The end is near for Windows XP. Microsoft has issued a reminder that Windows XP will no longer be pre-loaded come October 22, and support for Windows XP SP2 will end on July 13. This comes after figures released by research outfit NPD, that 81% of US netbooks sold via retail come preloaded with Windows 7.
"As of October 22, 2010, OEMs will no longer be able to pre-install Windows XP Home on new netbook PCs," Microsoft wrote. "However, for a majority of our customers, they may not notice much change."
However, according to Net Applications, Windows XP is still the most popular operating system in the world, with a market share of 62.55% while Windows 7 only has 12.68%, and Windows Vista 15.25%.
If you're one of the 62.55% still clinging on to Windows XP, you can take heart that Windows XP SP3 will continue to be supported until April 2014. So if you haven't already done so, you can update your version of Windows XP to the SP3 via the Microsoft Update website.
