14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is no longer keeping Windows XP alive, so since April 8, this old operating system doesn't receive any other patches and security fixes, which means that computers still running it could become vulnerable to attacks when an unpatched flaw is found.
And still, 25 percent of the desktop computers worldwide are still running Windows XP, which shows that not everyone is ready to make the switch to another operating system just because Microsoft stopped providing updates and security patches.
These users are often trying to customize the interface of Windows XP with all kind of tweaks, and the screenshot you're seeing here is living proof that although it's unsupported, this ancient OS version can still look good these days.
Posted by DeviantArt user evildarklxs, the screenshot shows a Windows XP SP3 installation that has been modified with WinStep Ultimate Nexus, Xlaunchpad, and CD Art Display in order to obtain a completely different look. The Apple Glass visual style has also been used to change the window appearance.
In the meantime, Microsoft keeps telling users that Windows XP is no longer a secure operating system and recommends everyone to switch to another platform as soon as possible, just to make sure that their data is not exposed in case someone finds an unpatched vulnerability.
“In the past 12 years you’ve probably gotten a new phone, maybe a new TV, and possibly even a new car. Maybe it’s time for a new PC too, so you can make sure you have more memory and storage, faster processing speeds, and a higher-quality display (some even come with touch). And they’re less expensive than you might think,” Microsoft said in a statement.
“We support our older operating systems much longer than most other businesses in this industry, but we can’t keep supporting old operating systems and still move forward creating new and better products. We’ve been supporting Windows XP for the past 12 years—that's longer than we've supported any other operating system in our history and already two years longer than the standard ten years of support we normally provide. It’s time for us to look ahead so we can create better products and services for you and all our customers.”
And still, not everyone wants to abandon the good old Windows XP, so it would probably take years until everyone moves to a different operating system. It remains to be seen, however, if the upcoming Windows 9 has what it takes to get users off XP.