Windows 2000 time running out !

[12noon]

Anyone running Windows 2000 might want to think about upgrading to Windows XP or waiting a little longer and upgrading to Windows Vista because mainstream support for Windows 2000 is set to end on 30 June this year.
 
Remember though that Windows XP wont be the OS that everyone will be talking about. Then again your software should run on it. Who knows what Windows Vista will be like for people who want to upgrade.

[SensoVision]

Sorry to hear this, W2K was my favourite Windows version and would remain it probably...
too bad that support would be ceased, as probably it would make this version more attractive to virus writers and with time could become dangerous to use... From other side after more people switch to other OSs hackers may leave it in peace so it would become safest version to use?

[12noon]

I would have thought support would last longer than it has. It might still get support from other places though. You never know. If anyone knows anything else about Windows 2000 support then please post here.

BTW lets look at the Windows release dates :-

Windows 3.1 - 1992
Windows 95 -  1995
Windows 98 -  1998
Windows ME & 2000 - year 2000
Windows XP - 2001
Windows Vista - looking like 2007

[SensoVision]

Windows Vista - looking like 2007

seems like Vista go 6 years for development, maybe at least this time it wouldn't be so raw and more tested, not as previous editions which was done in about one year

[Andy]

Seems like the rate of change of operating system is flattening out. Maybe we will finally start to see operating systems outlasting hardware like with comsumer electronic items such as DVD players?  Hey, maybe the day will come when Windows will be firmware? You just power on the PC and ping, it is there in an instant, ready to use. 

[SensoVision]

Hey, maybe the day will come when Windows will be firmware? You just power on the PC and ping, it is there in an instant, ready to use.

hope this day never happen

[12noon]

Thats how it used to be with old home computers such as Amiga, C64, Spectrum, BBC model B, Oric, Dragon, ZX81 and other old home computers.

[mightyme]

Not only windows 2000 but windows 98.

[SensoVision]

Not only windows 2000 but windows 98.

I thought that MS stop supporting 98 few years ago, am I was just bling
I've also got feeling that 98 is used mostly by people who isn't connected to the web have slow PCs(here this version is used mostly in government offices) and not much chances of getting attacked or infected.
What about you mightyme, what kind of OS you're on?

[Andy]

Not only windows 2000 but windows 98.

Strangely enough there are some freak WIN98 networked PC's that boot up really quickly and switch of really fast. I found one in my last company. It was amazing to see    I should have nicked the HD 

[Hope]

Anyone running Windows 2000 might want to think about upgrading to Windows XP or waiting a little longer and upgrading to Windows Vista because mainstream support for Windows 2000 is set to end on 30 June this year.

Did MS every really support one of their products? Do we really need them to support their products?

I guess since I do all the tech support at home and at the office, I see things different. I don't need help usually.

[SensoVision]

Did MS every really support one of their products? Do we really need them to support their products?

I guess since I do all the tech support at home and at the office, I see things different. I don't need help usually.

I guess that not much people need support from them in terms of help with resolving some problem but what about security patches...?

[CoastPC]

Hey, maybe the day will come when Windows will be firmware? You just power on the PC and ping, it is there in an instant, ready to use.

hope this day never happen

Why you say that Denis. I know it would be limiting, but, a computer that you turn on with embed-ed, programs, no viruses, no spyware anymore.
   Sounds very enticing to me   Provided the price was right! 

Chris

[SensoVision]

Why you say that Denis. I know it would be limiting, but, a computer that you turn on with embed-ed, programs, no viruses, no spyware anymore.

what about PockePC devices running WindowsCE? They have OS written in ROM so you can always reset device and have fresh OS... it's really running more stable than usual Windows, probably because it was specially adopted for this device. But here are bad things about this:
- viruses still exist for this platform, and I'm sure that unless mentality of all people around would change viruses always find it's way to new OS or firmware... even some cell phones had viruses, so don't think that having Windows as firmware would change anything, unless corporation change it's security politic nothing would change...
you're on the mercy of corporation which produce device or OS, e.g. it's happening already. HP2210 wouldn't get new updated version of WindowsCE because HP device not to issue update but rather force people to buy their new models of Pocket PCs, and I'm sure that this would happen if Windows ever become firmware.
- Windows is already inflexible and they couldn't fix bugs effectively, you can see this on example of ServicePacks and how some software stopping to work or how new bugs appear...

Right now people at least have choice what OS to use, and this could make MS worry and make at least a bit better products, if they become monopolist on the market their software would be hard to impossible to use IMHO... that's why I hope that Windows never become firmware

[CoastPC]

Good post and good points.

I think we talking way in the future, but there has to be a way to stop the bugs, break-downs and intruders.
The way we are going is only patch after patch. The next OS promises to be better but its still just a patch up.
     Firmware, dont know, if we can only use what we have and not be able to open the gates, so to speak, maybe the way???
     Its worth while having more opinions!!

Chris