Windows Xp Obsolete?

[SpikeyBush]

My son has come to me in a blind panic having heard rumours that Windows XP is going to become obsolete and if your computer won't put up with Vista or above you need a new machine. What's the SP here? Anyone else heard anything of this ilk?

[Gromit]

It will not be obsolette, but Microsoft is ending support for it, and other old software on April 8th 2014.

That means no more security updates after that date. If you run antivirus software you will probably be OK.

Your PC will still function exactly the same, but you may find future software releases from Microsoft will not run on it.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/enterprise/endofsupport.aspx

[FredPuli43]

The very reasons that I just bought a refurbished Windows sp are set out above. Pius Windows 8, which I have on my other pc, drives me mad!

[Gromit]

I might get one of these...

http://store.apple.com/uk/buy-mac/mac-pro

[jeffa]

All I can say to that, Gromit, is that you have more money than sense!

[Buenchico]

As Gromit states, it's only (so-called) 'support' for XP that is to end. Given that many XP users (myself included) disabled Windows updates years ago, it's unlikely to make a lot of difference!

[galeck1947]

By not considering an upgrade to at least Windows 7 if you continue to use it then you will very prone to virus infections and by becoming infected your computer will put other users at risk. Microsoft has already stated that the virus writers are already reengineering old virus's to take advantage of the support ending, Also antivirus companies wont be supporting the obsolete OS either.

[VHG]

Windows 7 has much more security "built in" to the product than Windows XP ever had.

Moving from XP to W7 will give you a much more secure operating system, as well as being more up to date with on going security updates.

[tamborine]

I received a new W8 lappy/wifi printer & soppy Reg number for MsOffice to download from www) instead of CDs. Its set up now but I find it untidy. The Desktop full of icons that open as I blink drives me mad; continuity is constantly broken. I find the layout similar to Apple setup.

I've returned to trusted WXP & hardware atm till I hit a disaster - 'time warp' for me

[TTG]

tambourine...download and installing "classic shell" for windows 8 might help. Have a look at it on youtube.