Time to Say Goodbye to Windows XP?

[bmark240]

We've all been Windows users at some point. Even many hardcore Mac users today probably have a strong history with the much maligned operating system. One thing that everyone will probably agree with is this: Windows XP is one of the best operating systems that Microsoft has served us consumers. And now, it is time to say goodbye to Windows XP.

It's official now official. Support for Windows XP is ending on the 8th of August 2014. As is the norm with these things, users are given ample time to make the switch if necessary. For individual users, this should be an easy fix. The chances are you're using Windows 7 already anyway.

For businesses, though, especially the small to medium sized ones, the one-year breathing space might be more than necessary. After all, it’s not only about changing operating systems. Hardware upgrades and new purchases may also be called for. Then there’s the learning curve to get used to the changes.

Of course, one may opt to stick with Windows XP till their device dies on them. Microsoft is not stopping anyone from doing that, but without support for the software, it’s very much akin to having a car for which you can’t buy parts anymore. At the end of the day, you might as well make it easier on you then, by saying goodbye to Windows XP.

It is worth noting, though, that Microsoft has not scrimped on its efforts to convince people to stop using XP. In fact, they released an infographic wishing XP a happy retirement, urging people to upgrade to Windows 8. Considering the fact that 37.7 percent of PCs in the world are still running on Windows XP and Windows 8 is failing what is your opinion?

Infographic:

 

[Katzenfreund]

Well, I’m still on XP and see no reason to change before support runs out. And even after it does, the only thing that will affect me is the patching of the never ending security holes that will stop. We’ll see what effect that will have on keeping off malware with firewall and antivirus. Apart from patching holes, MS support doesn’t mean anything, they can keep it.

 

[bum4evr]

The only reason I am using 7 instead of XP is because I can, XP still works great and if 7 was not available for free then I would still be using XP -

 

[Dr Pickles]

As long as you have a good firewall and virus/malware program, W2K/XP are perfectly good. The concern is often critical application no longer supported/compatible.

 

[chrasna]

Office 2013 won't install on windows XP, so you can bet that MS will start doing that with other software as well.

Nothing wrong with XP, except that someday there will be no more software for it.

-Chris

 

[Tango]

I always upgrade Windows as soon as a RTM is released it always seems worthwhile.

It took a little getting used to Windows 8 metro desktop and no start menu, but a few tweaks and that's sorted, the only use I see for XP is for old x86 Pc's

 

[nevyn68]

I use XP and Vista on the kids PC and XP on my downloading PC.
I have Virus and Malware apps that keep me clean so Microcrap can take their support and run with it.
I've been using it for about 10 years now.
I am running win7 on my machine and again they can take win8 and run with it.
I will prob still be using XP for a while yet.

 

[Oldone3pp]

I don't use the pc anywhere near like you guys do, so xp and I can be together for a long time yet.

But I will be making a move to windows 7 at some stage in the future.

 

[jackie4]

XP died a few years back

 

[ashas_moon]

after windows 7, i said goodbye to XP. happy with 7.

 

[chrasna]

i use OS/2 Warp

 

[Dr Pickles]

I loved OS/2 ..until I got a Logitech mouse...

OS/2 Beta Team

 

[melmoste]

still the most stable OS they have produced, but do like W7

 

[Katzenfreund]

Microsoft will craft XP patches after April '14, but not for you

Computerworld - Just because Microsoft doesn't plan on giving Windows XP patches to the public after April 8, 2014, doesn't mean it's going to stop making those patches.

In fact, Microsoft will be creating security updates for Windows XP for months -- years, even -- after it halts their delivery to the general public.

Those patches will come from a program called "Custom Support," an after-retirement contract designed for very large customers who have not, for whatever reason, moved on from an older OS.

As part of Custom Support -- which according to analysts, costs about $200 per PC for the first year and more each succeeding year -- participants receive patches for vulnerabilities rated "critical" by Microsoft. Bugs ranked as "important," the next step down in Microsoft's four-level threat scoring system, are not automatically patched. Instead, Custom Support contract holders must pay extra for those.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9241912/Microsoft_will_craft_XP_patches_after_April_14_but_not_for_you?pageNumber=1

Well, I'm pretty sure these patches will find a way of leaking to blogs and warez boards.

 

[nevyn68]

As XP declines less and less hackers will try to crack them and they become safer.
"It's only logical" says Spock!

So I don't care if I have XP running on my download machine because everyday it's getting safer to use.