WINDOWS XP XPIRING

In the Fall of 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP to the public.  The XP operating system allowed greater compatibility, more customizations and easier networking making it the most popular operating system for the better part of 10 years.  Since the release of Windows XP, Microsoft released Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.  In an effort to maintain compatibility, current support and a reliable level of security for all of its new(er) operating systems, Microsoft will no longer be supporting Windows XP as of April 8th 2014.

One question you should ask yourself is, “How will this affect my computers still running Windows XP?”  It’s important to note, Windows XP does not have a self-destruct timer ticking away in your machines.  Your screens will not go black and your files will not mysteriously disappear after April 8th.  Every Microsoft operating system is supported in the form of Windows/Microsoft Updates.  As Microsoft becomes aware of compatibility concerns, security issues and defects within the operating system, they release updates to correct them. As part of agreements you enter by accepting their (End User License Agreement) EULA and hardware developers enter through their own agreements, you are entitled to 10 years of support for your copy of Windows (5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support).  The “End of Life” for Windows XP simply means you will no longer be receiving these updates.

The most important part of this life cycle, as it affects you, is the security updates.  Malicious people and companies are constantly coming up with ways to manipulate Windows and other software to gain access to your machines, your data and your resources.  As Microsoft becomes aware of these “vulnerabilities”, they will release updates to correct them.  Flash Tech and other specialists speculate these malicious people are waiting for the “End of Life” for Windows XP to release all new attacks on anyone still running this operating system.  As of October 1st 2013, Microsoft estimated nearly 1/3rd of all machines in use today are still running Windows XP.  Without updates from Microsoft, these machines will all be far more susceptible to adware and viruses, relying only on third party security programs to protect them.

If you have any other questions about the Microsoft “End of Life” cycle, upgrading an older machine and/or moving your data to a machine running a new(er) operating system, feel free to contact Flash Tech., Inc., today.  You can also reference the Microsoft article, below.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/enterprise/endofsupport.aspx