XP End of Life

What does the end of support for XP mean to you?

Microsoft has provided support for Windows XP for the past 13 years. But they have decided that now the time has come to invest resources toward supporting more recent technologies so that they can continue to deliver great new experiences.

As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. (If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive anti-malware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC.) 

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. Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter greater numbers of apps and devices that do not work with Windows XP.



What to do now…

If you are not able to upgrade to Windows 7 at this time here are some tips to do before April 8th:

1. Make sure all your Windows updates are complete

2. Download, install and use either Firefox or Chrome for your browser

3. Take this system offline, if you are keeping this XP system to run an older application or hardware that is not compatible with the newer versions of Windows then eliminate the threat of attack by removing the ability to connect to the internet

4. If you are unable to go offline then you can run XP in Virtual Mode (Windows 7 Professional includes Windows XP Mode, allowing anyone that buys it the ability to setup a Windows XP virtual machine without having to buy a Windows XP license)

 

Time to get a new PC

If your current PC can’t upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.1, it might be time to consider a new one. SMH offers a great selection of new custom PCs at competitive prices made here in the United States. They’re more powerful and robust than ever before—and with an average price that’s considerably less expensive than the average PC was 10 years ago.

New systems can be ordered with Window Pro 8.1 and take advantage of the downgrade rights to Windows 7 Pro. This will make sure that you are secure and future proof, as you can enjoy the benefits to Windows 7 and when the timing is right upgrade to Windows 8.1.