14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will no longer provide updates and security patches for Windows XP as of April 8, 2014, so the tech giant and its partners are now trying to get users off the ancient operating system.
The Computer Emergency Response Team-India (CeRT-IN) is one the latest important names that joined Microsoft’s efforts to move consumers to a newer platform.
"The end of support of Windows XP Operating System means that Microsoft will not provide security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support and any online technical support for the Windows XP,” CeRT-IN said in a security advisory according to Business Standard.
“In the absence of patches and security updates for the Windows XP OS, the computer systems would be at greater risks and could be easily compromised by the hackers.”
Microsoft’s executives called for partners to support the transition from Windows XP during the company’s Worldwide Partner Conference 2013 in Houston, Texas, explaining that this is a big opportunity for businesses all over the world.
Windows XP is currently powering approximately 37 percent of computers worldwide and even though some companies have expressed their intention to move to Windows 7, there are lots of users who prefer to stick to the ancient operating system.
“There would also be compliance issues due to un- supported and un-patched components in the IT infrastructure which may result in non-compliance and suspension of certifications by the certifying and auditing organizations. The software vendors and hardware manufacturers will also stop support for Windows XP on their new versions and models,” CeRT-IN explained.
Microsoft will soon debut the stable version of Windows 8.1, the first major update for Windows 8, so the company expects the number of users who move off XP to grow up significantly. Windows 8 is yet to impress though, as only 5 percent of computers worldwide are currently running it.