Good-bye Windows XP… it has been around forever (in computer years)…
Microsoft XP debuted in August of 2001. Now almost 13 years later, Microsoft is pulling the pin on its most prolific operating system of all time. As of April 9th, 2014, Microsoft will no longer be supporting Windows XP.
What does that mean… not supported?
As of that date, Microsoft will no longer be creating security patches for XP. So If someone were to find an exploit in XP after that date that and takes advantage of some poorly written code, Microsoft would not create a patch to cover up that hole. Meaning that security wise, you may be vulnerable after April 9th, 2014 if you continue to run Windows XP.
Ditto goes for Office 2003 software. No more security or enhancement patches for that version of Microsoft’s Office software.
Some 3rd party software companies, like GoldMine, QuickBooks, Sage (Simply) Accounting, etc. have also stated that while their latest products will work on XP, they will not be supporting future versions of their software on XP, past April 9th, 2014. Why would they? This way, they get to save $$ on NOT having to keep people around solving issues on a 13 year old operating system. Their engineers can focus their efforts on helping people working in Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. Bye bye to “Official” XP support!
What am I to do? You have a few choices.. but first note that the world does NOT end for XP and Office 2003 users on April 9. No knee-jerk reactions needed or intended by this email.
1. “Upgrade” your current PC to a new operating system.
You can simply decide to replace your XP operating system with Windows 7 Pro or a Retail copy of Windows 8.1.
You cannot directly upgrade to Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 from XP – you’ll have to install Windows 7 or 8 first and then reinstall all your software (and then apply updates). There are still a few of the Windows 7 Pro OEM packages but getting scarce… $175+. Windows 8 Pro retail is $249.
Plus one caveat. If you’re also running Office 2003, you will need to shell out an additional $200+ for Office Home & Business 2013.
However, Windows 7 and 8.1 come with the following requirements:
1. Processor: 1 (GHz) or faster
2. RAM: Minimum is 2Gb but you would want at least 4Gb or it will be very slow
3. Free hard drive space: 16 GB (32 bit) or 20 GB (64 bit)
4. Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver
Rule of thumb, if the PC is more than 3 years old, this is probably not the best option.
2. Get a new system some time in the not too distant future.
It is a good chance, that If you’re still running XP, that your comptuer is well past its prime.
You could upgrade the operating system, add some RAM, and spend the time… but would be left with a slow system and the possibility that the unit will demise in the not too distant future.
A new desktop system will run you anywhere from $850 to $1300, depending on your options, with laptops in that same range. That way, you’ll get a PC/Laptop with the a new operating system (Windows 7 Pro or 8.1 Pro), and a 3 year on site warranty and if need be, the latest in Office suite software (Office 2013).
This is a good option, but plan and budget for it.
3. Do nothing, until the system dies… or until you implement Option 2.
Some people will opt for this last choice and just continue using their systems. Some of the anti-virus software companies out there, have actually taken the opposite tack, to what accounting program companies are doing. These AV companies WILL continue supporting Windows XP users that will be slowly migrating to a more recent version of Windows. Kaspersky antivirus program that we recommend, in fact will be continuing its support of Windows XP for at least an additional 24 months. Meaning that while Microsoft may be abandoning all those XP users, the Antivirus community is not. And to be honest, any program that is currently working on XP, will continue to do so past April 9th, 2014. You just may not be able to update those programs.
So if you can live with 3rd party software programs that will no longer be getting updates, option #3. Do Nothing, may be a short term viable alternative… but I recommend you number those days.
Let me know if I can be any assistance in the management of this change with an new system or planning for the changes due to a loss of updates for legacy hardware.
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