China bans Windows 8 on government PCs over XP grudge

News hit the web that the Chinese government has banned the use of Windows 8 on government PCs to "ensure computer security" after Microsoft ended support for its Windows XP operating system.

Instead of switching to a more modern operating system, the Chinese government decided it would be best to stick with Windows XP on most government PCs. China says it will patch XP itself, rather than pay large fees to Microsoft for continued support such as the UK government has agreed to.

It's not immediately clear how sticking with the unsupported Windows XP rather than the regularly updated Windows 8 will improve security. The comment may also related to the growing rift between China and the U.S. over spying by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). Amid accusations that the NSA is intercepting shipments of hardware and software from American companies and modifying them with spying features, China is looking to avoid government use of hardware made in America.

Even if that was what China was hinting at, the prohibition notice was aired in an odd spot as it was put in an energy efficiency notice.

Source: DailyTech