DELL REMOVING WINDOWS XP OPTION

Dell has announced they are halting the option of preloading Windows XP on their PCs beginning this month.  This comes as Microsoft begins the slow (very slow) phase out of the aging OS.  Microsoft has stated that they will stop OEMs from pre-installing Windows XP on October 22nd.

"Per Microsoft guidelines regarding Windows XP, system vendors like Dell will no longer be able to ship systems with XP Professional and XP Home after October 22, 2010," Dell blogger Faith C wrote on Tuesday. "This means that we will stop offering XP as an option for customers starting this month in preparation for next month's deadline. One other important thing to note is that Dell plans to continue Windows XP driver support until December 2012."

Even though Dell will not pre-install the OS for buyers, this does not mean the user cannot install it after they receive the computer.  The user still has the option to manually install Windows XP with media they request from the computer manufacturer. [PC Magazine]