According to the latest buzz, Microsoft is notifying customers that support for some older versions of the Windows operating system will come to an end in the first half of this year.

While support for Windows Vista RTM will come to a stop on April 13, support for Windows XP SP2 and all versions of Windows 2000 will end July 13. In addition, on a later date, Microsoft will end support for Windows Server 2000.

Also from July 13, Microsoft will move Windows Server 2003 from Mainstream Support to Extended Support which means Microsoft will no longer provide no-charge incident response, warranty coverage, or design changes and feature requests.

Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's in-house Windows blogger said, "Back in October 2009 we talked about upcoming dates for end of support for certain Windows XP and Windows Vista versions".

It is suggested that those who are still on Windows XP SP2 should install the latest service pack available via the Microsoft Update Web site-Windows XP Service Pack 3-or look at moving to Windows 7.

"I want to remind everyone of the benefits of keeping Windows Update turned on. Through Windows Update, not only are you provided with the latest security updates and service packs for Windows at no cost, but also the latest updates to products such as Internet Explorer 8 and Microsoft Security Essentials", LeBlanc added.