Microsoft is giving XP users more reasons to upgrade to its other operating systems before the end of support in April next year. A new report shows how XP users are six times more vulnerable than Windows 8 users.
Microsoft is pushing users to its newer versions of Windows operating systems as XP nears its end in April next year. This is very depressing news for XP lovers who have relied on the OS for more than twelve years. While it would be hard to let go of their favorite OS, it would seem equally hard to adapt and learn the way around new operating systems for some users.
Microsoft is giving XP users more reasons to shift to newer OS versions as a smart and safe move. In addition, the software giant has released a detailed Security Intelligence Report concerning the safety of its oldest-running operating system over others. The major reason behind bringing this report to the public's notice, which includes small businesses and consumers, is to encourage them to move to the more recent versions of its desktop OS including, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.
"The report is timely as we are nearly five months from the end of support deadline for Windows XP. After more than 12 years of support, April 8, 2014 marks the day Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, non-security hot fixes or technical support for Windows XP," Stella Chernyak, a director at Microsoft, wrote in a blog post.
Microsoft detailed the infection rate for Windows XP against Vista, 7, and Windows 8 operating systems. The report said that XP users are six times more likely to get a malware attack when compared to Windows 8 computers, which have a 1.6 infection rate. Windows XP had an infection rate of 9.6, Vista stood at 5.5, and Windows 7 had 4.9.
"Newer operating system versions are not vulnerable to several common exploits that are widely used against older versions, and include a number of security features and mitigations that older versions of Windows lack," the report found.
Computer security is essential because they are used for various purposes including banking, storing passwords, among others. This information falling into the wrong hands can cause heavy damage. Considering those risks, the software giant is advising on an upgrade to continue benefit from its wide array of services.