As you may have already heard by now support for the tremendously successful Microsoft Windows XP operating system ends today. This means that Microsoft will no longer be offering security updates, fixes or technical support for Windows XP. For most everyday PC users there is no immediate urgency to get a new PC or upgrade your existing operating system, but for small businesses still using the ubiquitous XP it is time to invest in new computers running either Windows 7 or the newest operating system, Windows 8.1. Most, not all, older computers running Windows XP will not be upgradeable to either newer operating system so you will need to purchase a new PC that comes with either Windows 7 or 8.1. To find out if your PC can be upgraded to Windows 7 or 8.1 please contact us.
If now is not a good time to buy a new computer then it is vital you keep your present anti-virus software up-to-date and run periodic scans to check for viruses. Also, as always, use caution and common sense while surfing the Internet or downloading new software. Always read the fine print before downloading a program to make sure the software you want isn’t coming bundled with other free programs, tool bars, etc. that may be nothing more than “junkware” or possibly malware.
Feel free to contact us for advice on this matter, and we are available to help you make your new PC purchase, set it up and transfer your files to the new computer.
Office 2003 Support Also Ending
Support for Office 2003 also ends on April 8, 2014, so if you are still running that version of Office you should consider moving up to Office 2010, Office 2013 or the cloud-based, subscription-only Office365, all far superior to Office 2003.
This from Microsoft on what this means to your PC running XP:
“It means you should take action. After April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows XP. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware and help keep users and their data safer. PCs running Windows XP after April 8, 2014, should not be considered to be protected, and it is important that you migrate to a current supported operating system – such as Windows 8.1 – so you can receive regular security updates to protect their computer from malicious attacks.”
