I am in the process of deciding what parts to buy and what I really need for a machine that will meet my data base / computing needs for the next three years. The parts have been recommended to me by a Lockergnome friend in Norway. He also recommends that I use XP Professional on this new machine. Therein lies the problem.

The literature on the state of XP is so confusing.

Steve Ballmer is saying that Microsoft may reassess its position on Windows XP:

“…Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said the company could re-evaluate its plans to phase out Windows XP by June 30, if customers demand that it stick around. So far, they have not.

“XP will hit an end-of-life. We have announced one. If customer feedback varies, we can always wake up smarter, but right now, we have a plan for end-of-life for new XP shipments,” Ballmer said during a Thursday news conference, according to Reuters.”

link: Ballmer: You want XP, we’ll keep XP

This sort of statement does not clarify. It adds to the confusion. Microsoft makes no commitment, which is fine for them and not so fine for its customers. Obviously, Microsoft would like its customers to spend and buy the ‘latest and greatest’. Windows 7 is on the horizon. Personally, I just want something that will allow me to do what I have to do on the computer and not have to buy (and change) at Microsoft’s pace. I find that Microsoft is making me spend time preparing how to work and taking me away from using that time to do actual work. Perhaps the magic word is Linux… or “Apple”.

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster