Issue 20.13
Nearly two thirds of my customers have at least one computer that uses Windows XP as the Operating System. The announcement recently that Microsoft will cease all support for XP on April 8, 2014 has a lot of people worried. This action is called “end of life” by computer and electronics companies. It means that no further upgrades or support by phone or otherwise will be offered. That includes security updates that may be important in protecting your computer from hackers and viruses. So, in that sense, Windows XP will die on that day. Also listed in the obituary is Microsoft Office 2003 and a number of other programs from Microsoft and other software publishers. Windows Vista has also been put on life support and will expire in the near future.
This is a normal process because software manufacturers spend significant amounts of money dealing with questions, problems and service for older systems and programs that they no longer make money on. It is understandable that they need to make a profit, but to the customer, it feels like being abandoned or like they just want our money and don’t care about the fact that we like the programs we are used to and don’t want to change. Further complicating matters is the fact that most hardware manufacturers are creating new computers that are not only not compatible with XP, but won’t even run Windows 7 – which forces you to use Windows 8 or move to another type of operating system and purchase programs for those types of computers instead of using what you already have. People like me wonder why they don’t just continue to sell the older programs, but at a discount so they can support those who want to stay with what they know.
What little good news there is on this front is that your computer won’t quit working next year just because Microsoft ceases supporting it. As long as the hardware functions properly you can continue to use your XP system. Just remember that the only protection you will have will be from your antivirus and other protective software – not from Microsoft.
To prepare for this event, it would be good to do an inventory of what your computer use will look like for the next few years. For many, getting a new computer would be a good idea since most laptops last 5-7 years and most desktops last about a year longer and you are probably on borrowed time if you have XP. For some, they may decide they don’t need a computer but can get by just fine with a tablet like the IPad or Android versions like the Samsung Galaxy or even an enhanced book reader/computer like the Kindle Fire or Nook Color. Some are moving to the Apple Mac family of computers even though they are significantly more expensive and require a little bit of learning to use. Others are jumping to alternative computer Operating Systems like the Google Chrome Book or Linux based systems using Red Hat or Ubuntu. All of these are viable options that avoid working with Microsoft. Each of them have limitations such as not using the same software you are used to or not having full features, but often they are inexpensive and meet the needs of many people.
Almost all of these alternatives still can use your existing printers, usb drives, external hard drives, etc. but may need a little help setting up. I recommend writing down the things that are most important for you and the way you use computers – then get help in determining what will fill your needs best and for the best price. And as always – remember to back up anything that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.