The time has come. On April 8th, 2014 Microsoft ended support for Windows XP. However, there are still people trying to hang on to the past by continuing to use the aging operating system released in 2001. Surveys show it isn’t clear to many users that they need to make the switch to a new operating system. If you are trying to hold on to Windows XP you are seriously endangering your network and client data. If you still aren’t certain if you need to switch to at least Windows 7, the following information should make it crystal clear.
Just like a chain with a weak link, if you still have Windows XP on your network, problems are only a matter of time. Since machines running Windows XP are old and slow, you can bet they are costing you when it comes to productivity.
When users can not use the full capabilities of their new machine, or are stuck working on an old one, their productivity will suffer. This will be an even bigger concern once support is discontinued. Simply put, networks that are using Windows XP are losing money.
Falling Behind the Latest Technology
Continuing to use Windows XP on modern computers results in poor performance and productivity. This is because Windows XP simply can not harness the power of modern computing. It was designed for older hardware that was manufactured years ago, and that is no longer in production today. Features such as high-speed USB ports, HD monitors, touchscreen functionality and wireless connectivity simply were not invented when Windows XP was created. As such, Windows XP can not provide native support for these essential services. Doing without reliable support for such services brings aboard additional risks as well as a reduction inefficiency. New releases of software and drivers, along with their updates, are also not compatible with Windows XP.
The only time you should think about using Windows XP is when you are using an older computer. This however comes along with a whole range of other associated risks and problems, despite working adequately on older hardware.
No More Updates
All operating systems (Mac OS, Windows, Linux etc) are reliant upon frequent updates to iron out bugs. These updates are vital to counter newer threats to the stability of the OS as new viruses and bugs are born daily. Once Microsoft discontinues its support of the XP OS, any computer with it installed will be very vulnerable to these threats. Even in its current supported format, Windows XP is twice as vulnerable to bugs as Windows 7 32-bit and three times as vulnerable as Windows 7 64-bit.
Updates to Windows XP also improve the stability and reliability of the operating system. After these updates are discontinued Windows XP will become progressively more unstable. This security risk and instability are the main reasons why people should make the switch to a newer O/S such as Windows 7.
Change is not easy for anyone, but there are a number of reasons why people need to make the switch from Windows XP to a newer, more reliable operating system like Windows 7. People that continue to use Windows XP are leaving themselves open for problems such as:
– Increased security risks
– Lack of reliability and stability
– Decreased productivity
-Higher operating costs
With just over a year until Microsoft discontinues its support of the Windows XP OS, there is still plenty of time to switch to Windows 7.