Hi There You may or may not have heard that the world’s most popular computer operating system Windows XP has now finally reached its end of life status. As of Today i.e. the 8th April 2014 all Microsoft support for Windows XP will be ceased including the ability to download and install Microsoft products such as Microsoft Security essentials. Also Office 2003 support will be ceased at the same time. So how does this affect you and your business? See the FAQ below to find all the key answers you need… 1. Q: So what exactly happens on the 8th of April? A: Don’t panic! Your Windows XP computer will turn on and run just the same as it always has. However you will no longer receive Windows updates to fix security vulnerabilities within Windows XP. This means that when a flaw is found in XP that allows a Virus or Hacker to exploit the operating system, Microsoft will not release any patches to fix the issue! This leaves anyone using XP very vulnerable indeed. Anyone who has Microsoft security essentials currently installed will receive virus definition updates until July 2015. After that there will be no Anti-virus protection from Microsoft available. 2. Q: Why are Microsoft doing this? A: New technologies are not just hardware based. Windows is built around a core that was released in 2001! and software technology has come a long way since then. Newer versions of Windows have much more powerful core components that allow software to do much more. Microsoft have already stretched XP to its limits and extended support in the past but sadly it’s just no longer feasible. 3. Q: How will this affect me in the short term and long term until I can upgrade? A: In the short term you will still be able to use your computer normally. However many companies that release new products such as printers, cameras, scanners etc. will not invest in developing drivers or software for Windows XP, meaning you won’t be able to use new hardware. Also many common applications such as CAD software and accounting software will cease to develop their products for Windows XP from the 8th of April. In fact there are already many products out there without Windows XP support such as Office 2013. 4. Q: So how can I upgrade? And does this mean I will need a new computer? A: Upgrading is pretty straightforward and we do all the hard work with moving your data and programs over to the new version of Windows or a new computer if required. If your computer already meets the hardware requirements of the newer version of Windows then you should be able to get away without investing in any components. We will always check to make sure that not only if your computer is compatible, but also advise on any recommended upgrades to insure you get the best performance from your machine and get the best Windows experience possible. 5. Q: So which version of Windows do I need to upgrade to? A: You have 2 options here. There is Windows 7 and Windows 8. Windows 7 has a more traditional Start button like XP and will be very easy to adjust to from moving up from Windows XP. This would be the best option if you have only really ever used XP or Windows Vista. Windows 8 has a new radical start menu and moves away from the traditional Windows look and feel. It is however very customizable and features many new built in apps and features that are designed to be used with Microsoft cloud services. We can also set up a Windows 7 mode which replicates the traditional start menu very well within Windows 8. 6. Q: I use software that will only work in XP and cannot be used on any other version. What can be done about this? A: Again you have 2 options here. If you decide to purchase a new computer, then you could just continue to use the Windows XP machine but make sure it is off the internet to prevent possible virus infections, and only use it just for that one program you have. A huge bonus with Windows 7 Pro and Windows 8 Pro is that both have Hyper-V virtualisation tools. This means that a virtual Windows XP machine can run within Windows 7 and 8 giving you access to your old programs that you still use. It sounds complicated but we do the hard work and show you how to use it. We promise it’s dead easy! Feel free to drop us a line if you need any help or advise by emailing [email protected] or calling 01626 330330 windows.microsoft/en-us/windows/end-support-help
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 18:29:55 +0000
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