Don’t get sentimental: End of Windows XP era could put personal information at risk
Apr 8, 2014, 6:02 AM | Updated: 7:44 am
In this Oct. 25, 2001 file photo, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates stands in New York's Times Square to promote the new Windows XP operating system. On Tuesday, April 8, 2014, Microsoft will end support for its still popular Windows XP. With an estimated 30 percent of businesses and consumers still using the 12-year-old operating system, the move could put everything from the data of major financial institutions to the identities of everyday people in danger if they don't find a way to upgrade soon. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
It’s not exactly Y2K, but Windows XP users have a huge computer decision to make today: Stay with the system they love (and know) and face a greater risk of security attacks or upgrade their operating system.
Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP which means no more bug fixes or security updates. If your computer crashes, there will be no one to answer the help line.
XP came out 12 years ago, and it’s been so popular that many people have chosen to stick with it, instead of upgrading to newer operating systems. Thirty percent of the world’s computers still use XP.
But with no more patches or security updates, computers running XP will now be at a higher risk of attack, and it’s not just home computers. Many businesses like banks and healthcare providers use XP. Your personal information in those systems could be compromised.
“If you continue to use Windows XP, you run an increased risk of malicious software, viruses and other problems, CBS technology analyst Larry Magid said. “You can be sure that there are going to be plenty of attacks on what are going to turn out to be machines that are sitting ducks.”
So what are your options? What should you do if you love XP but don’t want to get hacked?
“You can continue using it and run the risk of bugs and security problems,” Magid said. “You can upgrade to a new operating system, or you could get a new computer.”
Magid said you don’t need to upgrade to Windows 8 and deal with the new interface. You can upgrade to Windows 7 and be fine.
If you don’t know if you’re running Windows XP, here’s a quick check. If your computer is more than five years old, it probably is.
