Microsoft ends support for Windows XP operating system.
After 12 years of supporting the Windows XP OS, Microsoft has announced it is stopping to support and updates for the operating system which means no more automatic updates or technical assistance. Microsoft has also stopped providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP
(If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC is secure because Microsoft is no longer providing security updates to help protect your PC.) ~windows.Microsoft.com
What happens if I continue to use Windows XP?
This does not mean that if you continue to use XP that your computer will stop working. However it does mean that over time it will become more vulnerable to security threats. Additionally, Internet Explorer 8 will also not be updated and supported so if you are using IE8 to surf the internet you will be opening yourself to other security risks as well.
Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter more apps and devices that do not work with Windows XP. ~windows.Microsoft.com
They have turned their focus to newer technologies that lend themselves to a better user experience.
This all is sad news for the many Windows users who have yet to move to Windows 7 or 8. Personally, the only reason I changed to Windows 7 last year was I needed to be able to design websites for Internet Explorer browser 9 and above and they will not run on the XP OS. Even though I did build a new computer and switch to Windows 7, I used a program called “Classic Shell” to help me make the Windows 7 interface look and work like XP. This made the transition to the new OS much smoother.
