[senit] purchasing machines with XP rather than Vista

Clarification from our procurement team on the thread of a week or Two ago re the apparent lack of availability of Windows XP on new machines.

1.        Yes you can buy machines with XP pre-installed Dell, RM , Stone all provide  them and will continue to do until the summer at least.

2.       As part of any purchase you have the option to buy a Vista license and downgrade to the previous version i.e. XP - the supplier does this on your behalf and ships you XP preinstalled with a Vista license

3.       You retain the right to upgrade to Vista in the future assuming your hardware is capable

4.       The software to upgrade back to Vista is normally provided when you purchase via a DVD.  You should also receive the equivalent XP DVD should you need to recover your system.

Any suppliers who cause you problems or any other issues you encounter get back to me and I'll pass on.

Adrian Higginbotham

Project manager: Learning services

Becta

Tel: Direct dial 024 7679 7333 - Becta switchboard 02476-416994.

Email: Adrian.Higginbotham at becta.org.uk
Web: http://www.becta.org.uk/ <http://www.becta.org.uk/> 
BECTA, Millburn Hill Road, Science Park, Coventry, CV4 7JJ 