HP Evo D500 Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Windows NT Workstatio - Page 6

WINDOWS 98 SE AND NT 4.0 RETIREMENT(cont.) ... 6. How does the Windows XP Pro downgrade right benefit me? The Windows XP Professional EULA provides a high degree of flexibility. By purchasing systems with Windows XP Professional preinstalled, you can continue to deploy your custom 98 SE/NT 4.0/2000 images and install Windows XP Professional at a later date and at no additional charge. 7. I've just migrated to Windows 2000 Professional and don't intend to upgrade my OS for at least 12 months. Why should I buy Windows XP Professional preinstalled? Based on Microsoft's current OS Lifecycle Guidelines, Windows 2000 Professional will only be offered preinstalled by PC vendors through March 2003. If you intend to use Windows 2000 Professional through 2003, you can purchase Windows XP Professional and downgrade. At a later time, you may reinstall Windows XP Professional on the hard drive at no additional charge. 8. Will all new Evo notebook, desktop and workstation models support Windows 98 SE and Windows NT Workstation 4.0? No, only select models will provide this support. Please consult the QuickSpecs for modelspecific information. Compaq will continue to support its customers throughout this transition. However, as new hardware technologies are introduced, it is important to remember that older operating systems may not be able to support the new technology. Many third-party sub-system vendors will discontinue the development of Windows 98 SE and NT 4.0 drivers in the future. For Compaq to provide the best computing environment, we must encourage our customers to migrate to newer operating system environments such as Windows 2000 or XP Professional. Provision for Customer Exceptions 9. I have standardized on Windows 98 SE/NT 4.0 for all client-base systems. How will the transition to Windows XP Professional affect my new purchases after July 1, 2002? If you have a Volume Licensing agreement with Microsoft, Compaq can, for an additional fee, continue to preinstall Windows 98 SE/NT 4.0 as part of our SIMS offering on select products. 10. What if I do not have a Volume Licensing agreement with Microsoft? Compaq may offer the Distribution Service Provider (DSP) license to customers and preinstall Windows 98 SE/NT 4.0 operating systems as part of our SIMS offering on supported platforms (OS tested by division engineering). 11. How much more should I expect to pay for DSP? DSP is more expensive than the current pricing. It is typically 10% less than the retail price. Compaq does its best to provide customers the most cost-effective price for products and services. Exact pricing is also dependent on the complexity of the image as described above. 12. How long will DSP be available? Generally, DSP is available for one year after end of life of each operating system. 6 April 2002