Support Ending For Windows In April

[porkchop]

Could anyone explain in simple language what happens when support for Windows ends in April. I have Windows XP Home Edition and i have been told by some people that i will have to get a new computer. This seems crazy as there is nothing wrong with my computer. and is working perfectly. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Buenchico]

>>>i have been told by some people that i will have to get a new computer.

In which case they're:
(a) ill-informed ; or
(b) thick ; or
(c) trying to wind you up ; or
(d) a PC World salesman thinking only about his commission.

Your computer will continue working normally after April. Please refer to my answer here:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Computers/Question1317687.html

[Hopkirk]

It will probably be quicker, without those annoying updates being downloaded making the processor slow to snail speed.

[askyourgran]

I agree hopkirk.

[Hopkirk]

I switched off auto updates on my steam driven XP laptop a while ago - it was unusable otherwise.

[jeffa]

Eventually, there will come a time when a piece of software that you rely on will release a new version which will not run on 32-bit Windows XP. For example, if you were in love with Microsoft Internet Explorer and wanted the latest version, I'd think you were mad, but you'd be out of luck:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/forum/ie9-windows_other/ie9-for-xp-why-doesnt-internet-explorer-9-work-on/e8113f20-b149-4763-b4d4-562d1da524b6

So, whereas you don't NEED a new computer with a more up-to-date version of Windows, you are in many ways living on borrowed time. The longer you leave it, the more difficult you'll find the change when it inevitably has to come.

[Gizmonster]

The main issue here (in my opinion) is the security risk. After the support ends, there will be no more updates for any newly found vulnerabilities within Win XP. As long as you don't bank online, or do any other form of entering sensitive data, then it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

[Buenchico]

Gizmonster:
Quite a few XP users around here turned off Windows Updates several years ago and we've not experienced any problems.

Methyl:
The second paragraph here indicates that people using MSE will continue to get security updates for it for some (as yet undefined) time after XP suppoirt ceases:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/end-support-help

[Gizmonster]

I'm not saying there would be a problem, I'm saying there could be a problem. Without the updates, you're def more at risk ..... by how much, I just don't know :)

[askyourgran]

I have Vista, with the option of being notified about important updates which I allow. But I sometimes when I log on there is something busying away in the background which slows me up all evening. Can't find out what it is or whether or not it's important, being a numpty at this I would probably delete the wrong thing. .

[Ann]

I'm on XP but won't get a new computer as most people I know who have newer ones than mine all HATE Windows 8.

[shaneystar2]

We've just updated to Windows 8 and bought a new computer .Mr S was worried our security could be comprised as he does a lot of financial stuff on line .Who am I to argue ..lol.
We chugged along for years on our old one and this is the bees knees .I love it .Few teething problems but nothing that my child couldn't sort out for us .

[porkchop]

Thanks for all replies. At least people have until April to consider their options.