Computer Repair in Kalamazoo

You’ve seen it in the news.  Geek Easy Computers has posted about it.  April 8, 2014.  But what does it truly mean for you, the consumer?  The “Death” of Windows XP: Demystified!

The retail life (availability) of Windows XP has passed and now the support of the OS is rapidly approaching approaching the end of the line.  But first – here are some things you may not know about XP.

• Microsoft’s 12-year-old Windows XP operating system powers 95 percent of the world’s automated teller machines, according to the largest ATM supplier in the US. XP runs in the background powering the software that bank customers interact with to withdraw money. An upcoming Windows XP support change from Microsoft will mean ATMs will need to be upgraded/modified throughout 2014.

• XP first appeared at the end of 2001. As late as 2010, computers were still sold with XP installed. Windows Vista, which arrived 6 years after XP, only lasted until 2011

• At this point, Windows XP is still powering approximately 28-31% of computers worldwide.

Now down to the nitty gritty.  What does this all mean for you?  Well first off, let’s clear one thing up.  Windows XP will not suddenly stop working on April 8th.  As a matter of fact, you wont see any difference. Nothing will change on your computer.  You can keep right on using XP for as long as you wish.  But we wouldn’t recommend it.

Why?  Mainly because this means Microsoft will not be releasing any more security updates for XP, for the typical user.  Not having current security updates means that your computer will become progressively more susceptible to flaws and exploits by hackers.  If the computer is never connected to the Internet, then this is a moot point.  But if it is connected, it’s a matter of when, not if you get compromised.

This isn’t something new.  It’s what Microsoft has always done.  Microsoft has done the same with Windows 95, 98 and ME. The next end of life is April 11, 2017 for Vista and Windows 7’s is January 14, 2020. Due to its proliferation & popularity, Microsoft extended XP’s end-of-life date several times. XP should have been gone years ago.

XP is showing its age.  It doesn’t have the security features of Windows 7, nor can it support the latest and most secure versions of web browsers.  Many 3rd party developers have already stopped supporting Windows XP.

Bottom line, if you keep using Windows XP past the end-of-life date, you run an increasing risk of virus infection or worse – identity theft.  So what should you do about it?  The easiest option would be to stop in and talk to the operating systems experts at Geek Easy Computers about your options and let them help you plan your migration to Windows 7 or even Windows 8!  We know moving to a new operating system can be a confusing, and often frustrating process.  Our goal is to make your technology easier, so leave it in our hands!  We’ll get you upgraded and back to business in no time.  Don’t wait till the deadline, stop in or give us a call now!