The deadline is fast approaching. After 12 years, support for Windows XP will end on April 8, 2014. There will be no more security updates or technical support for the Windows XP operating system. Microsoft customers face Windows XP’s end-of-service deadline. How much will you suffer from the lack of support?
This is NOT new news, Microsoft announced the end of XP back in 2007 — more than two years before iPads hit the market, and long before a prolonged PC market slump seemed likely. In addition, technical support for Office 2003 also ends on April 8, 2014.
Main consideration to move off of Windows XP is Security. Without Windows XP updates, your system may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal or damage your business data and information. Anti-virus software will also not be able to fully protect you once Windows XP itself is unsupported.
Here is a list of four consideration when it comes to Windows XP deadline:
- Support from Microsoft. On April 14, 2009, Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows XP. That means you can’t get free support for any problems related to Windows XP. In addition, the only fixes Microsoft will provide for free are security patches. If there are other problems with XP, you won’t get fixes for those.
- User Account Control. Many people hated User Account Control (UAC) when first introduced. It has been improved with subsequent service pack releases. Now it is more configurable which means you can tune it to give you as few or many warnings as you want.
- More applications. All the programs are now being written does not include Windows XP. Most new software’s are not compatible with Windows XP. If you want that new software or utility, chances are it won’t work on XP.
- 64-bit computing. The reasons are a bit technical, but the upshot is that 64-bit is the future. While there were 64-bit versions of XP in the past, they aren’t for sale anymore, and are not for typical consumer use anyway
How do I stay protected? You have two options:
- Upgrade your current PC – Very few older computers will be able to run Windows 8.1, which is the latest version of Windows. We recommend that you download and run the Windows Upgrade Assistant to check if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8.1 and then follow the steps in the tutorial to upgrade if your PC is able.
- Get a new PC – If your current PC can’t run Windows 8.1, it might be time to consider shopping for a new one. Be sure to explore our great selection of new PCs. They’re more powerful, lightweight, and stylish than ever before—and with an average price that’s considerably less expensive than the average PC was 10 years ago.
365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT Services, IT Support Services, IT Outsourcing Services, Tech Support Services and Cloud Services.
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