Microsoft Hypes WinXP Death via Free Desktop Gadget

The Windows XP operating system is over a decade old, and Microsoft would love nothing more than to see all XP users world-wide upgrade to Windows 7.

To reinforce that message, the Redmond firm has recently released a desktop gadget that counts down the seconds to the day it will officially cease support for Windows XP once and for all.

Microsoft Treats Windows XP as an Addiction

It appears as if the software giant is casting XP users in the same light as those suffering from an addiction and in need of help. On the Microsoft download web site, the message reads as follows:

"Looking to get off Windows XP? Use this handy gadget to count down the number of days until Windows XP End of Support (EOS) in 2014".

'Help Stop The Dependence' of Windows XP

The end-of-support gadget sits upon the desktop and slowly ticks away the seconds left until the plug is officially pulled on Windows XP.

When the user double clicks the widget, an additional button is displayed and offers to redirect users to a website that promises to 'help stop dependence' of Windows XP and its ailing technology. (Source: i-programmer.info)

While 2014 marks the official end-of-support year for Windows XP, Microsoft has already taken several measures to wean people off the aging OS -- most notably, denying them the benefits of new technology in the form of the Internet Explorer 9 browser and the updated Windows Media Player.

Windows XP Users Denied XP Countdown Gadget

Ironically, Microsoft did not think enough of offering this gadget to Windows XP users, since it can only run on Windows Vista or Windows 7. (Source: filescrunch.com)

Those interested in the countdown feature can visit the Microsoft download site and follow the link instructions under "Windows XP End of Support Countdown Gadget".