Brits pay millions to continue Windows XP usage in public services

The British government has reportedly signed a milti-million pounds deal with Microsoft to continue using Windows XP in public services across the island.

Windows XP SP3 officially reaches its end of support on Tuesday, April 8, thirteen years after the operating system first launched. After April 8, XP users are strongly recommended to either get a new PC, upgrade to a newer Windows OS, switch to Linux or find a more limited, offline usage for the operating system.

The British government has no plans to rush to upgrade systems across its public services however, and has reportedly signed a �5.548 million deal with Microsoft to continue support through the Redmond giant's "custom support" program.

Brits are not the only ones paying for continued support either; the Dutch are also reportedly using Microsoft's custom support options for over 30,000 computers still running the XP operating system.

The U.S. government also reportedly has hundreds of thousands of systems still running the ageing operating system, for which it will require its own deal with Microsoft.

To be fair to Microsoft, the company has been warning about the EOS for Windows XP for years.

Sources and Recommended Reading:
Dutch, British governments pay to keep Windows XP alive: www.arstechnica.com/

Written by: James Delahunty @ 6 Apr 2014 13:21

biglo30

Money in the bank for Microsoft.

7.4.2014 07:52 #1

hearme0

F'ing LOSERS!!!!!!!!

XP is dead, done, finito!

Get a grip people, pull your heads out of your *you know what* and make a change to something more current, secure and practical.

LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone 'holding on' is who I am referring to! (standalone, non-internet connected PCs are an exception)

8.4.2014 16:51 #2

aldan

those that havent already moved on have only themselves to blame here.did anyone really think microsoft was bluffing after almost 13 years when they said they were ending support?

9.4.2014 03:32 #3

dp70

XP was good in its day. It gave the NTFS to home users. It gave everyone a big security hole, all had admin accounts.
Its day was in the 1990s.
The advantages of Windows 7 are many: security, and support.
The governments are spending tax dollars, foolishly...and I thought only the USA had the best politicians money can buy.

10.4.2014 04:02 #4

xboxdvl2

why couldn't they just put xp sp 4 on the pc disable updates and continue using it?

custom built gaming pc from early 2010,ps2 with 15 games all original,ps3 500gbs with 5 games all original,yamaha amp and 5.1channel surround sound speakers,46inch sony lcd smart tv.

10.4.2014 10:12 #5

Kershek

Originally posted by dp70: XP was good in its day. It gave the NTFS to home users. It gave everyone a big security hole, all had admin accounts.
Its day was in the 1990s.
The advantages of Windows 7 are many: security, and support.
The governments are spending tax dollars, foolishly...and I thought only the USA had the best politicians money can buy. Windows XP was released in 2001, not the 90s. Windows' previous OSes also used admin accounts as a default.

11.4.2014 11:57 #6

jagman1

Originally posted by hearme0: F'ing LOSERS!!!!!!!!

XP is dead, done, finito!

Get a grip people, pull your heads out of your *you know what* and make a change to something more current, secure and practical.

LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone 'holding on' is who I am referring to! (standalone, non-internet connected PCs are an exception) Why upgrade, xp is better than w7 ('more current, secure and practical'......are you having a laugh?! & w8 is a DISASTER!!) & does everything more intuitively, just keep supporting & update it, I expect you renew everything just 'cos you can, chasing the latest techie bauble but lots of folk (& countries) don't have the money so why hold them to ransom. M$ should be forced to keep it going. THIS IS ALL ABOUT MONEY!

11.4.2014 13:41 #7

jagman1

Originally posted by aldan: those that havent already moved on have only themselves to blame here.did anyone really think microsoft was bluffing after almost 13 years when they said they were ending support? Why upgrade, xp is better than w7 (more current, secure and practical......are you having a laugh?! & w8 is a DISASTER!!) & does everything more intuitively, just keep supporting & update it, I expect you renew everything just cos you can, chasing the latest techie bauble but lots of folk (& countries) dont have the money so why hold them to ransom. M$ should be forced to keep it going. THIS IS ALL ABOUT MONEY! Originally posted by aldan: those that havent already moved on have only themselves to blame here.did anyone really think microsoft was bluffing after almost 13 years when they said they were ending support?

