It’s been a blast but 11 years after their release Microsoft are finally ending support for the ever popular Windows XP and Office 2003. At 12:00am on 8th April 2014, Microsoft will be ceasing support for any device still running Windows XP and Office 2003, this means any bugs or security holes found in the products after this date will no longer be fixed by Microsoft. Furthermore there will be no more Windows updates, security updates or modifications to these products by Microsoft.
How will this affect you?
Your PC will still continue to work in the same way it did prior to this date. However, after Microsoft ends support of Windows XP you will no longer be provided software updates, security fixes that protect against malware such as viruses and worms or any new drivers that require writing by Microsoft. Office will continue to function too but with many people now upgrading you will be left behind in terms of functionality and in the months and years after April 2014 you will be open to security bugs which may be found but never be fixed.
What can be done?
Ultimately the best thing to do is to upgrade Windows XP to the reliable Windows 7 or Microsoft’s latest Operating System, Windows 8. Also, the latest version of the Office suite is now 2013 so to stay current it would be advisable to look at Office 2010 or 2013. At some point Windows 7 and Office 2010 will cease to be sold and you will only be able to purchase Windows 8 and Office 2013 so if you don’t like the new look products then now is the time to act!
Can Breakwater help me with this?
Of course, get in touch on 01603 709300 or drop an email to [email protected]. We’d be happy to discuss your requirements and help you with protecting yourself.
Breakwater IT can help with IT Support in Norwich, Norfolk and all over East Anglia. Or maybe you require a free Business Telecoms audit to see if your Business can be the next one that we help to save significant amounts of money.
