7. So, will you miss Windows XP? Or is the world finally ready to turn the page?
Comments are closed on this article
DjdanRT
February 11, 2009 at 6:43am
XP had its problems, remember it before it had SP1? Well Vista is no exception, SP1 seems to have made it better like the first service pack for XP. People are quick to forget that XP didnt get good until after SP1. I use Vista 64bit at work and XP pro 32bit at home, right no there is no real good reason for me to upgrade at home because all I do is use it for playing BF2, surfing the net, and downloading torrents, not because Vista is SERIOUSLY FLAWED are whatever BS these kids are quick to get on the bandwagon with. Does the current MAC OS have any updates??? Why yes they do, See no OS is the one true OS its just a OS with flaws.
efougner
February 07, 2009 at 8:00pm
OK first off... VISTA stinks! I work in the IT department at a contractor/ construction buisness that has a lot of specialty software for CAD design and contractor services. Vista is not compatible with any of that specialty software and the companies that designed the programs don't want to bother with re-writing the programs to be compatible with VISTA. Then there are the stability issues. Sure, SP1 might have created a fix, but look at the whole picture! Directx10 has had more bark than bite.Microsoft sure mad a mess of things by offering not one, two, or three variations of vista but FOUR! There is Basic, Premium, Buisness and Ultimate. I hated VISTA and right now, I am not sure Windows7 will be any better. Until Microsoft decided to initiate a de-activation of every XP OS when it tries to access the internet....I think I will stick with good old XP PRO!
AMD64Blondie
August 20, 2008 at 6:35am
I recently upgraded to 32-bit Vista Ultimate...and although it's taking me time to get used to Vista,I like it so far.Drivers are still a pain,but I think they'll improve over the months ahead.Vista is actually quite quick,contrary to what I had thought.
AMD64Blondie
July 16, 2008 at 1:39am
I'm personally going to bypass Vista altogether. I'll just wait for Windows 7 to be released.
Konkoction
July 14, 2008 at 9:19pm
When I built my rig in 06 with a 7800GTX, I purchased OEM XP Pro SP2. Since then, I've upgraded to a 8800GTX, and stuck with XP. I do plan on using Vista for my next build, but after learning from past mistakes, I'll keep the XP rig. Vista may be better due to DX10, but for compatibility issues, I would rather have XP to play it safe. Anyone that plans on a new build may want to do the same. I will however gut the DVD burner and X-Fi for the next build to save money since I wont be needing 2 PCs with burning abilities. Here's to the future, and the hopes that it becomes smoother than the present soon...
M1K3Z0R
July 12, 2008 at 5:36pm
I hated vista, got an Hp laptop with Vista and it crashed 7 times in 24 hours. Did some updates, later got sp, no problems since. At first vista seemed too different to like, but got used to it and actually prefer it over XP, assuming you have new hardware. On my old P3 and P4 machines, Xp is fine and i wouldntbother with vista. But otherwise vista is fine for my needs.
Anything's Hot Swappable if you're fast enough...
TheDuck
July 13, 2008 at 3:20pm
Vista delivered slow performace from the start. On January 8, 2008, I stood up and said "I have to upgrade..." and my PC was way above requirements. As soon as 5 hours into my experience with the O/S, it corrupted, I soon faced 39 reinstalls in 2 months, increasing after that, now I'm downgraded to XP and life is much better.
Oh, if you need your PC to look like Vista, try Inspirat 2, Vi-Orb, ViStart, and Thoosje Sidebar. There's even a theme to skin your computer like Windows 7! So why is every one in a rush to upgrade... and soon destroy your PCs?
georgegliddy
July 14, 2008 at 6:03pm
What kind of complete moron would WANT their PC to look like Mac or Vista? That is for mindless fools.
TheDuck
August 07, 2008 at 10:03pm
The thing that really got me started on "re-skinning" my Pc was in the Spring 2007 Edition of Maximum PC to make your computer to look and behave like Vista. I have been doing ever since.