11.4.2014 14:00 #8

aldan

well i guess i will just stick to my noncurrent,insecure,and impractical windows 7 here.cant afford the "upgrade" to xp right now.LMAO.

11.4.2014 15:36 #9

h0g1e

Originally posted by jagman1: Why upgrade, xp is better than w7 (more current, secure and practical......are you having a laugh?! & w8 is a DISASTER!!) & does everything more intuitively, just keep supporting & update it, I expect you renew everything just cos you can, chasing the latest techie bauble but lots of folk (& countries) dont have the money so why hold them to ransom. M$ should be forced to keep it going. THIS IS ALL ABOUT MONEY! LOL who is this guy? hahaha ...

11.4.2014 18:43 #10

TekPete

I suppose paying for future updates is one option - but Microsoft don't seem to have offered that to the general public, only to Government bodies who let's face it have only recently updated to XP from Windows 98.

Another option however is LINUX; I'd be grateful for any advice on this.

- TekPete -

11.4.2014 19:25 #11

Mrguss

Live Free or Die.
The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

11.4.2014 20:04 #12

TekPete

Originally posted by Mrguss: Originally posted by TekPete: Another option however is LINUX; I'd be grateful for any advice on this.

Start here:
As of 2013, the Linux (Kernel) 3.10 release had 15,803,499 lines of code.
It use 5K - 6K developers members.
1.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux
2.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions
3.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Linux_distributions

Then Choose: (As the most popular )
A.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debian :
1.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Mint
2.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_%28operating_system%29

3.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Hat_Linux
4.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedora_%28operating_system%29

5.- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pardus_%28operating_system%29
x....- Another option however is LINUX; I'd be grateful for any advice on this. Thanks for the info. If I read this correctly the list of links start with the best at the top. I have a spare computer that I can install it on. Another issue is whether I can obtain programs such as Video Editing, Wordprocessing and Graphics editors.

Still I think it's a good idea to learn all I can about Linux.

- TekPete -

12.4.2014 07:06 #13

jagman1

Yes please......let's all dump M$ & move to linux ..........or android? I've been building systems for 20 years & tired very quickly of the re-install, upgrade, imaging (which became very difficult after xp)roundabout. Each new OS loses features taken for granted before & require learning, tweaking etc, which costs time & money. Vista was terrible, W7 is bloated but good (but still crap next to xp.........accidental deletes in explorer.......google it) W8 is AWFUL & is failing in take-up. Are you telling me M$ couldn't have kept XP, their most popular OS ever? No this is all about MONEY & big business holding the world to ransom. It costs us all BIG TIME in taxes, time, inconvenience etc, M$ is the only winner. If you follow the 'latest' anything you are being led like sheep to the slaughter.

12.4.2014 08:59 #14

h0g1e

Quote: Yes please......let's all dump M$ & move to linux ..........or android? I've been building systems for 20 years & tired very quickly of the re-install, upgrade, imaging (which became very difficult after xp)roundabout. Each new OS loses features taken for granted before & require learning, tweaking etc, which costs time & money. Vista was terrible, W7 is bloated but good (but still crap next to xp.........accidental deletes in explorer.......google it) W8 is AWFUL & is failing in take-up. Are you telling me M$ couldn't have kept XP, their most popular OS ever? No this is all about MONEY & big business holding the world to ransom. It costs us all BIG TIME in taxes, time, inconvenience etc, M$ is the only winner. If you follow the 'latest' anything you are being led like sheep to the slaughter. What do you do for a job jagman1? It would be very interesting to find out ...

