Ask Leo: Should You Stop Using Windows XP?

should you stop using Windows XP?

Will someone provide security updates for Windows XP after Microsoft stops supporting it?

By Leo Notenboom

My six-year-old Windows Dell desktop, Windows XP, SP3 runs just as well now as when it was new. Do you think there will be a software company or anyone who will provide security updates for all of the many Windows XP users after Microsoft stops supporting in April 2014?

In this excerpt from Answercast #7, I discuss the ramifications of Windows XP security and the various programs that run within it. You can certainly keep using it as long as it functions and you feel comfortable.

Windows XP support

In short, no. Old versions of Microsoft operating systems are well past their support date and nobody has stepped up to actually do what you’re suggesting; nor do I suspect that Microsoft would actually support that.

Windows XP does have a large installed base today. It’s just under half of all computers on the planet. That number is dropping and I believe that neither Microsoft nor some other company (even if Microsoft would let them) are really going to be that interested in supporting a market that is only by definition going to get smaller over time.

Article Continued Here

This post is excerpted with permission from Leo Notenboom.

Stop Responding to Threats.
Prevent Them.

Want to get monthly tips & tricks?

Subscribe to our newsletter to get cybersecurity tips & tricks and stay up to date with the constantly evolving world of cybersecurity.

Related Articles