[quote="JerryChance":3rs0w1bz]Microsoft should reward it's faithful followers with continual updates - without resorting to cut-off dates. Not everyone can afford to update their operating systems each time a new version comes out. Actually I'm willing to bet that there are still some Windows 98 users out there who must feel really out in the cold without continuing support from Microsoft. Come on MS, don't be mean; you've already made a packet out of your customers!

JC (Happy to stick with XP) [/quote:3rs0w1bz]

There's been a lot of debate about that, and frankly I think MS has handled it reasonably. They simply cannot be expected to provide security updates for a product forever after its release, when there are newer versions that have those fixes in place. I think their philosophy of supporting the last two OS's plus the current is more than fair.

After all, Windows 98 is 12 years old at this point. There has to be a point at which they cut off active support for it.

Now, when they stop supporting XP, if they don't keep their activation servers up [i:3rs0w1bz]indefinitely[/i:3rs0w1bz] then there will be a public outcry. It was their choice to require their software to check in, after purchase, they should continue to allow you to use the software you purchased.

/rant.

Thanks.