Linux and Android are good and fill a small "niche" market ... but neither are even close to being as powerful and feature rich as Windows ... installation and re-imaging has never been easier (even someone like you could probably do it) ... I'm not exactly a fan of Microsoft ... but they do make great software and there are simply no other good alternatives out there at the moment!

12.4.2014 16:46 #15

Mrguss

Linux always gonna be superior that $M. [No reboot, no updates, no defragmentation, etc. garbage] in special for the Pure-Pros using the server version Functionality (Properly-setup) that will work forever until the electronics die (The best option for Web-Sites, etc. running on their own. While the desktop version will be for the "Rockies".
http://www.zdnet.com/20-great-years-of-...ers-7000018681/

Mac [Monopoly] OS is "dieing miserably" today and $M [2nd. Monopoly] Windows OS'es "will die some day" too; while Linux will take hundreds of years to full develop it. That's why is an open source and no only "Free" if not 'cos it need the help of as many programers possible to contribute to "exploit-it" & "perfected".
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-linux-kernel/

Even if I hate with all my hearth $M:
Window's are the most stable OS'es as today. for their constant support that take a lot of money just to stay alive.
On the another hand $M is so happy than they are hundreds on Linux Variants (Distros) OS'es ....for now.

Few Linux Variants are more popular, and they are those with more money invested or donated to support it or the most important thing: The longest code that aloud you to do more things with it, than a Distro with a short code like DSL Linux, etc.
https://www.linuxfoundation.org/sites/m...atinglinux.html

Other:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8eSog_bhsk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8N8uHNXYLk
etc.

Live Free or Die.
The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

12.4.2014 18:24 #16

Mr-Movies

Typical government organization wasting money on a dead OS. Like some others have stated just turn off updates and continue to use the OS if it does the job for you. I've used MS's OS's with out their updates and have not really been in trouble because of it, that is why I pay for a Anti-Virus-Suite.

As to Linux it can be a good alternative for some but not the average user, their structures between distros' and lack of good controls that are user friendly requires a person that is somewhat tech savvy to use effectively. In summation, Linux is not superior to Windows, it has its strengths and downside just like Windows and at the end of the day if you are a power user Windows will serve you better than Linux (any distro).

12.4.2014 22:49 #17

aldan

and time marches on.

13.4.2014 04:22 #18

2oldGeek

It appears that the malware distributors are circling the XP wagons.. I get ZeroDay infection url's for testing Security software from 4 different sites that have crawlers scanning for threats and this past week just one of those sites listed over 12,000 new ZeroDay threats and will probably be more than that in the weeks to come.

13.4.2014 14:41 #19

Mr-Movies

That would be always.... So do you think then that you won't be safe with XP with no current updates and a good Firewall/Anti-Virus? I would doubt it myself as stated I've used not updated XP OS's and other versions of Windows with no adverse effects, at least nothing that wouldn't get through my additional security packages. There is probably a handful or less of updates that you actually might need to fix holes in their system in a ten year span, but for that matter you'll never fix all of the wholes ever as long as you network or go online, truly.

13.4.2014 19:05 #20

2oldGeek

As a 4th grade grammar teacher once told me "There is no such thing as Perfect. There is almost perfect or near perfect but perfect is an absolute that cannot be achieved."
As I see it there is also no such thing as perfect security or bullet proof. When you think you have achieved perfection there will always be a Bigger Gun that can take you down. LOL
If I were using XP and just couldn't give it up I believe that I would invest in a program called DeepFreeze by Faronics. It's a program that creates a virtual machine that you boot into and when rebooted to the real machine it goes back to all the original settings of the real machine and anything bad that was picked up while it the virtual machine is lost.. Closest thing to bullet proof as you can get.. I use it on my machines at home that my grand-kids load up with malware. I just reboot and poof it's all gone..

13.4.2014 20:16 #21

Mr-Movies

So true.....

14.4.2014 11:55 #22

2oldGeek

Originally posted by Mrguss: Linux always gonna be superior that $M.
It is certainly not superior, it's just not a target...

