Microsoft: you've got two years to get rid of XP

[Tom172]

Microsoft has warned consumers and businesses that they have two years to upgrade their Windows XP systems or face the risks of running an unsupported OS.
In a post on the Windows Team blog, Microsoft reminded users that support for Windows XP and Office 2003 will cease on 8 April 2014. Users can keep running the OS and Office suite after that time, but they won't receive any security or feature updates, potentially leaving their PCs open to attack.

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[jamescv7]

Actually before the deadline I have perhaps a modern OS and a gadget.

Likely the dramatic impact would next 1-2 years for the downfall. Caused Windows 7 will be anywhere dominated and a successor of Windows XP.

 

[Ink]

Microsoft has been generous with keeping support for Windows XP this long.

Yep, time to shift your to Windows 7, or another Modern OS.

 

[Gnosis]

I'll never get rid of it. They are at least a month late getting patches to us anyway. Most illegitimate hackers have plenty of time to exploit Windows before we even have the option to implement security updates.

Look at it this way; if 99% of XP users go onto Windows 7 or 8, will hackers really go after the remaining 1% of XP machines still out there? I doubt it. In that case, you won't need Microsoft support anymore.

 

[Gnosis]

"When a researcher reports a new bug to Microsoft, she is usually asked not to release public information about the exploit until a patch can be released. Bug fixing is expensive and takes a great deal of time. Some bugs are not fixed until several months after they are reported.

One could argue that keeping bugs secret encourages Microsoft to take too long to release security fixes. As long as the public doesn't know about a bug, there is little incentive to quickly release a patch . To address this tendency, the security company "eEye" has devised a clever method to make public the fact that a serious vulnerability has been found, but without releasing the details."

That was from page 14 of the book, "ROOTKITS, Subverting the Windows Kernel".

 

[iPanik]

I'll never get rid of it. They are at least a month late getting patches to us anyway. Most illegitimate hackers have plenty of time to exploit Windows before we even have the option to implement security updates.

Look at it this way; if 99% of XP users go onto Windows 7 or 8, will hackers really go after the remaining 1% of XP machines still out there? I doubt it. In that case, you won't need Microsoft support anymore.

The problem with that way of thinking is that both XP and the newer versions like 7 and 8, all share the same basic structure. They all use the NT kernel, same file system. The bootloaders are probably not that different either.

So when an exploit works on the windows 7, the odds are good that it works on the older versions as well. Even if it doesn't, it would require minimal effort to target that last percent.

 

[Gnosis]

Good point. You stated the obvious, which I am obviously ignorant of. LOL

 

[Prorootect]

.
@ZOU wrote:
'I'll never get rid of it. They are at least a month late getting patches to us anyway. Most illegitimate hackers have plenty of time to exploit Windows before we even have the option to implement security updates.

Look at it this way; if 99% of XP users go onto Windows 7 or 8, will hackers really go after the remaining 1% of XP machines still out there? I doubt it. In that case, you won't need Microsoft support anymore.'

- and me too.

Good point, ZOU, you have 2 kudos points. You stated the obvious here. Keep it up.

 

[McLovin]

I think that it was time to upgrade a while ago. My Dad still uses only because all the programs that he has work perfectly fine in XP. So he has the theory of if it works why upgrade? but he testing Windows 8 out and so far he likes it.

I'll never get rid of it. They are at least a month late getting patches to us anyway. Most illegitimate hackers have plenty of time to exploit Windows before we even have the option to implement security updates.

You have to upgrade sometime because there will be NO security updates for the long last OS. It's better to upgrade early then get to the time and find out that when you need to buy it you can't.

 

[jamescv7]

Also when the deadline comes majority of the products may don't include XP in order to operate.

 

[iScream]

They have those little - sometimes big - things that slowly FORCE you to upgrade. And look, some still use 98, because they can't just say I'll buy a computer because I have money.
But I have a question. Do you think schools & other non tech savvy will upgrade OSes when they can't do the simple job of updating browsers and other software? I doubt..

 

[Gnosis]

I am going to run XP into the ground; with, or without, Microsoft's support.

 

[jamescv7]

How about when the time come, applications (used at everyday task) were dramatically remove from XP for the update system requirements? Likely migrate is the last resort.

 

[iScream]

@jamescv7
You would force people to upgrade from one day to another?

 

[jamescv7]

Well not to be force for an upgrade but its a concern that after the Microsoft Support for XP, sooner after the deadline, little by little application will not deliver for XP.

So if they have a budget then isn't not a bad idea to upgrade. Two years will give a time for any users to prepare.

 

[WinAndLinuxTutorials]

If I was an XP user an dont have the money for a new OS/PC I will go with Linux.

 

[Gnosis]

If I was an XP user and didn't have the money for a new OS/PC I will go with Linux.

You know, that is mighty peculiar because I was thinking exactly the same thing about 24 hours ago. I like the way you think.

I mean, what would I miss? Windows Media Player? Microsoft's nagging and infectious anxiety, as well as their month late security patches? Being the primary target of illegitimate hackers? Being harassed and having my startup slowed down because Microsoft wants to ensure that I have a paid version of Windows? How about that stupid little annoying dog that gets all twitchy during Search Companion sessions? Outlook (WHAT A JOKE)? Internet Explorer (hahaha)? Window's Malicious Software "useless" Removal Tool (that I have to constantly shoot down updates for)?


Don't get me wrong, my experience with a Microsoft OS has been a good one overall, after a few tweaks. If I do get away from Microsoft, there is no way that I am going with Apple. Chances are that I will eventually cave and go with 7, but its interface does not impress me (XP's deck shuffled and spruced up with a few extras), though it has some important functions that are quite handy. I will be taking a serious look at options as they relate to Linux.