Farewell Windows XP

Farewell XP – End of Support

Over the last 12 years, Windows XP have served millions of users dutifully, whether for work or for play; for families or for enterprises.

However, Windows XP End of Support will officially kick in today. Microsoft will no longer issue security updates or technical support and users will no longer be protected from the ever increasing online threats and risks.

We have worked hard over the last year to raise understanding and awareness of the potential risks and threats customers will continue to face after 8 April 2014. Based on the latest StatCounter figures, Windows XP’s market share has dipped significantly to 23.6% as of March 2014 – a 10-point drop over the last 12 months.

Asia Source StatCounter: Windows XP, 7 and 8 Market Share

It’s great to see users across Asia have taken heed to our advice. However, it is still worrying that millions of PCs that are still on Windows XP. It is now crucial for consumers to make the switch to a newer platform to avoid being at risk and missing out on the connected and seamless mobile experience that a modern OS like Windows 8 can offer users today.

Not convinced? Here are three good reasons why you should upgrade your PC now:

1. Better security protection
Think you’ll never be a target of cyberattackers or hackers? Well, think again.

With Windows XP End of Support, there will no longer be security updates for your PC, which means that it’s easier for a hacker to steal your personal information such as banking details or credit card information, and perform fraudulent transactions that could cost you dearly. By staying with Windows XP, you are also roughly six times more likely to be exposed to cyber threats than if you were to upgrade to Windows 8.1, which is built to deal with modern needs and threats. So why risk it?

2. Ability to work with new hardware and software
Have you recently bought a new smartphone or a new printer, or just a fancy, new gadget that works with WiFi or even NFC connectivity? You would have found it extremely frustrating to pair your gadget with your Windows XP PC. This is because more and more device manufacturers are moving to support newer software like Windows 8 as technical specifications require a more modern operating system to support new technologies.

And it’s not just hardware makers that are making the move to support a newer operating system. Software and game publishers are also moving away from supporting Windows XP as a platform as they want you to be experiencing the best experience on your laptop or PC. We’re sure you would rather go through a round of Halo: Spartan Assault battling aliens and not lag.

Halo Spartan Assault for Windows 8, One Spartan will not approve of lag

3. Do more with modern features

12 years ago
, Harry Potter debuted on the big screen, Wikipedia did not exist, neither were there touch-enabled smartphones, let alone apps for entertainment for our devices!

So much have changed in the last 12 years, and the way we are consuming technology have also changed drastically as well. Gone are the days where notebooks weighed a ton, and were about as portable as a suitcase full of bricks

Today, notebooks are light and portable, sleek and stylish – and even comes equipped with a touchscreen to support the immersive experience Windows 8 brings. Best of all – you can get your Windows 8 device to start under 10 seconds!

The Surface 2 comes with an integrated kickstand and USB ports

You can even get a full-running Windows 8 device in a tablet form factor, like a Surface 2 – which comes with an integrated kickstand and USB ports. The are plenty of innovative form factors that support Windows 8’s unique user interface, and there’s bound to be a device that suits your diverse needs today.

Beyond new devices, a newer OS such as Windows 8 also supports modern services like OneDrive. Our consumer cloud service provides complimentary 7GB storage with your very own Microsoft account. It is also the service to help you sync up all the documents, photos and videos across your PCs, smartphones (regardless whether you’re a Windows Phone, Android or iOS user) or even tablets. Your files now follow your device rather than the other way round – now how’s that for doing more?

It’s not that difficult to say goodbye…
Even though your Windows XP PC will not stop working today, staying on it will expose your vulnerabilities, and could even cost more to fix.

Microsoft has recently launched two new tools to help our customers to make the move to a modern platform – you can even help your friends and family who are still on Windows XP make the switch:

  • AmIRunningXP.com: Check if your PC is still running Windows XP with AmIRunningXP.com. The site also provides links to more information on Windows XP end of support and guidance on how to upgrade to a modern OS.
  • Free PCmover Express for Windows XP: Partnering with Laplink, we are offering a free tool to help users copy their files and settings from a Windows XP PC to a new device running Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. It is available for download at www.windowsxp.com

Today, we are releasing Windows 8.1 Update via Windows Update, which will deliver a collection of refinements designed to provide users a familiar experience across touch, keyboard and mouse input.

Windows 8.1 Update: More refinements for easier access and control

There’s no reason not to choose a clean, fast, and modern personal computing experience. Let’s move on with the times and migrate from Windows XP today.

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