14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will officially discontinue Windows XP on April 8, 2014, planning to move users to a newer platform, be it Windows 7 or 8.1.
Windows XP is still being used by more than 30 percent of consumers worldwide, according to third-party data, and software companies know this very well.
As a result, three of the biggest browser-developing companies on the market plan to support Windows XP beyond its retirement date, as they expect lots of users to stick to the ancient platform.
Google has already announced that Chrome will continue to work on Windows XP after April 8, 2014, while Opera Software recently told PC Pro in a statement that its browser would still be compatible with Microsoft’s old OS.
“Opera is used by millions of Windows XP users, and we will keep supporting Windows XP as long as it is popular among our users,” a spokesperson told the source.
Microsoft, on the other hand, hopes all users will move from Windows XP to a newer platform, pointing to Windows 8.1 as the right choice for all those looking to make the switch.
“Beyond security, Windows 8.1 adds a substantial set of new capabilities for business customers from advanced manageability and BYOD support, to mobility and networking. Windows 8.1 is designed to help organizations drive their business forward with increased productivity, whether it be through connected mobile scenarios to enable new business opportunities, or leveraging technology to better streamline existing processes,” Microsoft said in a recent statement.
Windows XP users don’t seem to care that Microsoft is planning to end support for their operating system, and many have decided to stick to this particular edition beyond the retirement date.
Security experts warn that this is a very risky decision, pretty much because hackers will try to exploit every single flaw found in the operating system.