With:
Windows XP to Vista
Windows XP to Windows 7
Windows XP to Mac OS X Tiger
Konkoction
July 14, 2008 at 9:22pm
Opinions are like buttholes...everyone has one...and yours stinks. I'm sure you also choose to use XP's default background instead of personalizing. Come to think of it...isn't that the point of modern OS's? The ability to personalize your PERSONAL computer? Now you should focus that negativity on the twelve year olds that have as much trouble opening their minds as you do.
georgegliddy
July 15, 2008 at 7:12am
Of course I don't use the ugly-ass default XP "Luna" theme/background. That also is for idiots.
Peronis
July 10, 2008 at 10:31am
For so long now I have seen people complaining about things like the UI or how the start button looks. Seriously guys if you would spend half as much time using the stuff and getting to know it better as you do whining youll soon find out that youll grow in it just as much as you did XP. Did yall not even read the article? Xp wasnt perfect either but listen to yall rant about how much you want to keep it. Are you going to live forever? Why in the world would you expect an OS would. Times change and demands change with it. Who really cares whether you think MS shouldnt compete with Mac. The fact that Mac is out there means they have to compete to put food on the table for thier families. And seriously if you say the OS gets in your way run a linux machine and shut up. You dont want to upgrade ram cause you dont think it should be necessarry? Who made you the guy who determines all things PC? The simple drive for the technology world to get better and improve like this competition is what gives you technology today. You think its so bad now that you have to upgrade some ram? WTH do you think would happen if you didnt have PCs to upgrade at all. Tried writing a letter lately and getting a fast response? Tried filing paperwork for multiple people in different locations by hand? The point is Get Over It. Vista will evolve like XP did. Their will be new OS out like there have always been. People will not want to learn something new cause they are too lazy like they always have been. And these complaints will continue till the end of days untill we either man up and learn to deal or all become gods in our own perfect little world.
ForestMaster0926
July 09, 2008 at 9:11pm
I am a former Windows XP user and I must say, it was a great system. I loved everything from the look and feel to the support and functionality. I used XP for about 3 years, and only once did I get the Blue Screen of Death (crash screen), but when I decided to upgrade to a laptop, the only system available was Vista. Having heard all the "cons", I was a little weary about buying the computer. But it was only on sale for a short while, so I bought it. The first time I turned it on, I knew this was the system for me. The look and user interface is amazing and can be easily changed if you don't like it. And I have yet to find hardware or software that does not work on Vista. If Windows/Microsoft does not have new Vista certified drivers, the maker of the product has most likely made the drivers and are readily available on the maker's website. So if you are considering upgrading to Vista, I would highly suggest it!
Konkoction
July 14, 2008 at 9:26pm
You're lucky, out of 2 laptops, both had crashing issues. Vista dual booting XP on 1 and XP dual booting open Suse Linux on the other. Linux was the only truly stable OS for me. I sir (or ma'am if that's the case) am jealous.
TheDuck
July 13, 2008 at 3:15pm
As a Windows XP customer, I am completly satisfied by the OS and reluctant to move to any other OS except Linux. Windows Vista delivers slow performace, a stylish start menu, and the worst reliability ever. To top it off, no EAX support.
Sure, as Creative Audigy customer too, I get EAX in Vista too, but I won't be keeping the card for long. With no EAX support in Vista, is the EAX dead? One must be able to get high-quality sound without downgrading to Windows XP, am I wrong? Or am I crazy?
krwilsonn
July 07, 2008 at 11:57am
I guess I shouldn't have exaggerated when I said "4 gb of ram". Anandtech said awhile back that 2gb was the sweet spot for Vista. Vista Ultimate worked fine for me with 1gb of ram but obviously without any heavy multitasking. The performance characteristics for me are really a secondary concern. Moving to Vista makes alot more sense if you have a dual-core machine, which I do not.
