HP Evo D500 Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Windows NT Workstatio - Page 3

WINDOWS 98 SE AND NT 4.0 RETIREMENT(cont.) ... INTRODUCTION Microsoft recently announced upcoming changes in the distribution and support policies for Windows 98 SE and NT Workstation 4.0. After June 30, 2002, Compaq Computer Corporation and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of computers will no longer be licensed to ship standard desktop, notebook or workstation models factory preinstalled with Windows 98 SE or Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Microsoft OEM. Our standard Evo models will be available with Windows 2000 Professional (through the March 31st, 2003), Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home preinstalled. Availability of these operating systems may vary by model. The newer operating systems, with a wider range of capabilities to support recent advances in technology, are in greater demand. Compaq is making provisions to accommodate customers who still wish to use Windows 98 SE and NT 4.0. Customers requiring these two operating systems after the retirement date can take advantage of Compaq's Software Image Management Services (SIMS) feebased offering. Please refer to http://www.compaq.com/solutions/pcsolutions/image_mgmt.html for more information about SIMS. After June 30, 2002, Microsoft will only make Windows 98 SE and NT 4.0 products available as: o DSP (Distribution Service Provider): Also known as System Builder version o Retail products Compaq will source these products from alternate channels at a higher price. Beginning July 01, 2002 Compaq customers can continue to purchase new systems with Windows 98 SE and NT 4.0 through Compaq's SIMS offering utilizing the DSP or retail licenses, assuming the operating systems were qualified on, and are supported by, the required platform. The source of software image may be obtained from DSP, Retail, or Compaq. Changes in Microsoft Operating System life cycle Microsoft is moving Windows 98 SE and NT 4.0 from the "mainstream phase" into the "extended phase" of their operating system lifecycle on June 30, 2002. During the "extended phase" Computer OEMs lose their standard OEM licensing rights to preinstall these two operating systems. Please refer to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle.asp for additional details. OS Migration Recommendation In early 2002, Compaq will begin to discontinue the factory pre-installation of Windows 98 SE and NT 4.0 on new Evo commercial computers. Compaq will continue to preinstall Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional and Home Editions on select products after June 30, 2002. For business applications, Compaq and Microsoft strongly recommend upgrading to Windows XP Professional. Customers may also consider migrating to Windows 2000 Professional, however, based on the current Microsoft OS lifecycle guidelines, Windows 2000 is scheduled to enter the "extended phase" on March 31, 2003, therefore, OEMs will no longer be allowed to offer pre-installation of this operating system. Refer to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle.asp 3 April 2002