An unnamed Microsoft representative recently spoke with Softpedia about Windows XP and how consumers and businesses are handling the transition. As it stands now, no less than 28 percent of the desktop computers worldwide are still running Windows XP. That's not good news given that Microsoft is gearing up to pull life support two months from now.
"Back in September 2007 we announced that support for Windows XP would end on April 8, 2014," the Microsoft rep said. "Since then we've been working with customers and partners to raise awareness that support for Windows XP was ending, and to help them migrate existing Windows XP PCs to a modern operating system."
Fortunately for Windows XP users, Microsoft will continue to update the Malicious Software Removal Tool until July 14, 2015. But that doesn't mean the platform will be fully protected; the actual security updates that are handed out on Patch Tuesdays will be cut off for Windows XP users. That is not a good thing, as users will be wide open to malicious attacks.
"Our research shows that the effectiveness of antimalware solutions on out-of-support operating systems is limited," the representative said. "Running a well-protected solution starts with using modern software and hardware designed to help protect against today's threat landscape."
Yet the question is, why are customers holding on to Windows XP? Why can't they embrace newer, more secure platforms like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1? Some of the resistance may be due to change, or it could be related to outdated legacy software that doesn't perform well in Windows 7 and above.
The problem could be due to not knowing that support will be cut, such as a parent or grandparent who still uses an older dusty computer simply to pay the bills. The problem could be a neighbor who just doesn't care, or a business that believes they're special and will continue to receive updates. You know who those people are.
"Companies still on Windows XP are missing out on tangible benefits of modernizing their IT investments from dramatically enhanced security, broad device choice to meet the needs of a mobile workforce, higher user productivity, and lower total cost of ownership through improved management capabilities," the representative said.
To read the full interview, head here. Also, don't be afraid to speak your mind if you see someone still using Windows XP.
