Everything about the official closing of Windows XP by Microsoft

Windows XP comes to an end. Or so it seems. Several years ago that this operating system has on the expiry date. After next April and no more security updates for this platform, a move by Microsoft to affect tens of millions of users and businesses will be launched to still use this operating system.

In fact, recent data known about the use of this system are that still access the Internet through this platform more than one in five computers in the world, a figure that doubles for example the market share of the new Windows 8. And it is very possible that this end raises many doubts in many users. What will happen to my computer? Will you still running Windows XP after April? What are the risks of keeping XP after this date? What are your options to upgrade your computer? We try to resolve all doubts about this change.

What does that mean “the end”?

The order means that simply fail to launch Microsoft security updates for Windows XP from next April. The U.S. Company has a policy of publishing a monthly series of updates to its main products, including different versions of Windows. It has long been known that the purpose of security patches come in April 2014, but still many companies (and users) that are used today this version of Windows.

So, can I still use Windows XP? Is it compatible with applications?

Yes. In the same way as until now. In fact, most antivirus companies have already announced that they will continue releasing versions of its security products compatible with Windows XP. Course it is normal that in the months and years more and more applications hit the market designed to work with Windows XP. As always, the program compatibility with this version depend largely on the popularity continues to have among the users. Regarding the applications that were already compatible with XP, they may continue to use without any problem.

Where is the real danger?

It is in the passage of time. Every month new security holes are exploited by cyber criminals discovered. The problem is that the holes that are discovered are not close now, so their number will increase every month. And the antivirus and other security solutions will not be sufficient protection (even though the companies have announced the continuation of its products for Windows XP were also warned that they will not be able to tackle all threats). If you are a home user, you probably get this growing danger obliquely. But in the case of handling sensitive information especially in companies, continue betting on Windows XP will become an increasingly pressing problem.

And what about Office 2003?

In April it will also mark the end of support for Office 2003. The popular office suite will no longer receive security updates. Although there are risks to this set of applications, in general the impact on the safety of the equipment will be less. Clear that as that with Windows XP, the danger will increase gradually as the months and years pass.

I decided to upgrade my computer. What are my options?

If you had a computer or multiple computers with Windows XP, it’s probably a good time to raise migration and buy a new computer. The current market offers several interesting options. On one hand, users who want a similar environment to Windows XP will probably find your best option in Windows 7. It is a platform that improves various aspects at the interface level and especially performance and stability, but that the fund has the same structure as Windows XP. Manufacturers like HP are campaigning to encourage the purchase of equipment with this operating system.

Moreover, the users who want a more modern experience or even discover the tactile world may choose Windows 8. The platform also includes several enhancements to security and performance level, but the truth is that they have been quite obscured by the controversy that has raised its touch interface. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8 may continue to use a majority of the programs that worked in XP, but surely SMEs and companies in general will face more of a headache to ensure correct operation of applications in new equipment.

Finally, another alternative option that gives us the market is betting on the Chrome OS operating system. This system is based largely on its performance in the network and online applications, but increasingly has a greater number of functions that can be enjoyed without having connection. It is a system that has a very similar interface and the Chrome browser is becoming very popular in the U.S., but here in Europe has little relevance to date. Its great advantage is that it is a very economical choice, but the negative point is found at a lower compatibility with classic desktop applications. It is the most radical of which can be taken to change to XP.

Microsoft has developed several pages with some promotions and options to make the leap to Windows 8, especially for SMEs, in addition to information about the process of change. You leave the links.