Launched over a decade ago, Microsoft’s Windows XP has been part of the staple diet for business and home users since 2001. In recent years Microsoft’s Vista and Windows 7 have been launched as part of the constant evolution of Microsoft’s operating system, culminating in the most recent launch of Windows 8 in 2012. But now it is all change for XP customers. As of April 2014, Microsoft will no longer be supporting Windows XP.
Here in this blog, we hope to show you what this means for you and your business along with the risks it can bring.
What this means for you?
They are casting the operating system aside.
They will no longer provide security patches and updates for the system to keep up with the latest types of cyber-attacks and malware.
If you are still using XP and a virus attacks your system, put simply; Microsoft will not provide any assistance.
Microsoft has estimated that it may take some companies at least a year to transfer to a newer operating system such as Windows 7 or 8. This can be attributed to the fact that many companies use specific software packages that are designed to only work on the XP operating system.
What will Microsoft do?
Microsoft have already delayed the shut off date for Windows XP on a previous occasion due to demand from their unprepared client base. But now, they will not take calls on it as they have issued several reminders and informed their customers on numerous occasions.
Put simply, when the first serious virus attacks XP in April; Microsoft will not assist you with it. As of 24th October 2013, 90% of large scale companies have migrated or are in the process of moving to Windows 7 or 8.
Dangers of still running Windows XP:
- XP is currently not enough to defend against cyber attacks
- After April 2014, businesses running XP will become even more vulnerable to malware and attacks; people designing these viruses are designing them for operating systems that are updated versions of XP; thus leaving the older operating system in a much more precarious position
- XP is currently 21 times more likely to be infected by malware/viruses than Windows 8
- PCs and their data could be hacked, with sensitive data being compromised
- If a segment of sensitive customer data is lost after a system attack by a virus, a business could face legal action from a customer who may have suffered loss
- 3rd party applications will no longer be supported, such as Java updates, Adobe Reader and Flash
- Software such as Sage, TAS books etc. will no longer be supported on Microsoft XP
- Certain websites won’t operate correctly without Java and Flash updates, including Internet banking
Here at Echo IT, we have been informing clients of this impending change at Microsoft. We recommend that customers make provisions in the near future for changing to a newer operating system.
For further information and advice call us on 067-56888 or via email at info@echoit.ie
An article on this subject can be found on http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/ignore-the-windows-xp-deadline-and-you-could-be-in-for-a-nasty-shock-29695453.html
Echo IT is a Professional IT Services Company from County Tipperary, Ireland. We provide IT sales and support to home and business users around Tipperary and surrounding counties. We are official agents for Dell PCs and Laptops, Toshiba Laptops, OKI Printing Solutions, F-Secure Antivirus Software, Microsoft Office, Office 365, Sage Accounting Software and Cisco Networking Solutions. As a Comreg Registered ISP, we enable remote areas of North Tipperary with the power to surf the Web.
Founded in 2001, Echo IT is a private limited company.
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