Konkoction
July 14, 2008 at 9:28pm
I applaud your correction...quite a few people don't take the time to analyze their words...
krwilsonn
July 06, 2008 at 8:59pm
This might sound really stupid but the main reason I am not currently moving to Vista is because I don't care for the look and feel of the GUI. The other complaints about the buggy and/or incompatible software/hardware (if you are too lazy to do research) were secondary reasons as to why I don't move to Vista. I guess I'm not a fan of the whole "Windows vs. Mac" thing and its too bad that they have to move the product in that direction. Personally I like a fast interface and call me old fashioned but I don't think you should need 4 gb of ram in order to have it either. I think the other thing is that it has taken me years to get my machine (A64/Nvida 6150) the way I want it and I'd like to enjoy it for awhile before I have to perform a serious upgrade.
horzo
July 07, 2008 at 10:52am
Whoever told you 4GB RAM is necessary for Vista is smoking crack. With all the useless crap turned off, the UI runs just as well as XP on my E6850/2GB machine.
The sheer volume of mythology and second-hand rumor going around regarding Vista is pretty amazing. I'd suggest that people at least get ahold of Vista disks and give it a try for 30 days rather than accept random Internet BS.
franktank
July 07, 2008 at 8:53am
you probably already know but you can run the gui in the Windows Classic style and turn off all the gui BS.
georgegliddy
July 14, 2008 at 6:08pm
That is NOT completely accurate. You can choose "Windows Classic" but it is not the same as that theme in XP. And there are so many UI issues in Vista it is mind-numbing. Among them are the ridiculous number of new tab stops added to file open/save dialogs (so it is now a real pain in the ass to get the focus to the file listbox with the keyboard - something that will affect any competent user who does not rely on the mouse like a Mac clown), the huge bug that focus is broken after minimizing/restoring a Windows Explorer window (!!!), and many more. All these people who say that Vista is fine obviously are nothing more than mouse-wielding mongoloids who don't understand the speed with which tasks are accomplished with the keyboard. Vista fanboys are no better than Mac fanboys with their 1-button mouse.
ogman
July 06, 2008 at 7:18pm
I got a copy of XP from school years ago that requires no activation and works on any machine I put it on. I'll stick with that and wait for Windows 7. Hopefully, by then Microsoft will have learned how to move files without spinning blue circles and needless trips to Not_Responding_Land. Maybe they can also take a cue from Apple and actually make their OS faster. What I would like to see is an OS that can get out of my way and let me use my computer, and Vista ain't it.
(yes, I have more than enough horsepower to run Vista and yes, I have tried SP1)
hogkill
July 06, 2008 at 2:06pm
I really liked the article but I still can't see why we needed Vista. Anyone? Why do we need Vista at all? The only reason I'll be buying another copy of Vista is dx10, but thats something they could just as easily have added to XP.
Also to add some contrast to these "Vista has been working fine for me" comments, in my case my Vista laptop has crashed badly enough for me to have to reinstall Vista again, before I even added any third party applications. Could have been a hard drive failure, or it could have been Vista who knows (I don't use the thing at all so I wouldnt).
But I am still not convinced that we needed Vista at all. I think everyone knows that we are beng forced into buying it due to the monopoly that is Microsoft. You are all taking it hard from behind while trying to force a smile on your face. Well im gonna struggle in vain until the end tyvm.
horzo
July 06, 2008 at 5:36pm
Yawn...
Not really sure what all the whining is about. Don't want to upgrade your older hardware to Vista? Then don't. XP support is running til 2014. Buying a new PC? Get Vista. There's no reason not to.
Of course we didn't "need" Vista. Frankly, I think dedicated XP users should actually be happy that Vista has so few compelling features. They won't have to shell out for another OS for years to come.
