In just over 23 days, we will finally reach Windows XP end of life – windows XP will be now more – well… not really, it will still exist, but you won’t get any updates from Microsoft for this operating system – EVER!
That is to say – after 12 year, Microsoft will not release security updates, or provide any form of support to you – and the same is true of Office 2003 – which also becomes “end of life” as of April 8th 2014. End of life in software terms means no more updates, and no more support!
So – what does that mean to me?
Well.. it means your security becomes a lot more “in the air” – and as Windows XP has had many, many, MANY exploits – it is ever more likely that your computer could become compromised. For that reason alone – you should – no…. MUST – get onto a newer Windows operating system.
If you’re in a complianced industry – you simply won’t be able to satisfy the regulators that you are properly patched – so you won’t be in compliance, and if/when a data-breach occurs – those fines that might come down will be massively increased.
Why must I get a new computer?
Most computers that were purchased with Windows XP installed aren’t going to be able to run Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 – some might be able to run Windows 7 – and you can check out the Windows 7 Hardware Requirements to know if you can upgrade to Windows 7.
What you should find though, is that manufacturers are going to make special deals for you to upgrade your computer – and if you’ve been using Windows XP – you might not get on well with windows 8 – we recommend you look at Windows 7 options.
Microsoft has some resources to get off XP that might be of use to you:
Windows XP //
Windows XP Support is ending
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