Windows XP Is Still Solid, More Secure Than Ever
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5. Blame it on Vista
Windows Vista is probably the biggest reason Windows XP is still so popular. Windows Vista was supposed to be the
operating system that would make XP look obsolete. Instead, it was the
operating system that made customers wonder if Microsoft could address
corporate concerns into the future. Those who were concerned stuck with XP.
6. Vendors kept it going
At the same time Windows Vista
was losing ground, PC vendors allowed customers to use their downgrade rights
and get a PC running XP. That was immensely harmful to Vista and helped improve
XP adoption. Although getting XP-based machines is much harder now, its not
impossible. And thats something to keep in mind as we consider why XP is so
popular.
7. Microsoft was loath to say good-bye
Microsoft tried several times to
move XP aside, but after accepting Vistas fate, the company started to embrace
the fact that it had delivered an operating system in XP that people really
wanted. The software giant even launched Service Pack 3 to improve the
operating system just a bit more. Microsoft legitimized XP, and that only
helped the operating systems adoption figures.
8. Its still solid
The funny thing about Windows XP
is that if you boot up a machine running the software, its still solid. In
fact, it delivers the kind of experience that, while a little outdated, most
folks would be happy to find on a PC. With Windows 8 looming, the old Windows
XP style is dying off, but those who dont want to see that happen can stick
with XP for as long as their computers will let them.
9. Its more secure than ever
OK, so Windows XP and "secure"
didnt always go together. In fact, the operating system wasnt secure at all
until Service Pack 2 launched. But now that cyber-criminals have turned their
attention elsewhere, and thanks to help from Service Pack 3, the operating
system is actually more secure than ever. Who would have thought that could
happen?
10. Support lingers for years
If Microsoft really wanted to do
away with Windows XP once and for all, the company would have ended all support
for the operating system. Instead, Microsoft has said that it will provide support into 2014. If users know Microsoft will support
the operating system, why should they even worry about ditching it?
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