The clock is ticking for those Microsoft customers still using the software maker's Windows NT 4.0 workstation operating system. Microsoft's telephone support for the 7-year-old operating system ceases at the end of June. Customers' only option will be to go online to work out problems themselves. Until now, the Redmond, Wash., software maker has kept up its paid telephone, or "extended," support and has developed any needed security patches for the operating system.
Those with the server version of NT 4.0 have a bit more time. As earlier reported, extended support for that operating system doesn't expire until the end of 2004. Extended support consists of paid support and continued security patches known as "hot fixes." Microsoft had planned to end support for NT 4 Server some time this year, but in January, said it would extend the deadline. At the time, the company said about 15 percent of server customers were still running the OS, which made its debut in 1996. The software maker is hoping that NT 4.0 Server users will move to the company's new Windows Server 2003 operating system, released earlier this year.
Another deadline looms for desktop customers running Windows 98. Extended support for that product ends January 15.
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