14 DAY TRIAL // Windows XP is officially an unsupported operating system, so it no longer receives patches and updates, which basically makes computers running it vulnerable to attacks as soon as cybercriminals find an unpatched security flaw.
The cost of the migration off Windows XP is one of the main reasons why some people decided to continue running their old operating system, but Microsoft is apparently working to make this a bit easier for a number of schools in West Virginia.
WVVA is reporting that the state’s public schools will receive free operating system upgrades from Microsoft, but only if the existing hardware can cope with the requirements of newer OS versions.
Of course, that clearly comes in handy to schools that were already trying to upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8, but the lack of funds have forced many to stick to Windows XP for at least several months until the budget is tweaked to allow newer systems.
Microsoft warns that computers sticking to Windows XP after end of support could become vulnerable overnight if hackers find unpatched flaws in the operating system, no matter if you’re running third-party protection or not.
“If you continue to use Windows XP now that support has ended, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Internet Explorer 8 is also no longer supported, so if your Windows XP PC is connected to the Internet and you use Internet Explorer 8 to surf the web, you might be exposing your PC to additional threats,” Microsoft says.
Since the costs of the transition to a newer OS are still delaying the move to Windows 8.1, Microsoft has decided to cut custom Windows XP support prices in order to make the whole process more affordable and allow enterprises and organizations across the world to spend more money on hardware upgrades than on efforts to keep Windows XP computers protected.
Word is that Microsoft is charging $250 (€180) for each computer running Windows XP that needs to receive more updates in the future, but the company can also negotiate deals in case more systems are involved.
Redmond has already signed agreements with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands to provide support for Windows XP computers used by the government, while other large banks across the world are also holding talks with the company to continue receiving updates for at least 12 more months.