What is up with Windows XP?


You are probably starting to hear about the need to upgrade your Windows XP computers.  Why do you need to upgrade?  Windows XP isn't going to suddenly stop working, or require you to pay money or anything.  Microsoft is going to discontinue updating the software after April of 2014.

Updates to Windows XP might not seem like such a big deal, but at the moment, XP is one of the most vulnerable operating systems to viruses, worms and many other forms of malware.  Security programs like antivirus and antimalware need a secure copy of Windows to protect.

Additionally, the demands that newer programs and accessories place on Windows require constant testing and upgrades to be compatible.  You might have already noticed that some websites tell you that you need the latest version of Internet Explorer and Microsoft isn't making Internet Explorer 9 or 10 XP-compatible.

Regardless of how you might feel about Microsoft's business decisions, the fact remains that your productivity and perhaps even your business can be impacted by continuing to use Windows XP past April 2014.

Now is the time to plan any hardware replacements to get you out of Windows XP.  I say hardware replacements because practically any computer using Windows XP today will have difficulty with Windows 7 or Windows 8.  While you might be able to install the software, it might have problems with your older hardware, making it unstable or features such as camera card readers or printers being unavailable.

We're happy to help you plan your Windows XP transition. Call, write or drop in!


Wade Stewart is the Managing Member of Stewart and Son Computer Services, LLC in University Place, WA and serves as a trusted partner to many local small and medium sized businesses.

You can read more from Wade at Stewart and Son by visiting the following blog sites: http://stewartandson.wordpress.com/
http://smokingwires.blogspot.com/

Content Copyright Wade Stewart (C) 2013

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