Not all users who still have laptops and other PCs with Windows XP know Microsoft will discontinue the 12-year old OS on April 8th this year. This means the software maker will no longer support and update XP nor provide security patches, leaving those still running it more vulnerable to malicious threats than ever.
Furthermore, Microsoft will also phase out Windows XP version of Security Essentials anti-malware program, making the whole problem even worse for those who want or have to stick to XP instead of upgrading to Windows 7 or 8. According to some estimations, about 20% of all PCs in the world will still be running XP after its end of life. UPDATE: MSE’s life will be extended till July 2015.
XP users after April 8 will be able to improve security by installing third party anti-malware software in case they don’t already have it and by shutting off XP’s features which aren’t necessary for normal functioning of the OS, such as various services (Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Administrative Tools > Services).
A better option security-wise is to upgrade the OS, but even that isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
First, some people and businesses maybe use applications which are compatible with XP but not with Windows 7 or 8. True, in Windows 7 there’s XP compatibility mode option allowing XP-specific programs to run, but that feature is missing in Windows 8. So, if you want to run an XP-only app under Windows 8 you’ll have to install a virtual XP machine for that purpose. The problem here is that running a program via virtualization is more hardware-demanding than running it natively. Also, keep in mind that not all processors available in newer Windows 7 and 8 laptops support virtual machines.
Another issue is hardware compatibility. If you want to stick to your old laptop instead of purchasing a new one and choose the path of upgrading the OS only, you may encounter several problems. Your Wi-Fi card or graphics processor with no drivers for newer versions of Windows than XP may not work properly or at all under Win 7 or 8. The same goes for your old printer or scanner or some other peripheral device. The only realistic solution here is purchasing new hardware.
At the first glance, buying a new laptop only because of XP’s end of life may seem a costly solution, but it appears to be the best one and not so expensive after all. For instance, you can buy an entry-level laptop for as low as about $250 and the chances are it will run much faster than your 10+ year old XP machine you paid $1,000 back then. Plus, it will probably have new features incorporated such as touchscreen display and it will be very likely lighter and thinner than an XP notebook, not to mention a longer battery life and cooler operation.
For comparison, keeping your old computer and upgrading OS to Windows 7 or 8 will cost you at least $100. True, you can always try to migrate to some free OS such as Ubuntu Linux, but in both cases there’s no guarantee that installation will succeed nor that your old laptop will be fully functional after the upgrade.
Still running XP on your laptop? What will you do after April 8th?