Windows XP, which was launched in October 2001, is three generations behind the latest operating system Windows 8 that hit markets in October 2012. The current XP version is called Windows XP Service Pack 3. Microsoft will end support for its popular Windows XP on Tuesday, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date.
Almost 65% of organisations still have a large portion of their PC base operating on Windows XP. The market till recently had adopted a mixed OS environment wherein enterprises used Windows XP the most. While users can still run XP after Tuesday, Microsoft says it will no longer provide security updates, issue fixes to non-security related problems or offer online technical content updates. The company is discontinuing XP to focus on maintaining its newer operating systems, the core programs that run personal computers.
Even today, 95% of all ATMs around the world runs on Windows XP OS, but several financial services firms are now considering migrating their fleets of ATMs from Windows XP to the open operating system Linux because If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
The Redmond, Washington-based company says it will provide anti-malware-related updates through July 14, 2015, but warns that the tweaks could be of limited help on an outdated operating system, reports, Associated Press, (AP).
If you're running Windows Vista or Windows XP, you can use Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant or Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant. You can also use Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to see if your programs and devices are compatible with Windows 8. Most programs and devices that work in Windows 8 will also work in Windows 8.1. |