Windows XP service ends April 8 –Microsoft

Computers currently running Windows XP will no longer receive critical security patches and updates after April 8, 2014, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware and the growing risk of cyber-attacks that can steal or damage personal information and business data, Microsoft has stated.

The new research by Microsoft has shown that Windows XP is five times as susceptible to viruses and attacks as Windows 8.1 because older operating systems were not designed to be protected against the fast evolving exploitation techniques and threats of today.

The Windows Group Lead for West, East, Central Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, Microsoft, Mr. Rotimi Olumide, was quoted in a statement on Monday as saying, “End of service doesn’t mean XP will stop running, but over time, security and performance will be severely affected. He said, “The latest International Data Corporation statistics show that businesses are prone to spend three times more on dealing with security issues in the next year if they don’t plan to migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8.”

 According to the statement, with Microsoft studies showing that PCs running XP are estimated to double productivity costs within two to five years, operating systems like Windows 8, with a productivity suite like Office 365, will not only offer complete protection against modern threats, but it will ensure enhanced business efficiency.

 “With small businesses contributing up to 50 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product and up to 90 per cent of employment in many sub-Saharan African economies, it is vital that they embrace newer technologies to remain competitive and thrive in the modern-era,” Olumide added.