Windows XP End of Support

Windows XP End of Support is on April 8th, 2014.

My old Windows XP machine (kids gaming system) popped up a warning saying that support is ending for Windows XP on April 8th (this coming Tuesday).  What does this mean for those using Windows XP?

This means no longer receiving the following for Windows XP:

• Technical assistance
• Windows updates
• Security updates
• Microsoft Security Essentials updates

"As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC. If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses."

So, what does Microsoft recommend?  Upgrade ($$) of course.  Microsoft has provided a tutorial for upgrading Windows XP to Windows 8.1 (assuming your old hardware meets the new minimum system requirements).  If your old hardware does not meeting the system requirements, then that leaves only two options, continue to run Windows XP and hope for the best, or buy a new computer.

There is actually one other option: switch to Linux (check out this fun animation).  The system requirements are significantly lower, and the security updates are free.