In the months following its end of life, it had looked like users got the message to upgrade Windows XP. But somehow, according to the latest figures from NetMarketShare.com, Windows XP has pulled back in front of Windows 8.1 for percentage of user share. In fact, seven months after end-of-life, Windows XP has a higher percentage of users (18.26%) than Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 combined (13.52%).What in the name of Bill Gates is going on here?
We have been through common excuses for running Windows XP despite the expired support. Now let’s delve into 10 reasons why upgrading to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 is worth your time and investment.
A new operating system is an automatic value-add for a hardware upgrade
Last year Microsoft cut a deal with OEMs wherein Microsoft pays the licensing for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 on new hardware shipping after the deal was made. This is why many (if not all) new PC desktops and laptops sold by NeweggBusiness come equipped with a professional-level Windows license. That’s a value of $140; for a $600 computer, you’re looking at a 23 percent value-add right off the bat.
Unlocks a Windows 10 free upgrade
Microsoft recently announced Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 within the first year of release, which is unannounced at this time, but anticipated for Summer. While this remains a developing story—and rumors abound that Windows 10 will be offered as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering—the fact is, there has been no real mention of Windows XP in the Windows 10 conversation. All paths lead through Windows 7, 8, and 8.1.
It is simple to add a classic Start menu in Windows 8.1
Windows users’ love for the Start menu probably is the reason Windows 8 failed to catch on. There are ways to interlace a classic Start menu into the UI with the help of third party applications. There are several, but two can be found here: startmenureviver.comand classicshell.net .
Windows 7 Extended Support Lasts Until 2020
You may have seen recent news that mainstream Windows 7 support has ended. What that means essentially is that Microsoft has stopped addressing user complaints and requests with its updates. Understand that support for security updates will continue until January 2020 for Windows 7, the most popular operating system in the world in terms of user share, which means you will have plenty of time before you have to think about an upgrade.
Windows XP Embedded support ends in a year
Perhaps you figured out how to hack Windows XP to make it behave like its cousin, Windows XP for embedded systems, which Microsoft plans to support until April 2016. Whether or not this hack actually works (ZDNet and Microsoft says it doesn’t) your time is almost up either way.
Libavcodec malware threatening Windows XP users of VLC media player
The latest XP bug to make headlines affects users of the popular open source VLC media player. The malware masks itself as a video file that corrupts system memory once opened. The code allows the attacker to execute any code they want on the target computer.
Windows XP is no longer compliant with PCI and HIPAA regulations
If you are a retailer or running a healthcare operation, and you’re using an unsupported operating system to process transactions or transmit patient information, you are in violation of PCIE and HIPAA code.
Oracle has ended Java support for Windows XP
As of July, Java updates are no longer compatible with Windows XP. Java 7 and Java 8 browser plug ins 7u65 and 8u11 and later fail to execute on Windows XP machines. As Java-based exploits are among the most common security threats on the Web, browsing with an unsupported operating system becomes even more dangerous.
Don’t fail like Detroit, Target, and Home Depot
Three high-profile hackings from last year share one common thread—attackers exploited decades-old flaws in Windows XP Embedded. Network World writer Andy Patrizio suggests hundreds of millions of dollars could have been saved by upgrading to Windows 7. Mostly he waxes on the old “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” adage, but when is that not true?
Because no way you will miss Windows XP more than Jimmy Tee
This song by InfoStrat (a Microsoft Gold Dynamics CRM Partner) president James Townsend soothes the pain of post-XP Life the same way Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” helps when you’re pining for your best lady. This is what catharsis sounds like, folks.
Did we leave out anything? Let us know other solid reasons to upgrade Windows XP in the comments.
I loved windows XP but now I run Windows 7. But I think Windows 8 and 8.1 sucks!!!
I think it’s pretty straightforward. What about it don’t you like? The tiles and charms?
I run windows 7 but I have it configured (and a couple addons) to make it behave and look exactly like XP. Unfortunately since I’m in IT I have to deal with 8 on a daily basis and it drives me nuts. 10 seems like an improvement on 8 but I still do not like it. Don’t get me started on office 2013. Outlook’s flat white/silver themes are making me go blind.
What are the names of those plug-ins? Do you run them to help with legacy applications, or it is just a ‘look and feel’ thing?