As you are reading this the Windows XP End Date has already passed. April 8,2014 was the official date. This means that Microsoft has ended support for the operating system and related products such as Explorer and Microsoft Security Essentials.
What Do I Do Now
The main thing NOT to do is panic. Your computer will keep running. Here is what probably will happen.
- Microsoft will not release any more security update which could leaver your computer vulnerable to attack.
- If you have Microsoft Security Essentials (Microsoft's Anti-Virus program) it will no longer be supported and could leave you vulnerable to Viruses, Spyware or other "Bad" stuff.
- The browser (Internet Explorer) will no longer be updated. This could leave you vulnerable to some viruses, spyware etc. HOWEVER, the biggest problem might be that you will not be able get certain update important to future technology not yet available. Future Flash updates may not work either. This could mean you wouldn't able to watch videos or other types of media.
Some Steps you need to take
- Update to Firefox or 0ther browser that is supported for now
- Plan to replace the computer or operating system
Changing operating systems
Before changing operating system you must know if your hardware is comparable. Go to the Microsoft site and find The upgrade instructions. You must also know if drivers for your Video, Sound and other devices are available. You need to go to the Manufacturers website to find out.
What if I buy a new computer?
I feel this is your best bet. The newer operating systems all take a large amount of RAM (Memory) and hard drive space. Old hard drives are small in comparison to the huge new hard drives. Motherboards with faster processors are now available also. The other problem is that your old programs will not work on new computers.
RAM Issues
The newer computers now have 64 bit operating systems. Without going into detail, it is a different way of handling memory. This is mainly why old programs will not work on newer systems.
Hardware problems
If you have an old printer you may not be able to use it on newer system. Some manufactures have opted to not carry driver for the new systems. This could force you to buy a new printer or other device.
I hope the information above is enough to help you through these dark days. Even I wish they had handled it different.
Source by Dennis Levenhagen
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