How to skip Windows 8 and continue using Windows 7

[Corrine]

There's enthusiasm for Windows 8 but there has also been lots of whining about Windows 8. I enjoyed Ed Bott's article addressing those anyone who is happy with Windows 7 or, shall I say, not very excited about Windows 8.

A major take-away if you're not looking to upgrade:

For reference, here are the end-of-support dates for all currently supported Windows versions:

Windows XP SP3: April 8, 2014
Windows Vista SP2: April 11, 2017
Windows 7 SP1: January 14, 2020
Windows 8: January 10, 2023

(In case you're wondering, yes, Microsoft has a formal definition of "supported.")


Furthermore, you’ll still be able to buy Windows 7 PCs for at least two more years. Microsoft’s sales lifecycle for Windows (which is different from its support lifecycle) specifies that retailers will be able to sell the boxed version of Windows 7 until at least October 25. 2013, and OEMs can sell PCs with Windows 7 pre-loaded until October 25, 2014.

See the complete article at How to skip Windows 8 and continue using Windows 7 | ZDNet