Question:
“I have been running XP for years now. I have never needed support. My system runs well with it and I understand the interface. The problem will arise when I decide to buy a laptop, as I see a future with me being on the move. I want to take my copy of XP and load it on anything new that I buy. What problems will I run into?”
Teltek’s Answer:
Users can still purchase and operate Windows XP, although Microsoft will soon end their support (April 8, 2014). This means that Microsoft will stop developing or delivering any updates (security or otherwise), ultimately leaving the operating system exposed. However, it also means that manufacturers of software and hardware will end their support (if they haven’t already) for those items as well, as they are unable to go to Microsoft for assistance when problems arise.
An alternative would be getting Windows 7 with XP Mode if you must use XP for some reason. Again, keep in mind there will not be updates to the virtual version either. This can give the user of certain versions of XP a virtual machine type of interface, allowing users to still run old XP items while retaining the XP Desktop. This feature provides a fully licensed version of XP. There is no need to move your existing install to the new system, but you will have to move your apps and data. This would give you the best of both worlds, so to speak (with limitations to updates/patches, etc).
In addition, Windows 7 has much better for security then XP. Supplemental information on Windows 7 with XP mode can be found here and this website. You will need to have a system that runs Win 7 Pro, Enterprise or Ultimate Editions.
Note: XP mode is NOT supported on Windows 8.
So what’s the short answer? There is little incentive to keep XP. It’s a very mature operating system and is well-liked and accepted- but, its time is coming to an end. Teltek suggests moving to Windows 7, or even to Windows 8.1 as support for XP, virtual or otherwise, will soon be non-existent.