Even as Microsoft promotes Windows 8, its latest operating system, Windows XP is still the second-most used OS on non-mobile computers, according to Net Applications web analytics. Debuting in 2001, XP lasted through three new Microsoft operating systems and the growth of mobile technology.
And in a move that seems to lower the incentive for stragglers to move on already, Microsoft announced last week that it will continue to provide anti-malware updates for XP until July 2015. That's more than a year after XP support officially ends April 8.
But the company faces a challenge as it herds its users away from the 12-year-old operating system: With so many computing options on the market, customers leaving XP behind might end up leaving Microsoft behind, too.
What The End Means For You
First, a brief explanation of what "ending support" means: XP won't stop working in April — if you have it on your computer now, you'll still have it on your computer then. But the machine won't receive new security updates. Even with Microsoft's anti-malware updates, it will still be much more vulnerable to attacks.
"The data could be erased, the data could be changed, people could take over those machines to use for spam or other elicit purposes," says Michael Silver, a tech analyst at Gartner.
Still On XP?
If you're reluctant to get rid of an ancient-but-functioning computer, here are some steps you can take to protect it:
Back up documents and photos. In a worst-case scenario, you at least won't lose important digital files.
Delete critical data. A malicious attack could find information like credit card and Social Security numbers.
Update anti-malware software. Whether you're using Microsoft's version — which will be updated through July 2015 — or another company's, anti-malware software will be able to patch up some, but not all, security holes.
Limit email use. And for the love of all that is holy, don't open suspicious attachments.
Disconnect your PC from the Internet if you don't need it online.
Upgrade your PC. Unfortunately, most old computers running XP don't have the physical requirements to do this.
Microsoft only condones upgrading or getting a new computer altogether. Underlying vulnerability in the XP system will not be patched with new security updates, said a company statement. "PCs running Windows XP after April 8, 2014, should not be considered to be truly protected."
You can find Microsoft's official tips here.