Windows XP use may have been curbed since PCs with Windows XP are not available for purchase. However, Microsoft (MSFT) sells a malware-free virtual XP run environment that can run old software that was designed for the XP.

Microsoft ended support for the Windows XP on April 8, 2014. But organizations like banks, hospitals and offices are still on Windows XP use, most likely with extended support. And this can cost a company a bundle.

The UK National Health System in Britain is a good example of an institution still on Windows XP use and the UK government purchased extended support for 'an arm and a leg' - an incredulous $8.8 million, the equivalent of £5.5 million. All 35 NHS trusts in Britain are on Windows XP use. Data analyst Citrix says, 75% of the NHS trusts were on board to migrate all their Windows XP computers by March 25.

Windows XP use accounts for 25% of all OS use on the planet; it is also Microsoft's most popular OS after Windows 7. But October 31 is scheduled to be the last day for OEMs to use Windows 7, and it is discomforting for consumers to see two of Microsoft's most liked and used OSs go obsolete in the same year.

While switching to Windows 8 or 8.1 has kept XP users from migrating to the most recent operating system, Windows 7 was a 'last ditch resort' for those who didn't want to use Windows 8.1. With the unveiling of Windows 10 - yes, that's right, MSFT decided to skip 9 - Microsoft's OS troubles should be lifted with a smoother and improved function Windows 10.

This time around, MSFT and its boss Satya Nadella decided to follow Apple's example and offer Windows 10 as a free upgrade from Windows 8.