XP To Windows 7: We Didn't Want to Upgrade From Windows 2000 Either

That's because this isn't the first time Microsoft has strong-armed a complacent fan base of users dedicated to one Windows operating system into embracing a newer one.

Much has been made about the lack of upgrade options from XP to Windows 7 and over the imminent laying to rest of XP support.

The grumblings are understandable and justified. XP is without question the mostly widely used desktop operating system in the world and it's reasonable to expect a certain amount of reluctance to move away from it.

Yet, the same protestations were made near the turn of the 21st century. Many users, especially business users, were happy with Windows 2000 Workstation. Take a look at some message board comments circa 2002:

"I've read articles ... where Windows 2000 seems to come out faster for business apps. But maybe that has to do with all the extra multimedia in XP. All the same, I've been using 2000 and like its stability "

"I, too, am a 2000 user and 2000 has not given me any problems."

" 'If it isn't broke why fix it' has always been the saying. XP sounds great and all but i dont think i'll upgrade from 2k unless my current setup fails me."

"My 2k runs faster than XP for some ungodly reason, so i'm stickin with 2k"

Sounds familiar? XP was first released in 2001. By 2006 there were more than 400 million copies in use, according to statistics by International Data Corp. XP now has more than 65 percent of the operating system market share.

Microsoft actually still offers Extended Support for Windows 2000 " it's in effect until 2010. Extended Support essentially means offering critical security updates and patches, but no new features, no new drivers nor warranty support. It's foreseeable that the same type of support option for XP will be available for quite a few years.

So, perhaps 'strong-arm' is not the correct word. Microsoft's tactic seems to consist of strongly nudging users away from an operating system comfort zone, often under much criticism and resistance. Five, six or however many years from now, will we be outraged about the thought of giving up our Windows 7?