Software giant Microsoft has warned that it is going to kill off old versions of Windows soon. Support for some older versions of the Windows operating system will end in the first half of this year.

The first version of Vista with no service packs ends April 13 and support for Windows XP SP2 and all versions of Windows 2000 ends July 13. July 13 will see the end of Windows Server 2000 support. Also on July 13, Microsoft will move Windows Server 2003 from Mainstream Support to Extended Support.

Removing official support means that there are no security updates. Extended support means that Redmond no longer provides no-charge incident response, warranty coverage, or design changes and feature requests. Microsoft has been warning that it was going to do this since October and as the day gets closer it is issuing a reminder.

It suggests that those of you still on Windows XP SP2 install the latest service pack available via the Microsoft Update Web site, Windows XP Service Pack 3, or look at moving to Windows 7.