Recently, someone asked me how long Windows XP will be supported, now that Windows Vista has been released. The current support rule is that operating systems are given mainstream support for 5 years, followed by extended support (for most operating systems) for 5 years. During mainstream support, new features are added to the operating system as necessary, in addition to bug and security fixes. During extended support, only security updates are released.

Windows 98 is currently out of support. No security updates are being released for Windows 98, making it a dangerous operating system for web browsing.

Windows 2000 was released on 3/31/2000 and is currently in extended support. Security updates will continue to be offered for Windows 2000 through 7/13/2010.

Windows XP was released on 12/31/2001 and is currently in mainstream support through 4/14/2009. This means that new features are still being released for Windows XP (e.g. new versions of Windows Media Player, the DST patch, etc.), in addition to bug fixes and security updates. On 4/15/2009, Windows XP will enter extended support, where only security updates are offered. Extended support for Windows XP will end on 4/8/2014.

Windows Vista was released on 1/25/2007, and is currently scheduled to have mainstream support through 4/10/2012. Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, and Ultimate are currently not scheduled to receive extended support. Windows Vista Business and Enterprise are scheduled to receive extended support through 4/11/2017.

Support was extended for Windows XP several times, partially in reaction to Windows Vista’s delays. So keep in mind that Windows Vista’s support timeframe may be extended as well, based on when Microsoft is able to release the next version of Windows. Microsoft is currently working to reduce the time lag between major versions of Windows.