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The article discusses various aspects of using Windows XP in the modern reality and focuses on information security, the overall performance in present-day information infrastructures, as well as the system mobility features.

Introduction

Released almost 13 years ago in 2001, Windows XP is just about to pass away. April 8 this year, Microsoft ceased supporting the system officially, as well as stopped providing antivirus database updates. In connection with this event, experts insist that the continued use of the platform is unreasonable and, what is even more important, unsafe.

Even 10 years ago XP was undoubtedly the most modern, user-friendly and reliable operating system available on the market, but today it no longer corresponds to the previous status. The rapidly evolving IT industry has undergone too many critical changes, and now Windows XP is pretty far from being a satisfactory solution. So what are these changes? Answering the question, the need for migration to more modern operating systems is explained easily.

Security issues

Technologies are evolving at lightning speed, respectively, the methods practiced by cyber criminals are subjected to major changes. Of course, hackers were active on the onset of 2000s, but they were guided by totally different principles. Initially, the attacks were directed against large corporations and mainly implied disabling devices and systems, thus involving public attention. Frankly speaking, the attacks were more like hooliganism or vandalism, oftentimes committed for personal satisfaction.

Today the situation has changed radically. Cyber-criminals acting alone can be fairly listed as endangered species; now users have to deal with organized groups of fraudsters. The attackers aim at establishing control over the devices and stealing sensitive information to obtain monetary profit. Small and medium businesses fall within the scope of attackers way more often than 10 years ago. In turn, computers of common users are oftentimes used to send spam or even use resources (recollecting the recent threat that converted a PC into bitcoin miner); a digital assault may also be focused on swiping credit card data. According to Verizon, about 75% of attacks are dictated by financial motives.

With no support from the manufacturer, Windows XP no longer receives antivirus updates, which provoked an increase in the number of attacks on XP users. According to Avast Company, Windows XP systems are attacked 6 times more often than the devices running under Windows 7. The fact should be underlined that the virus activation period now equals a couple of hours, which is nothing in comparison with up to several weeks some 10 years ago. In addition, the number of Zero-Day Exploits experiences a rapid growth: when an update is released, criminals start conducting their business to develop the malicious code almost immediately, and the mission takes no more than a week on average. Thus, protecting a PC is definitely not an easy mission even with the latest software on board. Computers running the outdated systems are highly vulnerable: since their software is not going to be updated anymore, the protection codes against the latest threats will not be developed. EMET study showed that 181 of the 184 exploits used for testing, will fell comfortably with Windows XP. For comparison, the figure in Windows 7 is 18 times lower.

The trends in this area are disappointing. Experts predict that in the future the situation will only worsen and the number of attacks on Windows XP will inexorably grow.

Terrific maintenance costs

Maintaining the outdated equipment now requires significant effort and as a result, considerable investments. Since the technical support for Windows XP is abandoned, the challenges of maintenance fall on the shoulders of IT professionals. Thus, the costs of maintaining the normal operation of an old PC can exceed the cost of purchasing new equipment (at least from the long term prospects).

The power of mobility

Today the traditional computers are crowded out by touch devices, ultrabooks, tablets and smartphones. Lightweight and compact, the neoteric gadgets allow performing various tasks from anywhere in the world at any time. However, you will hardly install Windows XP on these devices. Therefore, a computer running under Windows XP is not likely to work in conjunction with truly modern devices, so the user will have to work with different interfaces with no chance for data synchronization.

Contrariwise, the latest Microsoft solutions satisfy mobility needs in greater measure. Windows 8 boasts numerous applications and services that are compatible with a huge number of devices. Another huge Windows 8 advantages are compatibility with cloud computing and Office 365 package, the latest version of the far-famed application that enables you to work with the particular documents from your home PC, laptop or even a smartphone. The company stakes on promoting single user environment creation (which seems to be a truly wise decision) to cultivate next-gen efficiency and flexibility of work.

Microsoft helps companies to follow the modern technological trends, facilitating more rational time allocation and usage. The Silicon Valley giant strives to ensure the mobility of customers, so that they can increase effectiveness and achieve success in business. Unfortunately, Windows XP no longer fits modern reality. This way or the other, the new products will inevitably replace the system that served millions of people worldwide, it’s just a matter of time and awareness of the possible consequences of using an outdated piece of software.

Instead of Post Scriptum

Obviously, Windows XP has nothing more to offer. The platform with a long history record is gradually disappearing. At the same time the reasons that hold the users from migrating to other operating systems also come to naught. Actually, Microsoft offers the time-tested and improved technologies in a brand new package. Windows 8 in particular opened vast opportunities of high performance and mobility, so the process of switching to the novelty will presumably be fulminant.