Market share of world computers:
Windows = 91%
Mac OSX = 7.5%
Linux = less than 1.5%

Do you really think any Self-respecting, low-life malware writer is going to waste their time on a drip in the bucket market? After all their in it to make the big bucks and M$ is the biggest target..
If Mac or Linux ever did gain a respectful share of the Market, the malware guys would be on them like "White on rice."

14.4.2014 15:45 #23

leemoo

Originally posted by jagman1: Yes please......let's all dump M$ & move to linux ..........or android? I've been building systems for 20 years & tired very quickly of the re-install, upgrade, imaging (which became very difficult after xp)roundabout. Each new OS loses features taken for granted before & require learning, tweaking etc, which costs time & money. Vista was terrible, W7 is bloated but good (but still crap next to xp.........accidental deletes in explorer.......google it) W8 is AWFUL & is failing in take-up. Are you telling me M$ couldn't have kept XP, their most popular OS ever? No this is all about MONEY & big business holding the world to ransom. It costs us all BIG TIME in taxes, time, inconvenience etc, M$ is the only winner. If you follow the 'latest' anything you are being led like sheep to the slaughter. XP was awesome in its day but now its a broken product with support or not so it needed rebuilding from the ground up.
Vista and W8 are rubbish I agree but Win7 is another brilliant OS by MS.

As for imaging it is easy and in the corporate environment you can use MS free product MDT which is brilliant.

15.4.2014 05:28 #24

Mrguss

Originally posted by 2oldGeek: Originally posted by Mrguss: Linux always gonna be superior that $M.
It is certainly not superior, it's just not a target...

Market share of world computers:
Windows = 91%
Mac OSX = 7.5%
Linux = less than 1.5% Your numbers are probably form U.S. right !? lol

I like the DeepFreeze Program tho.

I remember long time ago when XP was up. I try no to download the updates and always was ending up running the Driver Backup CD &/or formatting the machine.

I agree that Linux: in special the Server Version (web, email, DNS, proxy, FTP, IRC, etc.) is not for every one.
...this is more like go from never use a computer before, to start using one. Or switching from one OS. to another.
But for the no to Tech-Savvy: "We" need to start at somewhere right !?

Hardcore Security Linux:
http://smashingtips.com/6-reasons-why-l...are-more-secure
http://www.serverwatch.com/server-trend...know-about.html

MORE:
- Virus writers want attention. Since most people that interact directly with the OS interact with Windows, why not make a virus to infect Windows since you will annoy the most people?
- Stereotypically, a larger proportion of Windows users are vulnerable to making mistakes that allow viruses to infect their system when compared to Linux users.
- Windows is more vulnerable to attack. This is a very debatable topic, but it is widely believed that there are more exploitable holes in Windows than there are for viruses.
- It is also argued that potential holes are found and patched in Linux versions faster than in Windows versions because of the fact that more people look at, analyze, and test the actual code that builds Linux distros and much of the software that runs on them. This is due the the fact that most of Linux software is open and able to be viewed by anyone.

Live Free or Die.
The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

15.4.2014 15:14 #25

2oldGeek

Originally posted by Mrguss: Originally posted by 2oldGeek: Originally posted by Mrguss: Linux always gonna be superior that $M.
It is certainly not superior, it's just not a target...

Market share of world computers:
Windows = 91%
Mac OSX = 7.5%
Linux = less than 1.5%

Do you really think any Self-respecting, low-life malware writer is going to waste their time on a drip in the bucket market? After all their in it to make the big bucks and M$ is the biggest target..
If Mac or Linux ever did gain a respectful share of the Market, the malware guys would be on them like "White on rice." Your numbers are probably form U.S. right !? lol 6 in one hand and a half dozen in the other.... LOL

15.4.2014 15:17 #26

Mr-Movies

Originally posted by Mrguss: Originally posted by 2oldGeek: Originally posted by Mrguss: Linux always gonna be superior that $M.
It is certainly not superior, it's just not a target...

