Microsoft extends life of Windows XP

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it was extending technical support for home Windows XP operating systems, a signal that it was not abandoning them for Vista software launching next week.   

The Redmond, Washington software giant said the "support life cycle" for Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Media Center Edition would be stretched to April 2009.   

Similar support would be provided for users of Windows XP Professional, according to Microsoft.   

Microsoft's next-generation Vista operating system made its business debut in November and home-computer versions will be launched on January 30. Vista is Microsoft's first revamped operating system in five years.