Hi All

I try not be to an alarmist, but I would like to remind Windows XP users, that it has reached its end of life. I found a lot of  users I have spoken to, are not aware of this and the consequences.

Windows  XP end of life

Windows XP end of life means support for Windows XP will end on April 8 2014. End of support means  no more security updates and bug fixes.

What are the consequences?

New software bugs and vulnerabilities are being discovered constantly on any operating system, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. Windows XP was released in 2001 and supported for over 12 years. Microsoft decided it is no longer viable to offer support. Windows XP will still function the same way as before. Nothing will change how it looks and the way it operates. You won’t find any difference while using your computer.

However if you are connected to the Internet, your computer will be more vulnerable to cyber attacks. You ma say, I have anti-virus protection, but if your PC’s operating system is vulnerable, an attacker is able bypass your anti-virus protection. After April 8, every day your PC becomes more vulnerable as attackers find new bugs and exploits. They won’t be fixed any-more. As time goes by, third-party software and device manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP as well. You go and buy a new printer or camera and you will not able to use them because there are no more drivers and software available for Windows XP.

Unless you use your PC in an isolated non Internet environment, you should not use Windows XP after April 8. You should upgrade your operating system and your PC. Your PC is most likely over 5 years old and it would impractical to upgrade to a newer version of Windows. Your PC may function but it will be very slow. The only way to keep your old PC is to install a Linux distribution. This may not practical for everybody but it may suit some people in certain scenarios. I will post a tutorial how to install Linux in the near future.