Market share of world computers:
Windows = 91%
Mac OSX = 7.5%
Linux = less than 1.5% Your numbers are probably form U.S. right !? lol

I like the DeepFreeze Program tho.
I remember long time ago when XP was up. I try no to download the updates and always was ending up formatting the machine.
That's probably because you're not from the US. :D

Those numbers are right on unless your are a part of the EU, then and only then would you see a higher piece of pie for Linux.

15.4.2014 15:38 #27

2oldGeek

Originally posted by Mrguss: It is also argued that potential holes are found and patched in Linux versions faster than in Windows versions
Who cares?? No malware writer was going to exploit that hole anyway...

15.4.2014 16:17 #28

Mr-Movies

Originally posted by 2oldGeek: Originally posted by Mrguss: It is also argued that potential holes are found and patched in Linux versions faster than in Windows versions
Who cares?? No malware writer was going to exploit that hole anyway...
It's hearsay and very arguable, but not worth the time.

15.4.2014 16:46 #29

TekPete

I believe Linus is worth a look and from what I can tell the Mint version will do most of what I need. It comes with a Word Processor, and Graphics Package (Gimp - I've already used the Windows version).

The MATE Edition seems to be the latest. From what I understand you don't have to scour the 'net for software; there is a software search engine built into the OS. So if I can find a good video editing program I can say goodbye to Pinnacle Studio.

Best of all it's free but they are happy to accept donations.

As soon as I have a day when I've nothing else on I'm going to install it on a spare PC and give it a try.

I've heard that there are workgroups who will help new Linux users (usually free of charge).

Another thing; I heard that the Android system used on mobile phones is based on Linux.

- TekPete -

15.4.2014 17:13 #30

Mrguss

Originally posted by TekPete: I believe Linus is worth a look and from what I can tell the Mint version will do most of what I need.

...Android system used on mobile phones is based on Linux. You learning very fast !
You choose the most supported Linux Distro.
Check You-Tube Mint Tutorials for Quick Tips & the Linux forum here on AD.
http://forums.afterdawn.com/forum_view.cfm/163

Good Luck.

Live Free or Die.
The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

15.4.2014 21:16 #31

Darrien

Goodbye XP, looks like I'll be forced to upgrade to WinME and sit with blue screens.

15.4.2014 23:44 #32

TekPete

I notice that ebuyer are offering a HP Laptop with Ubuntu v12.04 for �219.99 (approx $369.64) if HP are confident enough to sell a computer with a version of Linux installed then it can't be bad. The only drawback to this Laptop is that the HDD is only 5400rpm - that's the only thing that would put me off buying it.

Also there are links to Ubuntu on AfterDawn under:

Software downloads > System tools > Operating systems

- TekPete -

26.4.2014 14:59 #33

Mr-Movies

Sellers will sell you anything they think you'll buy regardless of whether it is good for you or not, that certainly is irrelevant to the point. i.e., Pet Rocks were sold in massive quantities at ridiculous price points so does that make rocks relevant to ones good?

They sell Linux PC's in the US but the market here is extremely small for Linux systems, however in the EU it would almost be upside down compared to the US market as you would see much more Linux based systems. Europe has had an anti-Microsoft campaign going for decades, hence the higher sales in alternatives systems.

If you're tech savvy, like I stated prior, and you're not a power user Linux could be a very viable system for you. They have come a long way in the last decade or so....

27.4.2014 11:57 #34

TekPete

Originally posted by Mr-Movies: Sellers will sell you anything they think you'll buy regardless of whether it is good for you or not, that certainly is irrelevant to the point. i.e., Pet Rocks were sold in massive quantities at ridiculous price points so does that make rocks relevant to ones good?

They sell Linux PC's in the US but the market here is extremely small for Linux systems, however in the EU it would almost be upside down compared to the US market as you would see much more Linux based systems. Europe has had an anti-Microsoft campaign going for decades, hence the higher sales in alternatives systems.

