As another week in the world of tech draws to a close, we take a look at what our readers have to say about some of the biggest stories to appear on IT Pro over the past seven days.
These have included the latest attempts by Microsoft to encourage Windows XP upgrades, as well as HP's decision to start charging users for out of support firmware and service patches.
HP haters
Hardware titan HP announced plans to start charging customers using out of warranty server kit to download firmware patches and service packs from 19 February.
I will not be buying their servers again.
The company denied the move is intended to force customers into buying extended coverage for their products, but the ever sceptical IT Pro readership doesn't seem to be buying that.
"How often are important security patches released for firmware or in Service Packs," wailed JohnM.
"This could cause major security issues."
RichKEngland, along with many other readers, declared the decision means he'll not buy HP again.
"Security and bug fixes must be available for free as these are due to design faults by HP. How crazy would you have to be to pay for their mistakes?"
This was a view echoed by Millsey. "So, if HP leave bugs or security holes in its products, they will essentially charge us for fixing them? I will not be buying their servers again."
Windows XP expiration
Microsoft found itself in the firing line this week by advising people to splash their cash on new Windows 8 PCs to avoid getting caught short by the looming Windows XP end of support deadline.
The declaration was made in a blog post by the Redmond giant, which many Windows XP users took umbrage to in the comments section. When the story appeared on IT Pro, the response was much the same.
"This is getting to be a bad habit with Microsoft. Not only does it force people to change their operating system, but users find they can't run many of their older programs on the new OS," fumed JGelvin.
I don't think you understand that Microsoft cannot provide support for every legacy product they ever release.
"Compounding frustration with that issue is the fact that the new OS may not function on an older machine. Microsoft is an enabler of the throw away mindset."
Meanwhile, banging the drum for the silver surfer community, IT Pensioner said the industry seems to forget that a large number of XP users are older people who prefer using it to newer operating systems.
"Older folk keep Windows XP systems with older Microsoft Office going because it meets their needs. They don't do complex IT. They just write letters using Word, keep track of bills using Excel and email using Outlook," IT Pensioner wrote.
"High speed they don't need. They have time to have a coffee and biscuit whilst waiting for their PC to boot, and little or no money to buy new kit."
IT Pro reader Realism, whose username (we're guessing) was chosen because that's what he brings a dose of to internet debates, was at pains to point out that no-one's forcing XP users to upgrade.
"[Microsoft] is advising people to move to an operating system that is faster and more secure. You could upgrade to Vista (if that's what tickled your odd fancy), or to Windows 7. There's no obligation to upgrade to Windows 8 / 8.1 if you don't like it or can't run it," he said.
"I don't think you understand that Microsoft cannot provide support for every legacy product they ever release. The costs would be phenomenal. Like everything else, things only have a limited lifespan."
