I can see people caring when they wipe there computer, installing either Windows XP or one of the Linux distro out there.

Phew. Thank god for that!

... why do we have to upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP Professional (which doesn't expire...) -- so that we can downgrade from Windows 7 to Windows XP Professional for 18 months?

It could be that it's late, and I've been out of the loop, but it looks like this is only something of interest for people who buy new machines with Windows 7 on it?

Ha! Will MS ever be able to finally kill off XP??

Here's a tip: Knock it's head off.

It's good to laugh at a MS story on a Friday morning, it sets me up for the weekend.

I just won't conform with the license. It's not like I have for a fair few years anyway... O:-)

Release a new product and then offer a way to avoid it.

Or they fire you and get a contractor in. Usually cheaper.

Seriously, guys. On an modern machine Vista is simply better than XP. At least once it's correctly configured. Windows 7 is even better.

Yet on most of the big IT sites we're still seeing loads of 'IT professionals' moaning because they want to keep using XP.

Heck, move to KDE4/gnome if you really don't like Microsoft. They're both better than XP.

But it's nothing to do with Vista/Windows 7, is it? It's just the crusy-mafia out to stop them young 'uns 'changing things again'. Ain't it?

Bloody luddites.

Not everybody has your priorities. Nice job stereotyping everybody who doesn't agree with you.

You like to call people names? OK. If I'm a Luddite, you're a self-centered jerk.

Before you yell "Hypocrite!" notice the qualifier.

Your move.

@greg4

seriously? you need training in order to use windows?

or maybe you mean adding a module to "Must Consult Someone Else" in order to go through the "point and drool" process of installing server.