If you're tech savvy, like I stated prior, and you're not a power user Linux could be a very viable system for you. They have come a long way in the last decade or so.... I agree with what you say except that I'm not really Anti-Microsoft. We all have a lot to be thankful to Bill Gates and his associates - they made computers affordable. If we were left to the likes of Olivetti, it would cost several hundred thousands of �pounds to buy a computer and nine months later when we want to purchase some software we would be told that the model we have is no longer made and we have to buy a new one. And the smiling salesman would say "That'll be �500000, please.".

I can't speak for France or the rest of Europe but most systems here run Windows, there are a lot of Apple Macs around as well.

I believe that the system that ebuyer are selling is a good place for a novice to start; I'm sure there will be technical backup, a helpline and probably links to places where you can get advise. We also have good consumer laws here in England so if something is faulty we have the law on our side, on the whole this works out well.

The biggest problem with Linux is the number of different versions: Debian and Ubuntu being the two main ones; they are not compatible with each other.

As far as Pet Rocks are concerned I prefer to catch my own in the wild.

- TekPete -

2.5.2014 05:02 #35

TekPete

Here's a question for everyone who's been following and commenting on this thread.

Why is the Windows update icon showing on my toolbar, nearly a month after Microsoft ended their support?

(I was going to insert a picture here but I can't work out how to do it).

- TekPete -

2.5.2014 05:18 #36

h0g1e

Probably due to the Internet Explorer emergency patching (Microsoft has decided to deploy the patch to WinXP windows update as an exception since this security hole is so big).

link

2.5.2014 05:33 #37

TekPete

Originally posted by h0g1e: Probably due to the Internet Explorer emergency patching (Microsoft has decided to deploy the patch to WinXP windows update as an exception since this security hole is so big).

link Thanks h0g1e,

That clears that one up. As you say it's a biggie (according to the info in the link).

- TekPete -

2.5.2014 07:07 #38

Mrguss

Originally posted by TekPete: Originally posted by Mr-Movies: They sell Linux PC's in the US but the market here is extremely small for Linux systems. I can't speak for France or the rest of Europe but most systems here...

The biggest problem with Linux is the number of different versions: Debian and Ubuntu being the two main ones; they are not compatible with each other. Europe laws protect consumers better; while the U.S. laws protect the corporations first. This as to do with the BIG Corruption in Washington D.C. As the Corporations lobby the politicians with Corporate-stocks.

Linux users per country from the Linux Counter project as of March 3, 2014.
P.S.: By city on the 3rd. link.
http://www.linux-netbook.com/linux/linux-counter-map/

Live:
Linux Counter Project
http://linuxcounter.net/

Interactive:
(The rise of Ubuntu & Google Linux)
http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=linux,windows,mac

Live Free or Die.
The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

2.5.2014 16:06 #39

Mr-Movies

Originally posted by Mrguss: Originally posted by TekPete: Originally posted by Mr-Movies: They sell Linux PC's in the US but the market here is extremely small for Linux systems. I can't speak for France or the rest of Europe but most systems here...

The biggest problem with Linux is the number of different versions: Debian and Ubuntu being the two main ones; they are not compatible with each other. Europe laws protect consumers better; while the U.S. laws protect the corporations first. This as to do with the BIG Corruption in Washington D.C. As the Corporations lobby the politicians with Corporate-stocks.

Linux users per country from the Linux Counter project as of March 3, 2014.
P.S.: By city on the 3rd. link.
http://www.linux-netbook.com/linux/linux-counter-map/

Live:
Linux Counter Project
http://linuxcounter.net/

Interactive:
(The rise of Ubuntu & Google Linux)
http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=linux,windows,mac That's hog wash, believe that if you want, not me.

@TekPete, Ubuntu is Debian based, same-same.

2.5.2014 20:21 #40

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