Windows XP is still going strong in netbooks and as an alternative for some pre-built PCs, but make no mistake: it's reaching the end of the line. Today, as scheduled, Microsoft has ended the mainstream support phase for the nearly eight-year-old operating system.

What does that mean? In a nutshell, it looks like Microsoft will stop releasing non-security-related hot fixes and providing free support directly to Windows XP users.

http://techreport.com/discussions.x/16745