GreenTurtle
July 06, 2008 at 1:36pm
I did the big switch from XP to Vista 32 about six months ago and have not looked back. Don't get Me wrong; XP was great for a long,long,long time. All good things must come to an end and it was XP's time. I have had absolutely no problems at all with Vista ( fingers crossed ) and am actually enjoying all of the "frills" that took so long to grow acustomed to. I couldn't live without them now. I have half a dozen system monitors on My sidebar that I use all the time. I could have used the google version on XP but I don't like that one. I have to say; I am a Vista Fan. After I tweaked it :)
Queenof1
July 06, 2008 at 12:05pm
wow, this article was so touching *wipes tear from eye* I, for one, am not ready to let go. I recently got rid of Win2kPro by necessity; I swapped that pc out for an XP box. I don't plan on getting rid of XP. Rather, I hope that XP and its younger sibling Vista will be able to play together on my dual boot custom box.
franktank
July 06, 2008 at 11:50am
As for XP going "away" well... all things come to an end and I think it just fine. Personally, I have cd's and key numbers as well as copies of all the patches so if I ever need XP again I have it. However, I have transitioned to Vista 64 bit and haven't looked back. Runs great on my Thinkpad! I still have XP on the home / gaming desktop but not for long I will be taking that Vista 32 bit later this month or so.
Anyway.... where can I get a copy of the sunset image used for this article. I think it will make a killer background.
Cheers,
Frank from Tulsa
franktank
July 07, 2008 at 8:57am
for anyone else who is interested
http://www.sisorg.nl/download/wallpaper01/pages/BlissSunset_jpg.htm
Justin.Kerr
July 06, 2008 at 5:24pm
Just click the link for my name at the top of this post to access my profile and send me an email.
I would be glad to set you up.
praetor_alpha
July 06, 2008 at 10:30am
It was about 10 months ago that I got vista from my college, and installed it, just so I could hate it firsthand. It turned out to be okay, everything I wanted worked, and I am still waiting for the thing to bsod!
XP is a very good OS, but all mortal things must come to an end. And XP is still alive. still alive. I want my cake...
dethdeks
July 06, 2008 at 9:55am
i just hope thta in win 7 they dont use that stupid vista start button and use the start button they used since 95 to xp and one thing that i dont understand to vista xp is classic not win 98 so why is it that when u go to classic theme in vista it drops ur system down to make it look like win 95-98
lostboy1
July 06, 2008 at 5:32am
"bacon of reliability" - I have to agree that the proof reading of articles has gone way down hill since the new site was released.
Justin.Kerr
July 06, 2008 at 5:21pm
The editor doesn’t always get to check the articles over right away, and to error is to be human is it not? I apologize to all our readers who though I compared Windows XP to a pork product.
denyasis
July 06, 2008 at 5:21am
For many, if it works, why fix it? I see XP living for quite a long time, especially in industries where the lastest and greatest OS don't have much new to offer. IFor example, we use proproetary hardware and custom drivers. Why rerwrite all of them (at large cost) for a new OS, when there's no tangible end-user benifit?
We still use Win95 on some of our machines at work. I actuall prefer my Win95 box to the XP boxes (at work atleast, I have XP at home - I'm not that far behind, lol). It runs a little faster and draws less battery.
lurker
July 06, 2008 at 2:44am
I hope most Maximum PC users will continue to enjoy buying OEM XP for the next 6 months or so - who buys retail anyway? I was suffering at the hands of ME when XP came along, so I was glad to jump across. With Vista, I'd have to be pushed first and I am holding off until Windows 7 to see where I'm going to next. Missing XP won't be an issue if my next OS offers a compelling reason to change, and right now I don't see it at all.
Caboose
July 06, 2008 at 2:35am
I'd also add Intel to the list of companies that need to share the blame.
As for switching, I've now switched my desktop over to Vista (and my finacee's new desktop is on Vista), and I can't seem to switch back to Windows XP. I "love" the OS, but I've become very comfortable with Vista. At first, I was a member of the "anti-vista" movement, but since using the OS, and being able to tweak it the way I like, it's turning into a good OS.
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
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