Windows EXPiration

As of late, I’ve been getting a lot of calls from clients, concerned about Microsoft stopping support for Windows XP on April 8 of this year. Let’s try to clear some of the panic surrounding this.

First off, XP will continue to function after support ends. Your system will turn on and run just fine. There are a few things that won’t be available to you anymore, though:

– You will no longer be able to call Microsoft for technical support.

– Automatic Updates won’t be available for your system.

– Microsoft Security Essentials will no longer be available for your system.

Though it may not be possible to install MS Security Essentials on your system, if it is already installed before April 8, you’ll continue to get security updates for it. I personally recommend third-party security/anti-virus software over Security Essentials.

The next question is, if these elements don’t mean all that much to you, what’s the big concern? If you use your PC for something that requires it always have the latest and greatest software, you may need to upgrade to a newer Operating System, or you’ll run into problems. Also, other companies will eventually stop writing drivers for XP. If you decide to buy something like a new printer down the road, there may be no way to install it on XP. Eventually, you will have to upgrade your system, though when that might be, is a different story.

What it basically boils down to is this:

– Unless you need to update your system now, don’t worry about it. When it does become necessary, decide what will work best for you. I recommend Windows 7, though a couple of my clients have switched to Linux with their older systems to get more power out of them, and prefer it. If your system is too far outdated, you may want a new PC all together. If you’re not sure which option is best for you, ask your technician, or feel free to call A-OK Computers at 661-972-9385.

The bottom line is this; you’ve got time.

Until you decide that you want to change your system, you don’t have to do anything.