First, what this means for people using Windows XP:
Although I recognize and support the use of Windows XP in certain hardware environments, I will also be looking at shifting support for Pale Moon to later versions of Windows when the life cycle for XP ends on April 8th, 2014. The fact of the matter is that Windows versions 6.* (Vista and above) simply have better desktop composition and using the capabilities of the 6.0 and later subsystem is noticeable, especially in VS2012. Pale Moon x64 users already get these advantages since XP support in VS2012 is 32-bit only.Microsoft wrote:After April 8, 2014, there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates.
Running Windows XP in your environment after the end of support date may expose you to potential risks, such as:
* Security & Compliance Risks: Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks.
For companies: This may result in an officially recognized control failure by an internal or external audit body, leading to suspension of certifications, and/or public notification of the organization’s inability to maintain its systems and customer information.
* Lack of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) & Hardware Manufacturers support: A recent industry report from Gartner Research suggests "many independent software vendors (ISVs) are unlikely to support new versions of applications on Windows XP in 2011; in 2012, it will become common." And it may stifle access to hardware innovation: Gartner Research further notes that in 2012, most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on the majority of their new PC models.
Pale Moon's internal development and back-end is also increasingly focused on the capabilities of Windows 7 (to a lesser degree Vista) and as an XP user you miss out on most improvements being made in the layout and rendering engine of the browser.
I know XP is a widely-loved operating system. Truth be told I stuck with it for a very long time, myself. This is also why I continue to support XP users as an independent software vendor until "it's time" next year. However, Pale Moon's goals have always been to not support really old hardware or software, and as such it would be normal progress for Pale Moon to no longer be built for an operating system that is no longer supported by its creators.
Don't be sad, it's still a year away
A year is a pretty long time in terms of software.But, be aware that if you want to move to a new version of Windows, getting licenses for Windows 7 may become increasingly difficult if you wait too long. Moving from Windows XP to Windows 8 is a step most people currently on Windows XP should consider very carefully as it will require a massive change in the way you work - unlike version 7.