The Risk of Keeping Windows XP Beyond the End of Service Date



There are quite a number of operating systems in use today. Some use the Linux system, a portion uses Mac systems, and the vast majority uses Windows as their system of choice. Of the entire Windows version available, Windows XP was unrivalled. It was the operating system widely perceived as the best of it all. It was user-friendly and convenient when installing any program; this is because many programs and software were developed with XP as its platform. In fact, because it was so user-friendly that many are still going to use it even after its end of service date. If you don’t scrutinize the previous statement, you might think that it's not such a bad idea keeping this operating system for your computer. After all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it, right? This is the catch though, if it’s broke - no one’s going to bother helping you with it. No one…The end of service encompasses cease of support and development for Windows XP and all its programs and features. No more security updates onwards, and because of this, Microsoft cannot and will not address any vulnerability on your computer that might come henceforth. This is a cause of concern as hackers will eventually find ways to wreak havoc on your system and will leave you helpless with the situation. And when you do call Microsoft for tech support, you might get the most condescendingly polite tree-word-reply --”Told you so.”

Also, since Windows XP will be phased out, software developers will not use XP as their platform in creating a program or software. Imagine not being able to install the latest version of Call of Duty merely because of stubbornness. If one really doesn’t like the idea of migrating to the latest Windows version, the price is really this steep. And how about certain drivers of the devices installed on the computer? If the device installed goes haywire, where will you get the drivers to fix them considering that the manufacturer will not develop and provide the latest drivers for the device? Generic drivers might be available but it’s not guaranteed to work.

At the end of the day, many felt “iffy” with the decision of Microsoft. Some even felt “screwed” with what they have done, but it would be more ludicrous to not follow suit. Migrating to another operating system would cost, would take time, and would take much work; but it is something that needs to be done. Conventional wisdom would entail all to follow and turn the other cheek while those having the idiosyncrasy to defy would soon find out the bad choice they have made - after they are in a hole of a computer-related and operating system issue they have brought upon themselves.



Written and contributed by: Cherielyn Banac - Supportrix Tech Support Engineer

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