 Statistically, more computers run Windows XP than all the other
Windows operating systems combined. Perhaps it's because XP works
and people know how to use it that users have not migrated to newer
offerings. Perhaps it's because the next operating system out of the
chute after XP was Windows Vista, which most users labeled a
miserable failure. But, users cling to their beloved XP and are not
looking forward to the April 8, 2014, termination date given by
Microsoft.Many computers loaded with XP continue to chug on. As
long as they continue to serve the needs of the user, there seems to
be no need to upgrade the operating system. Many users who purchase
new computers opt to install Windows XP on them because of the ease
of use and familiarity with XP.
But this 2014 deadline is likely more about pushing XP users to
abandon beloved XP and buy a new operating system, which would make
money for Microsoft. As long as you continue to use XP, Microsoft
isn't making any new money on you.
What the loss of Microsoft support really means is that Microsoft
will no longer issue updates to the operating system. These updates
are things like bug fixes, drivers for new equipment and security
updates. It is a signal to you, the computer user, that you should
abandon old things and move on to new. It is also a signal to
developers that they should move on and abandon XP also.
Since XP is stable, time-tested, well-known and understood, and
there continues to be such a large installed base, third-party
providers and developers will likely continue to provide support and
compatibility for XP.
Windows XP has stood the test of time. Fewer and fewer bug fixes
are coming out all the time. There are existing applications that
have problems with XP now, and users have invented work-arounds to
continue to use their favorite operating system with their favorite
programs.
After the deadline of April 8, 2014, new equipment connected to
XP may not find a Windows-native driver available for it. However,
the hardware manufacturer will likely have an XP driver if the
largest installed base of Windows continues to be XP.
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Finally, Microsoft continues to issue a continuous stream of
security updates for all their versions of Windows as miscreants,
thieves and cyber-thugs continue to search for things in Windows
that they can exploit. When Microsoft discontinues support for XP,
this might be the greatest challenge we may experience. The downside
is that hackers and coders will continue to find holes in XP to take
advantage of. The upside is that the third-party security industry,
such as AVG, Avast, Norton and others continue to provide security
solutions that currently augment the shortcomings of the operating
system provider and will likely also continue providing solutions
for Windows XP.
The death of XP will come eventually, but not likely in 2014. It
will come when the third-party providers abandon XP, no longer
providing security or devices or drivers or programs compatible with
XP.
Microsoft says that Windows XP SP3 will continue to run even
after the 2014 deadline. So, don't despair. XP will continue to run,
third-party providers will continue to provide security and support,
devices like printers will continue to work with XP, and programmers
will likely continue to write programs compatible with XP.
[By JIM YOUNGQUIST]
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