Windows XP market share dips below 50 percent (After a healthy 10-year run, now losing users)

CNET ^ | 08/02/2011 | Lance Whitney

[SeekAndFind]

After a healthy 10-year run, Windows XP may finally be losing its overwhelming grip on computer users. Though it's still the most heavily used version of the Windows operating system, XP's market share among all operating systems finally dipped just below the 50 percent mark last month, according to stats out today from Net Applications.

The aging OS has gradually been shedding market share a bit each month over the past few years, touching 62 percent a year ago and 51 percent in June before its latest dip in July, according to Net Applications. At the same time, Windows 7--the current version of the OS--has just under 28 percent share among all operating systems, including Apple's Mac OS X and iOS. But Windows 7 has steadily grabbed more customers since its official release in October 2009. Meanwhile, Vista's grip on the market has steadily fallen each month and now rests at just over 9 percent for July. Altogether, Windows controls about 87 percent of the overall OS market.

With Microsoft due to cut off extended support for Windows XP in another three years, the company has been pushing both individuals and businesses to make the leap to Windows 7. To further motivate customers, Microsoft has released studies that bolster Windows 7, such as one from May that highlighted Windows 7 as five times more secure than XP.

However, Redmond offers no direct migration path from Windows XP to Windows 7, so moving to the latest OS typically requires either a total reinstall or an upgrade to a new PC. Tools such as Microsoft's Windows Easy Transfer may help ease the pain, but the migration is still time-consuming, especially for larger companies. A survey of IT professionals last November found that half of them were planning to continue to use XP even after the support tap is turned off in 2014.

[mylife]

Ya got to admit, Windows 7 is just as stable and it covers issues that XP cant.

[buccaneer81]

Bought a new laptop nine months ago with Windows 7. I like it more than XP, although XP was solid.

When I think back to the days of 3.x.x and my top of the line 75 Mhz machine waiting impatiently to hand over $129 for Windows 95...

We've come a long way.

[doc1019]

As someone that fought long and hard to keep XP, I am more than happy I finally upgraded to Windows 7 (new computer).

[WashStateGirl]

xp forever !

[fantom]

What can they expect. They are flogging a decade old system that they are stuck with . The best they can do is patchwork upgrades . The windows users that go to youtube are shocked when they find out iexplore.exe hog's all of their room and slows down video clips at other websites. It is old timey junk that does not work in the modern world .

[Mr Rogers]

I’m using XP right now, and would be glad to use it indefinitely. However, when this laptop dies - and the letters are almost gone from the keyboard - I’ll be forced to ‘upgrade’.

My wife’s laptop has Windows 7, and it has ZERO advantage to me. I use word processing, play music and surf news sites. I don’t need anything I don’t already have. And frankly, I find Windows 7 a pain in the rear. It doesn’t offer anything I want, and it has a different feel that slows me down.

[SeekAndFind]

XP probably has another 3 years left in its life and then it will belong to the computer hall of fame museum.

[freedumb2003]

xp forever !

Is this the part where Mel Gibson paints his face and bares his behind?

[Jack Hydrazine]

I have to wonder how many people upgraded their Vista machines to XP after Vista was launched?

[TomGuy]

Similar here.

I have an XP desktop and laptop.

Last week I got a new laptop with Windows 7. I’m still tweaking, configuring, installing programs, etc. As I get used to it, I am liking it better. The one thing I like is the increased RAM capacity which makes things run better.

[KoRn]

From an Admin perspective, I’m still not a big fan of Win7, but it’s growing on me. It requires a ton of memory to keep it from getting bogged down, and the design of the OS is VERY inefficient. It requires lots more mouse clicks to configure routine settings for the OS.

It’s still a VAST improvement from Vista, but that isn’t saying much.

On the other hand, I LOVE Server 2008. IMO, with Server 2008, MS finally ‘got it right’. It provides lots of services and capabilities, which I’m surprised Microsoft doesn’t charge extra for. It also gives the option to deploy the OS without the UI, which is a terrific option for many scenarios. I just can’t say enough good things about it.

[freedumb2003]

Don’t ask me where I read it (somewhere here on FR) but Best Buy issued a memo that said something to effect of “DO NOT LABEL WINDOWS 7 AS VISTA THAT WORKS.” That is exactly what W7 is.

W7 Is OK, but they really should have checked with people who use computers for a living when they were designing and developing it.

[doc1019]

AND, the new and improved firewall is excellent. No need for a third party firewall.

[freedumb2003]

>>I have to wonder how many people upgraded their Vista machines to XP after Vista was launched?<<

Only the smart ones!

[freedumb2003]

>>No need for a third party firewall.<<

Unless you care about security of your system...

[mylife]

I hate that Gates tried to force upgrades.

I was very happy with XP, but 7 is a fine product.
Both platforms are very stable.

[Oztrich Boy]

I miss Win 95. I miss Windows 3.3

Truth be told, I miss being able to go into MS-DOS

[freedumb2003]

>>It’s still a VAST improvement from Vista<<

Up there with being the best yodeler in Harlem.

;)

[Moonman62]

A survey of IT professionals last November found that half of them were planning to continue to use XP even after the support tap is turned off in 2014.

They should have the bugs out of 7 by then, and the hardware will be cheaper that can run it smoothly. It's too bad Linux is beta quality at best, though it has improved.