{DYK: Did you know that XP is estimated to be on 30% of all desktops in the world? Or around 30 million U.S. computers. }
Beginning, well, ending on April 8th of this year, Microsoft will stop supporting the XP platform and will no longer continue to provide any kind of security patches for XP.
They feel that they've already overextended the life-cycle of the OS.
Now if you're a major employer, they're being forced to update or upgrade all their computers from XP to the latest Microsoft operating system product. The reason they need to do this is because any XP based computer is "considered high risk for intrusion."
Which means larger targets for the aHoles that send out viruses, spyware and other malicious code.
And if you work in a moderately forward thinking or proactive organization, they'll be blocking or prohibiting XP machines from connecting to their networks.
But what does this mean for the little guy? Much actually.
If you want to upgrade, you more than likely do not have sufficient memory resources or even computing power to handle Microsoft's latest OS. SO not only are you looking at the cost of a new OS, but you may be looking at the cost of a new PC or laptop with the new OS.
Now will there be a huge onslaught of evil-doers out to destroy all XP machines? Experts are mixed on this prediction.
Me? I'd like to be "better safe then f... I mean sorry." I don't want to be the glowing example of what can happen if you don't update/grade.
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I get that supporting an older OS could be a monetary constraint on MS, but instead of absorbing that kind of cost with the bucks they rake in from their other endeavors, they'd rather abandon you.
Windows 8 looks very different and hence, well, annoying to try and figure out. I've been using it for some time now and I'm still trying to get used to the different ways it works.
So there's upgrading. Costly, time consuming, a PIA and again, may not work on the system you are using right now for your desktop or laptop.
You could decide to check out the PC's that carry Apple or Google based operating systems.
If you're going to dig in and not update, it is being recommended to check out Google Chrome or Mozilla FireFox. (You guessed it, the latest IE browser won't work on XP.)
If you're sticking it out, it's being recommended to stick with KNOWN (AKA Trusted) websites that you frequent, like your banking sits and such.
Start looking at Anti-Malware software or stay on top of keeping it and your Anti-Virus software up to date. I'd recommend a non-free version of the stuff. Things for free, well, I'm not knocking some of the free stuff out there, but you do get what you pay for.
Also, check on your firewalls or network hubs to make sure they're properly updated.
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It's crazy that MS is dissing the XP user, but money is money and they want to make more off of you by forcing you to buy their latest and greatest. Plus, whether they're in cahoots with any PC or laptop makers, I don't know, but this change will create an interesting influx of sales for new machines with Windows 8.
Go figure.
I see a lot of new laptops out there for under $400, and Walmart and the like have stuff for under $300, and even under $200.
But I WARN THEE!: Know what you want before you go. And be firm.
It's your money and the salespersons at these places don't give a s**t about your budget. They'll push little bits and pieces on you until you're suddenly looking at a $400 bill for what was once a $250 laptop. (Don't forget taxes and recycling fees and such that build up on the prices!)
Coming up at a later date, a piece on looking at new computers and what's out there.
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