Recently the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) sent out an important notice reminding everyone that Microsoft will soon end support services for older operating systems and software. Specifically, on Tuesday, April 8 the software giant will no longer support Windows XP and Office 2003, including technical assistance and automatic updates that help keep your PC protected.
It is estimated that 20 percent of businesses are still using XP, first introduced in 2001. Not surprisingly, Microsoft is urging customers relying on older software to upgrade to Windows 8, the latest operating system (OS).
Without critical updates, a computer running Windows XP could become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware and other malicious software that can steal or damage business data and information. Anti-virus software can no longer fully protect computers running XP, and businesses still using it may be exposed to security threats — or even risk breaching compliance standards, depending on their industry.
You essentially have two options: upgrade your old PC to Windows 8.1 (the newest OS version), or buy a new computer already equipped with it. Click here for a tutorial on upgrading. If you don’t know which version of Windows you’re running, follow this link for help.
In addition to the valuable information from INCPAS, Sponsel CPA Group would add the following advice:
- The cost to pay a professional to upgrade an old computer to Windows 8.1 would likely be the same as buying a new desktop PC.
- If your computer is more than a few years old, buying a new PC may be a better option since few older computers can run Windows 8 or 8.1.
- Dell and Hewlett Packard still sell PCs with Windows 7, but it is better to buy a Windows 8.1 PC downgraded to Windows 7, so you can upgrade again later.
- If you are using software that doesn’t run in Windows 8 or 8.1, you have the legal right to downgrade to Windows 7 if you bought a PC running Windows 8 or 8.1.
- Once Microsoft support for XP ends, expect an onslaught of attacks from hackers looking to exploit weaknesses.
If you need any guidance about making sure your computer systems are up to date and protected or choosing a new PC, please contact Chris Edwards at (317) 613-7855 or email [email protected].