I’ve blogged about this a week or two ago. Some are taking heed; some are dragging their feet. So let me remind you what’s going to happen on April 8.
Effective Tuesday, April 8, 2014, Microsoft will shut down support and security for Windows XP operating systems. If you’re going to be stubborn and keep windows XP after the 8th, you will be extremely venerable to malware, spyware, viruses and other attacks. It means if your business is governed by regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), you may not be able to satisfy such regulations. I’ve seen the penalties for breaking such requirements, like fines civil lawsuits, stiff fines, even prison time! Software vendors will no longer run products to support Windows XP. Hardware products will no longer support Windows XP.
Now that I’ve scared you straight, there are things you can do about it. You can buy a new PC. There are a lot cheaper than they used to be. Computers made after 2006 aren’t going to carry XP. You should never use a PC over 10 years old anyway. I’ll go even further: If your PC can’t run Windows 8.1, get another computer. It’s cheaper, easier, and more convenient than it ever was. At the very least, you can convert your software system to Windows 7 or 8. Personally, I prefer 8. This is simple and inexpensive to do as well. So what’s your excuse for staying with XP? Oh that’s right: you don’t have one!