Microsoft today retired Mainstream Support for Windows XP and Office 2003. However, for both products, Microsoft is not planning to retire Extended Support until April 8, 2014. If Redmond ends up releasing a fourth service pack for XP, it will retire support for SP3 (released April 2008) two years after SP4 is released, or in April 2014, whichever comes first. The same applies for Office 2003, which is also at SP3 (released in September 2007). In other words, most users don't have to worry for almost five more years. The main difference between the two support packages is that Mainstream Support includes complimentary and paid support as well as bug fixes for all those who purchase a retail copy. Both support packages include free security updates, so all users will still receive security patches as Microsoft issues them, and the company will offer per-incident support via phone and Web for everyone. Customers who purchased a machine with XP on it will need to look to their OEM for support. Non-security hotfixes will be available to businesses that are enrolled in the Extended Hotfix Support program.