The end is here!

The end is here! The end is here!

No, not that and, the end of support for your computer and its operating system.

On July 13, 2010, Microsoft announced that Windows XP needed at least service pack three installed or it would not be supported. With SP3installed, you could eke out another year of support. Support for Windows 2000 and Vista computers running service pack one or earlier also ended on July 13.

If you’re running XP and do not have Service Pack 3 installed, or if you’re running Vista and do not have Service Pack 2 installed, then you are no longer getting security or reliability updates from Microsoft and your computer is at risk. If you’re running an earlier operating system, then it’s probably time to replace your computer.

In any case, head over to the Microsoft update website, check for updates and ensure that you are ready to go.

Mac users should not get smug. Apple has quit stocking many parts for machines based on the PowerPC chips and is cut off most support for versions of OS X prior to Leopard.

Just because you and I think computers should last longer doesn’t mean they actually will.

Cordially,
Steven