Microsoft will pull back all support for Windows XP, and the older operating system will be left to die its own death. With Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 already in the market, users of the older operating system, Windows XP, don’t seem to care as yet.
Statistics from a survey company, StatCounter, revealed that till March 15, 2014 itself, there are still around 18 percent of users using Windows XP while 55 percent users have moved on to Windows 7. Softpedia reported that only a few users were dropping Windows XP for Windows 8 or Windows 8.1.
The main point of concerns here is that with support from Microsoft gone, cyber criminals and hackers can take advantage of any newfound vulnerability to compromise on the security of the existing Windows XP users. This means there would be increased risks of being attacked via browsers.
Most Windows XP users don’t want to upgrade their operating systems simply because of various reasons—hardware costs would increase, new OS costs are high, certain software (such as accounting) are designed for Windows XP and not higher, and so on. However, they seem to also trust and rely on third-party security software and antivirus software to keep them safe. Hence, Windows XP, which is known as a very stable operating system, will die a very slow death.
Microsoft stated that the Microsoft Security Essentials, if installed, would continue to protect the Windows XP users, even though the operating system will support no longer exists. However, Microsoft also warns that the use of its Security Essentials or any third-party security suite will keep Windows XP safe and secure. Softpedia also stated that there are a lot of third-party security suites available, which will continue its support for Windows XP.
