Today, Microsoft Ends Support of Windows XP. End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, online technical assistance. Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it's no longer supported. Windows XP Service Pack 3 had April 14, 2009 as End of mainstream support and April 8, 2014 is last date for End of extended support.
After April 8, 2014, Technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC, also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date.
If the users continue to use Windows XP after this date, Their computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
What are the risks of running Windows XP after Support Ends?
Before we know the risks, let`s have a look on the summary for Windows XP operating system.
Windows XP :
Windows XP became the most widely used operating system worldwide in a short time after its release. It`s easy GUI and user-friendly navigation makes it most popular world-wide. In India, Mostly PCs are running on Windows XP even today.
- Windows XP was released on October 25, 2001 which was built on the Windows 2000 kernel.
- Retired from retail stores as boxed software in 2008.
- Stable , Reliable, Usable and Fast.
- Available in 25 languages
- Fast user switching
- Network assistant
- Remote control for the diagnosis (Remote assistant)
- Simplified user interface
- Windows Media Player
- Internet Explorer 6.0
- Windows Movie Maker
- Navigation with start Menu, Taskbar and Control Panel are more intuitive.
- Supports different Editions; Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP 64-bit Edition (2001), Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (2002).
- Windows XP SP1 came on August 30, 2002 and its Support retired on October 10, 2006.
- Windows XP SP2 came on September 17, 2004 and its Support retired July 13, 2010.
- Windows XP SP3 came on April 21, 2008 and which is Available now.
- Microsoft has provided support for Windows XP for the past 12 years.
[READ] An Overview on History of Windows OS
Risk of Using Windows XP After Support Ends :
The risks of using Windows XP after Microsoft stops future support includes the attacks of viruses, malware on your system that can result into theft of your confidential information etc.
This step will affect many users world-wide. Mostly computer systems are running on Windows XP in homes, Schools, Colleges or Universities, Organizations etc. in India.
- Attacks of Viruses, Malware might increase
- Easy for hackers to access your data
- No support for New Software
- No Support for new update versions of existing Software
- No further download support of Microsoft Security Essential
- Old Browsers will increase the online risk of security
You are thinking why support ends for windows XP?
Actually, To use the resources better, Microsoft is insisting that you move on to Windows 7 or more preferably Windows 8.1. They includes more updated features and security etc.
Microsoft suggests its users to upgrade the operating system or buy a new PC. Users can Install Windows later versions if the configuration of their PC qualifies the minimum system requirements for new operating system. If this is not so, they have to buy a New PC.
How can you keep continue using Windows XP :
If some users are not able to upgrade or buy a new PC and want to keep using their existing system. They can. Know these precautions to keep using your old system ;
You can keep using windows XP in your Home PC if you have Windows XP Setup Disc available using security software of third party providers. Although, It could be a risky for organizations.
- Users who keep continue using XP have a risk in online security. You should use a up to date antivirus software. But, that`s not a guarantee that you are 100% safe but at some extent. Use a firewall software along with antivirus.
- You should use latest service pack of Windows XP i.e. service pack 3 as it includes more updates and security.
- You should keep a restore disc of your system as in case if your data might get corrupted etc.
- Install any Other updated Internet Browser etc.
You’ll need to upgrade or replace hardware with newer equipment.
Windows XP End of Support i.e. technical assistance, hotfixes and security updates to protect Windows XP computers and devices, will affect not only the computers but the many other devices as well including Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, and medical devices etc. Upgrade or Buy a new PC to keep your data safe and secure from attackers.
Have Fun!
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