Windows XP end of life came to a close on April 8 after a 12 year run as the Windows Operating Software.

Despite calls to keep the XP going for its ease of use and difficulty in upgrading, the big whigs at Redgmond st. decided to go asasint the public cry and look forward to newer systems like the Windows 7, 8.0 and 8.1. Most of those surveyed that they were not interested in updating to Windows 7.

Windows XP have been sitting on shelves since 2010, after the release of Windows Vista. However, there are still millions of XP users, according to analyst firm, Gartner. Approximately 25% of Windows PCs run using the XP at offices. Characteristic of XP users, consumers tend to be very slow in upgrading.

Perhaps, by pulling the plug on the XP, Microsoft is prompting more and more users to convert to their latest software. The 8.1 is a highly touted OS and the folks at Redmond would like to see how Windows users fare on it.

There might also be a notion that by not progressing on Windows OS systems, more and more customers may resort to using Android or iOS platforms without really testing out the Windows capabilities.

Remarkably reports indicated that Microsoft has not been entirely successful in weening off XP loyalists from the system, despite ending support and security features.
Net Applications reported that 44 percent of desktop Windows machines are on XP.
Still on XP?

StatCounter analysts say that 17% of tab, desktop and console users use XP. At the same time analyst firm, Netmarketshare places the desktop on a higher than that at 28 percent.

A March Post report said in March, "The U.S. government is among the Microsoft customers who just couldn't let go. At the time "despite a recent rush to complete upgrades," an estimated 10 percent of several million government computers were expected to miss the upgrade deadline. That estimate includes thousands of computers on military and diplomatic networks that secure classified information, U.S. officials told Craig Timberg and Ellen Nakashima."

The U.S. is not alone in its IT problems, Europe is right up there with advanced computing technology impeding daily function of the governmental activities. The U.K. and Dutch governments have paid a handsome sum of money to continue support for the XP.
A report last week said, "In truth, nothing will immediately change. End-of-support does not negatively impact existing XP installations in any way. No features will be disabled, no upgrades will be forced, and even technical support will still be relatively easy to come across. Literally millions of articles have been published about tweaking or fixing XP, and they won’t disappear overnight.
Why switch your operating system when you're XP fits like a glove?

XP SP 3 will be supported for years. But if you're on Service Pack 2, you will need to be careful

Works on older/less powerful hardware: So you don't have to reinvent the wheel, trying to find divers or other supporting software. If you're XP is holding up, wait to buy a new PC. Be mindful that the recession economy is still lingering and it is worth watching your every tech expense.

Everything works on XP. This is true because you don't have to worry if your software will work.
XP is stable and reliable and has few crashes, if any.

So for the time being ensure your PC works with XP and decide to switch at a later time, if that is necessary.

In a series of questions, an article by gadgets.NDTV via Associated Press, reports,
“Microsoft Corp. is pushing remaining XP owners to upgrade to a newer operating system, such as Windows 7 or 8. It will still be possible to use existing Windows XP computers after Microsoft retires it Tuesday, but that comes with risks.”

Here's some tips and options for XP users who have hard time upgrading:

“Q. What are my options for upgrading?
A. You can upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 by buying a disc. You will need to back up your files and have discs for any programs you may have installed, as upgrading requires completely wiping your hard drive and starting from scratch. Microsoft sells Windows 8 as an upgrade for $120; be sure to buy the DVD version and not the download. Retail sales of Windows 7 have ended, though you might be able to find leftover copies for sale online.

That said, it's probably not worth the upgrade. Your XP computer is several years old and might not even meet the system requirements to upgrade. Use this tool to check: https://bit.ly/KkZERx .
Even if an upgrade is possible, the money is better spent toward a new computer. Microsoft says many PC makers are offering deals timed to XP's retirement.

Be aware that either way, you may also need to buy new software, as older versions might not run on Windows 7 or 8. Microsoft, for instance, is also ending support for Office 2003 on Tuesday.”
“Q. My XP computer works fine and fits my needs -and I don't want to spend money on an upgrade or a new machine. What should I do?

A. If despite the warnings, you are still running XP, here are a few things to do:

First, be sure to run all of Microsoft's previously released updates, plus the last one on Tuesday.
Then think about what you really need the computer for. If you don't need an Internet connection, unplug it. That will minimize the risk. Be careful about attaching USB storage drives, as that might introduce malicious software.”

“If you need the Internet, refrain from using email, Facebook and other communications channels through which malicious software might travel. Use a tablet, phone or another computer instead.
It's also a good idea to lock down your computer by using a profile that lacks administrative rights. That will make it harder to install anything new, including malicious software.
Mikko Hypponen of F-Secure suggests removing older software applications you no longer use. The less you have running, the less vulnerability you'll have,” warns NDTV.

Neil MacDonald of Gartner says “XP computers on corporate networks have more options, including using XP only for crucial software that won't run on more up-to-date systems and accessing a virtual desktop remotely for email, Web and other modern tasks. He says companies can also pay Microsoft for customized fixes beyond Tuesday, but that gets expensive.”

With reports by Associated Press, Gadgets.NDTV