Windows XP is now "End of Life"

By The IT Dept

09 Apr 2014

by The IT Dept.

Q. End of Life? What does that mean?

A. Microsoft’s most popular operating system ever, Windows XP has been with us since Oct 2001. It is still installed on almost 30% of computers. Microsoft bring out newer, more secure, operating systems every 3 years or so and they are now retiring Windows XP, so that they can stop having to support it.

Q. How does that affect me?

A. After 8th April Microsoft will no longer release security patches for Windows XP. Hackers are forever attempting to discover new vulnerabilities in the operating system of your computer, which could allow them to gain control. If you are still using Windows XP then the chances of a successful hack, or virus infection, of your system will quickly grow over the next few weeks.

Q. How do I know if I have Windows XP?

A. Click the “Start” button. You should see either “Run” or a blank white box. Type “winver” and hit the Enter key. This should bring up a box showing information on the version of Windows that you have. Also, if you do have Windows XP you’ve probably had annoying pop-up messages from Microsoft, warning you of its end-of-life status.

Q. Why should I care? There’s nothing worth stealing on my computer!

A. Don’t be so sure. All of your banking details? All of those photos you’d rather keep private? All of your friends email addresses? Your Facebook log-in details? Also, any new hardware or software will probably not work with Windows XP.

Q. What do I need to do then?

A. You need to upgrade from Windows XP to a newer operating system, with the choice currently being either Windows 7 or Windows 8.

Q. Is this a free upgrade?

A. No. Microsoft isn’t one of the world’s most profitable companies for nothing. You either need to buy a new computer, which will come with a new operating system, or you could buy a Windows 7 or 8 licence and upgrade your PC from DVD.

Q. So, what will it cost?

A. A new computer can cost anywhere from £350, but for a decent spec, business-grade PC, expect to pay more like £450. A copy of Windows 7 or 8 on DVD can be bought for £85 or so.

Q. The new licence sounds a cheaper option. Is that best?

A. Probably not. A computer running Windows XP is almost certainly too “old” in computer terms anyway. You would not find that upgrading it would suddenly make it run any better. In fact, the reverse may well be true; and it is possible that the computer simply won’t accept the upgrade. This isn’t for the faint-hearted though, so seek advice first!

Q. Will Microsoft offer any advice or support on upgrading?

A. The effective answer is “no”. You can find material on Microsoft’s websites, but this tends to be factual information regarding the cut-off dates and why they are doing this. You should contact your IT Support Company or a local, independent computer shop for serious advice.

Q. April 8th? That doesn’t leave me much time, does it?

A. No, but “Don’t Panic”. We recommend upgrading as soon as possible, not only because your computer will become more vulnerable, but because the very fact that it is running on Windows XP means that an upgrade is well overdue anyway. We would definitely advise making the move before May 31st 2014, which gives you some planning time without taking too many risks with your PC.

Q. OK, I’m willing to upgrade, but should I go with Windows 7 or Windows 8?

A. This really depends on what you use the computer for. The two operating systems are much the same “under the bonnet”, but they look very different in use. (Microsoft would tell us that Windows 8 has much greater security built in, which is true, but not of great importance to businesses with good IT support). In our opinion, Windows 7 is more suited to business users, whereas Windows 8 is better for home users, especially those with a touch screen computer.

Windows 7 looks more like Windows XP, so the inevitable learning curve is much less onerous for a normal computer user than is the case with Windows 8.

Windows 8 is also targeted more at “social” use, rather than business use.

Q. What if my business critical software will only run on Windows XP?

A. You could run a “virtual” instance of Windows XP within your new computer. Or, could you keep one or two PCs separate from the rest of the network, just for running that software? But, your best option is to accept that the time has come to also upgrade that software, which has to happen sooner or later.

Q. Wow. This is more involved than I thought. What do I do next?A. Speak to The IT Dept about your best options, as there may be different solutions for different people. As Microsoft Partners we are very well placed to offer you the right advice, with the minimum of confusion.

Enjoyed this? Read more from The IT Dept

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin