Microsoft XP – Going, going, gone!
As mentioned in our previous blog – ‘The End is Near!’ , from 8th April Microsoft will no longer support the Windows XP operating system and we suggest anyone still running XP on their PC or laptop should upgrade now.
What does “end of support” mean?
Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for XP. There will be no more “Microsoft updates” and if you run into a technical issue then Microsoft will not help your IT provider or support desk to solve the problem.
Why the urgency to upgrade?
Microsoft is continually updating your XP software with security patches to block vulnerabilities exploited by hackers and script-kiddies. However, after April 8 Microsoft will no longer provide these updates which means every day that passes by your system will become more exposed to Internet nasties.
What are the other implications of sticking with XP?
Apart from the increasing vulnerability of your computer to security threats, some of the other implications include:
• Support ends for compatible software products – You will find that other software, such as your antivirus product, might no longer be supported or updated.
• As a side note, support for Microsoft Office 2003 also ends on April 8.
• You may face compliancy issues – Businesses that are governed by regulatory obligations may find that they are no longer able to satisfy compliance requirements.
Which Windows operating system should you upgrade to?
The two popular choices are Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. You should upgrade to Windows 7 if you want an interface that looks similar to XP or upgrade to Windows 8.1 if you want the best performance and latest features. Contact us for more details on the differences between the versions, or take a look at our blog on Windows 8.1.
How do you upgrade?
Upgrading your software is only free if you are subscribed to Microsoft’s Software Assurance program (which incurs an annual fee). For most businesses you will need to purchase the Upgrade license version and depending on how many PCs you have you might benefit from discounted pricing as part of Microsoft’s Open License program.
To learn more about the end of XP you can visit the Microsoft website or contact us. To review your upgrade options give us a call on 02 9386 2900 today!