As we’re sure many of you guys are aware by now, but Microsoft has recently put an end to their official support for Windows XP. The operating system itself is still functional, but just don’t expect Microsoft to continue supporting it with updates and security patches. Given how old the operating system is, we guess it is about time, especially considering that there are 3 versions of Windows already ahead of it (Vista, 7, and 8).
Many people have criticized Microsoft for ending their support and recently the Chinese state media have joined in, slamming Microsoft for their decision and calling them “extremely irresponsible”. According to the post, they not only called Microsoft irresponsible, but they also said that this moved showed a lack of trustworthiness and that it could impact internet security and the future of Microsoft.
They also claim that the end of Windows XP has put China in an awkward position, especially since most operating systems these days, like Unix, Linux, OS X, and so on, are apparently “controlled by foreigners”. The article also takes the opportunity to call for the rise of local companies to help make China’s domestic operating system more prevalent in the face of Windows XP coming to an end.
However what the post fails to highlight is how the majority of Windows used in China are pirated copies. A few years ago this was confirmed by Microsoft’s then-CEO, Steve Ballmer, who said that how only 1 in 10 copies of Windows in China are legit copies, which basically means that 90% are running on pirated software. In fact in reaction to the Chinese state media’s post, one user took to social media to confess that his version is the pirated version, and that “I really have no standing to ask Microsoft for anything.”
What do you guys think? Is Microsoft really being irresponsible for ending Windows XP? Or do you think it’s about time anyway? After all we don’t expect that companies and governments to think that Microsoft would be supporting Windows XP forever, right?
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