From what I'm reading in that article there's a possibility that Microsoft might stop Activating Windows XP some time in the future ... ... That's pure BS if they do, it would be like a car company putting a chip in the vehicle & after so many years the car wouldn't start anymore thus forcing you to buy a new one.

But I suppose by then there will be enough sites around to hack the Activation Code & places where you could download any updates you wanted. Myself whenever I have to install a OS or re-install 1 I just install the OS & SP1 or sometimes SP2. I don't ever go to the Microsoft Site and get any other Updates, it's just more bloat to me that really doesn't need to be installed.

I've never been hacked & if I was it's not that big a deal to format and re-install the OS again. I've done it so often it second nature to me anymore.