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Windows XP: a guide to risks and options

by Anick Jesdanun, The Associated Press   

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Got questions about the end of support for Windows XP? We've got answers here

NEW YORK—Although the operating system is more than 12 years old, and Windows XP computers haven’t been shipped since 2010, there are still millions of them in use. Research firm Gartner estimates as much as 25 per cent of Windows PCs in the workplace are running XP. Consumers tend to be even slower in upgrading.

It will still be possible to use existing Windows XP computers, but that comes with risks.

Here’s a guide to the risks and your options.

What happened on Tuesday?

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That’s the day Windows XP reaches what Microsoft calls “end of support.”

XP was retired from retail stores as boxed software in 2008. PC makers were allowed to sell computers with Windows XP for another two years.

In recent years, Microsoft hasn’t done much with XP beyond releasing updates on the second Tuesday of each month to fix newly discovered security flaws. This Tuesday was the last time Microsoft did that, so any problems discovered after that won’t get fixed.

You’ll still be able to run XP computers and install past updates. If you need to reinstall XP from scratch, you can do so if you still have the discs that came with your computer.

Microsoft will still provide updates for its anti-malware software for XP until July 2015, but the company warns it will offer limited protection.

How do I know if my computer is running XP?

This Microsoft site will check: http://amirunningxp.com. If you have XP, the site will go through your options.

Even if you don’t visit the website, you may still get a pop-up notification, depending on how your computers are configured to check for Windows updates.

If XP will still run, why do I need to upgrade?

A big reason is security. Hackers know Microsoft will no longer fix security flaws, so evil-doers have extra incentive to look for them. In addition, if a flaw is found for Windows 7 or 8, there’s a good chance a similar issue exists for XP as well. So when the fixes come out for Windows 7 or 8, hackers can go back to XP to look for an opening.

Hackers have become more sophisticated, and lately they have been breaking into computers for financial gain rather than just pride. So the risk is greater than when Microsoft retired past systems such as Windows 95 and 98.

There are also performance issues. If you buy a new printer or scanner, it might not work on XP. Same goes for new software, particularly if it needs faster processors and more memory beyond what was standard when XP was supported. XP also lacks features that are common with newer operating systems, including energy-saving measures for laptops.

What are my options for upgrading?

You can upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 by buying a disc. You will need to back up your files and have discs for any programs you may have installed, as upgrading requires completely wiping your hard drive and starting from scratch. Microsoft sells Windows 8 as an upgrade for $120; be sure to buy the DVD version and not the download. Retail sales of Windows 7 have ended, though you might be able to find leftover copies for sale online.

That said, it’s probably not worth the upgrade. Your XP computer is several years old and might not even meet the system requirements to upgrade. Use this tool to check: http://bit.ly/KkZERx .

Even if an upgrade is possible, the money is better spent toward a new computer. Microsoft says many PC makers are offering deals timed to XP’s retirement.

Be aware that either way, you may also need to buy new software, as older versions might not run on Windows 7 or 8. Microsoft also ended support for Office 2003.

My XP computer works fine and I don’t want to spend on an upgrade or a new machine. What should I do?

If despite the warnings, you are still running XP, here are a few things to do:

First, be sure to run all of Microsoft’s previously released updates, plus the last one on Tuesday.

Then think about what you really need the computer for. If you don’t need an Internet connection, unplug it. That will minimize the risk. Be careful about attaching USB storage drives, as that might introduce malicious software.

If you need the Internet, refrain from using email, Facebook and other communications channels through which malicious software might travel.

It’s also a good idea to lock down your computer by using a profile that lacks administrative rights. That will make it harder to install anything new, including malicious software.

Mikko Hypponen of F-Secure suggests removing older software applications you no longer use. The less you have running, the less vulnerability you’ll have.

Gartner fellow Neil MacDonald says XP computers on corporate networks have more options, including using XP only for crucial software that won’t run on more up-to-date systems and accessing a virtual desktop remotely for email, Web and other modern tasks. He says companies can also pay Microsoft for customized fixes beyond Tuesday, but that gets expensive.

Don’t ATMs, retail payment systems, medical devices and other gadgets also run XP?

Check with the manufacturer. MacDonald says there are two types of XP for so-called embedded systems, one of which will receive support until January 2016.

Online Resources:

Microsoft blog post

XP checker and options

Windows 8 upgrade

Other upgrade resources:

Vista-xp-tutorial: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-from-windows

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

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