Windows Xp

[jennyjoan]

Above sent me an email to say their support services will terminate April 2014. What does this mean? thanks for any answers

[Graham-W]

There are other threads but this seems to sum it up.
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Computers/Question1317687.html

[jennyjoan]

thanks for your answers. jjcon

[jennyjoan]

just realised that MSE antivirus will be cancelled too - what other antivirus should I download.

[HansUrbancka]

Providing you have a good Anti Virus programme then XP will continue to be usable and safe. Anyway, MSE will still be available for XP until July 2015. :-

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Security-Essentials-to-Support-Windows-XP-Until-2015-417420.shtml

Hans.

[jennyjoan]

thanks Hans.

[HansUrbancka]

Cheers jennyjoan.....Lots of folk are very concerned that Microsoft is withdrawing support for what could be said to be one of its best operating systems. I take the view that it is sensible to keep going with XP for as long as is possible. There are lots of Commercial Organisations that are reliant upon XP and even if Microsoft withdraws every item of support for the Operating system, it will continue to function with the aid of Free Anti Virus programmes.

Incidentally, I think the E/mail you have had is questionable and could be a scam to get you to upgrade to Windows 7...at a high price, because it could cost you half the price of a new laptop/computer.

Hans.

[ivor4781]

scam .... how do they know your using xp

[Graham-W]

I received the same message, from Microsoft, on 28th Feb. Doing a "message properties" and "message source" makes it look genuine.
Micro$oft would know I was using XP because I registered my copy with them when I first installed it. I see no ulterior motives behind the mail and think it's probably genuine.

[heathfield]

It sounds like a scam to me, too. But Microsoft are not alone in being able to tell which OS is being used on a computer

[Graham-W]

Oh, I forgot. Clicking the link takes you to a genuine Microsoft site too.

[HansUrbancka]

I would be quite interested to read the full contents of the E/mail...if anyone is able to do a copy and paste into this thread.

Hans.

[Graham-W]

Here is a copy of the mail I received on 28th Feb. The links don't copy across but tje hyperlinks take you here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/end-support-help?ocid=xpeos_r_eosreminder_na_body_1_1

Mail received.
Windows XP is Retiring

After 12 years of support, technical assistance for Windows XP will end on 8 April 2014. The end of Windows XP support will help us focus resources on delivering you the best, most current PC experience.


What this means for Windows XP users

The end of support means we will no longer deliver software updates. These updates help keep your PC secure and working reliably. Without them, your PC may become a target for harmful viruses, spyware and other malicious software – causing loss of data and hindered performance.

While your computer will work, your PC may cause you security and support issues. We'd love to help you avoid that.




Upgrade options

To make sure that your PC is protected and doesn't cause you potential frustration, upgrade to the latest version of Windows.

If your PC is older, you may consider browsing a range of new PCs – now more affordable, lightweight and powerful than ever.




Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, please read our Privacy Statement.
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond WA 98052

[HansUrbancka]

@Graham-W.....Thanks for your posting of what I requested. There is a very important sentence in what does appear to a genuine communication from Microsoft..."While your computer will work, your PC may cause you security and support issues. We'd love to help you avoid that".

It indicates that your PC will continue to work and that you 'may' have security issues. Obviously it is to Microsoft's advantage to sell you a new and expensive Operating System when for nothing you can continue using XP with a free Anti Virus programme.

Hans.