My main computer up to November 2009 is a XP Pro 32 bit svc pk 3 Desktop computer.
I purchased a new laptop in July 2009, came with Vista 64 bit with free upgrade to Win 7. Most of my applications ran on it. Some software is licensed only to that computer so I couldn't port that software over and most of that wouldn't run on Vista anyway more than likely.
I used my laptop 40% of the time compared to XP being used the most.
When I got my upgrade to Win 7 in November, I played around with the settings and features and tested my applications making sure they worked. Most loaded faster and I found productivity gains with various features of Win 7 like the Jump Lists and manipulation of application windows, speed of programs loading etc...
I purchased the Ultimate version of Win 7 and after porting work files and drives from XP to an external usb drive so I can easily work on either computer I went to work using Win 7. After a few weeks I noticed I never even turned on my XP computer that entire time so I unplugged it.
Blasphemy I thought as I unplugged the computer but the reality of it is that everything I could do in XP, I got MORE done quicker in Win 7. If I need something from the other computer I just turn it on and transport using one of my Flash Drives or do the work needed in XP then move over to Win 7 to finish rest of project.
I am with everyone that says XP is KING but for me the reality is that WIN 7 replaced my XP computer 99% of the time and I have my XP powered desktop completely unplugged from the wall outlet.
For most people, 90%+ of the people out there. They just want to do what it is they want to do. Easier, faster and with no hassle. Porting from XP to Win 7 is a big jump especially if you go from 32 bit to 64 bit. Existing software they have must work on it or be able to get update for it. For most part if it works in Vista it will work in Win 7. If it works in XP but not Vista then there is XP mode in Win 7 which works great, but the computer has to be able to support it with enough hardware power, RAM and so forth. Isn't total solution for 100% of the time but on my laptop when I am in XP mode I forget I am even inside Win 7 or that it is a virtualized version of XP. Everything I did before, works just fine all encompassed inside Win 7.
Your work style maybe different than mine but I use my computer to do things like
web design, multi-media design, watch streaming movies, writing, programming with installed testing environment LAMP – situation without Linux, just Mysql, Apache, PHP, Perl, Python using vertrigo with customization. Win 7 loads this INSTANTLY, I mean there is NO delay from pressing application shortcut to up and running. HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY Multi-tasking and LOTS of windows open.
Win 7 handles all this much better than XP and I am able to navigate all the windows much much quicker and get to places I need to get to and project files I need to open and edit. Most of my time in XP I think was just spent hunting and finding things, even with all the 3rd party apps and customization I did to it. Was / Is HEAVILY Customized version of XP. I NEVER NEVER NEVER thought I would ever abandon it or not use it at all, not for WEEKS at a time and never considered possibility of unplugging it.
But
That is what has come to pass for me.
XP in the end will die out just like win 98 did. I think more will have it on some drive in dual boot situation for much longer but eventually it will be left in the dust as new operating systems come into the market from MS and others. There will always be a newer shiny thing out there but the technological gains in the coming years will vastly improve the way we do things and XP just like Win 95 will not be able to keep up no matter how many people may want to continue to make things for it. Eventually it will just become a novelty then not even that.
BLASPHEMY to say that I believe but reality of it is yeah, XP will be phased out starting now and going into next year. For those that don't want to upgrade; by 2011 / 2012 they wont have a choice because all the new updates for their software will be designed primarily for WIN 7 and you will see fewer and fewer companies support XP. I think that this will happen much sooner than what people realize because starting 2010 computers are going to be built primarily for 64 bit and software will be designed mostly for 64 bit, leaving WIN XP 32 bit in the dust. Win XP 64 NEVER took off due to lack of driver support.
Most main applications now come in 64 bit versions, are more stable and work better, phasing out of 32 bit will be what kills off XP sooner than any new of future operating system.
Will WIN 7 cause more people to jump from XP?
I think so, especially into mid to later part 2010. Win 7 just works as long as you have the proper drivers for the hardware.
That is my take on this from my personal experience and what I project happening in the near to mid future.
