In the past, Microsoft extended XP’s life until the year 2010 – provided it was installed on netbooks and low-cost laptops.

Windows XP was originally due to disappear off shop shelves on January 30 2008.
It was intended to be removed from store shelves to make way for Windows Vista which went on sale to consumers early in 2007.

Consumers have not given a very warm reaction to the Vista Release despite Microsoft’s claims that Vista has sold well. Microsoft is granting this extension of life largely because of the customer’s preference for XP.

This affects PC makers and resellers who were working to a January 31 2009 deadline to order licences for XP.

Many PC makers they planned on stockpiling licences before the cut-off in hopes they could sell them in the coming months.

Now, Microsoft has changed the terms allowing the PC makers and resellers to order before January 31, but take delivery at any time up to May 30.

The change in policy is another indication of the general resistance to Windows Vista.

Early versions of Windows 7, the replacement for Vista, are due to appear in late 2009.

SOURCE BBC NEWS