14 DAY TRIAL // Windows XP support is coming to an end and despite Microsoft’s efforts to move users to a newer platform, the 13-year-old OS version continues to power 29 percent of desktop computers worldwide.
One of the problems in the Windows XP saga is, Microsoft explains, the fact that users do not understand the risks of staying with an unsupported operating system, pointing out that the majority of computers could become vulnerable overnight if an unpatched security glitch is being discovered.
As time passes by and we’re moving closer to the retirement date, security experts across the world are joining Microsoft’s efforts and turn to more or less awkward analogies to emphasize that Windows XP support is coming to an end and all computers would become vulnerable to attacks very soon.
Sergio Galindo, general manager of GFI Software, a company that provides IT support to small and mid-sized businesses, told CNN in an interview that Windows XP “is like expired milk” and although users might be protected in the first days after end of support, things could change quickly in the next months.
“If you drink it one day after it expires, you're OK. But after a month, the risk is exponentially greater,” he said.
At the same time, Galindo also commented on the hardware upgrades that are required when moving from Windows XP to another operating system, pointing out that most user already need to boost their computers performance, so such an upgrade is welcome.
“If you're still running XP, chances are that your computer is at least 10 years old,” said Galindo. “Businesses might be better off updating their devices anyway.”
Galindo might actually make some sense because most of the computers running Windows XP are very old, which means that some new technologies and services are no longer supported. An upgrade to Windows 8.1 would obviously involve new hardware as well, so consumer would benefit not only from a completely new look and software capable of providing a new experience, but also from better performance to get things done quickly.
And still, many users do not share the same view on this and think that Microsoft should continue supporting Windows XP or even launch a so-called Windows XP Second Edition that would work on older computers and retain the familiar look of the 13-year-old OS. That’s not possible however, so those who want to remain secure after April 8 have no other option than to upgrade.