warn you back in February. You didn’t think it was true. The truth hurts though. Your time has run out. April 8th has come and gone. Microsoft Windows XP Support is a thing of the past. The end of Windows XP has arrived. What’s next?
 
Windows XP was a revolutionary operating system, especially for businesses when it was introduced more than 12 years ago. In the technology world, 12 years is an eternity, and in that time Windows has released Vista (2006), Windows 7 (2009) and Windows 8 (2012). The average price of a PC has also steadily declined during this time, which makes it even more perplexing that businesses would continue to run XP in 2014.
 
Still planning on running your favorite operating system after Microsoft Windows XP support has ended? These are the problems you will find following the end of XP Support:
 

Security Risks

There are no more critical XP security updates. Your machine will become more susceptible to viruses, spyware and other malicious software that can steal your business data and information. Since Windows XP Support no longer exists, your anti-virus software may not be able to fully protect you.
 

Compliance

The end of Microsoft Windows XP Support could mean the end of valuable business certifications, if you have regulatory requirements to maintain, such as HIPAA, PCI, etc. You may not be able to continue satisfying those requirements since your systems are at such an increased risk.
 

Lack of Independent Software Vendor Support

If you call ThrottleNet asking about software solutions for Windows XP after the end of Windows XP, we might have to tell you to buy new machines and call us back. Many newer software versions take advantage of features exclusively to the modern Windows and will not run on XP.
 

Lack of Hardware Support

Since Windows will not be supporting XP, hardware vendors will follow suite. Drivers required to run XP on new hardware will no longer be available. Microsoft will not be alone in its decision to no longer provide XP support.
 

What Can I do if I Still Have an XP Machine?

Very few older machines equipped with XP are able to handle newer operating systems, especially the latest version of Windows 8.1. If your machine meets the system requirements for Windows 8, upgrading to the latest version of software is the most affordable thing you can do now. Of course, since so few XP machines can run Windows 8, it is probably time to replace your PCs, especially if you are in a business environment.
 
Do not take the end of Windows XP lightly, as the loss of XP support can cripple your business in the long run. Your business runs on Windows, not XP. Need more information about ThrottleNet’s solutions in a post-XP world? Contact us today.