Windows XP: Goodnight Sweet Prince

As of today, Microsoft will officially stop issuing patches and system updates for Windows XP. I know what you're thinking - who the heck still uses Windows XP? Well, apparently a lot of people. Windows XP is the No. 2 operating system, and all of those users are in for a world of hurt. Without system updates, XP users will become susceptible to a whole lot of nasty viruses on the Internet. So, what does this mean for you and your ancient computer?

If you're using Windows XP on your home computer I would assume you travelled back to 2003 and enrolled as an undergrad at your nearby college - because why else would you be using Windows XP? Microsoft issued this statement regarding the 13-year-old operating system. "The time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources toward supporting more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences." In other words, we don't have time for Windows XP - and when was the last time you gave us your money?

Microsoft will no longer issue patches or system updates that protect your computer against viruses and malware. This leaves your computer wide open and vulnerable. Hackers everywhere are hunched over their computers rubbing their palms together and quietly whispering, "Excellent." Once your computer stops receiving security updates, your personal information will become easier to grab. This hackathon won't start right away. Experts believe hackers will wait a few weeks or even months before attacking Windows XP users. Their hoping this gives XP users a false sense of security before they strike. You don't want anyone getting a hold of your identity do you?

You can use Microsoft's Windows Upgrade Assistant to see if your system meets the requirements needed for Windows 8.1. Unfortunately, at this point your old PC is more like a giant paperweight than a computer. Chances are you'll have to buy a brand new machine. But what if I unplug my computer from the Internet? Sure, you can convert your PC into a glorified electronic typewriter but it's still going to be susceptible. Say you take a USB drive from a newer computer and plug it into a machine that runs on Windows XP. That USB drive could hold a more recent virus that an XP computer isn't able to combat because of the system's lack of security updates.

Even before Microsoft decided to stop system updates Windows XP users were six times more likely to get hacked. Once those security updates stop, this problem will only get worse. If you're not ready to buy a new machine right away, we suggest buying anti-virus software and switching your browser to Google Chrome. If you're a little more technically savvy you can back up all your information, erase your hard drive, and install Linux onto your computer. There are so many free versions of this operating system you're bound to find something that will work on your old device. There are plenty of logical explanations to Microsoft's decision. The security threats people face today are significantly different from when Windows XP was first introduced.

As much as we joke about Windows XP's age the fact is plenty of schools and businesses still use this operating system. In fact, according to ATM manufacturer NCR, nearly 75% of bank ATMs run on Windows XP. Cybersecurity provider Cylance even says one of its major hospital clients' still uses Windows XP on more than 100,000 devices. The United Kingdom has even paid Microsoft £5.5 million for another year of tech support because 85% of it's computers at the National Health Service run on Windows XP. Businesses everywhere are scrambling to update. Some small business owners don't even realize how vulnerable they'll become and aren't planning on upgrading their systems any time soon.

If you're using Windows XP we think it's time for a change. You've lasted 13 years with this operating system and it's time to let go. Windows 8.1 is even going to incorporate a start menu so you XP users will feel more at home. More importantly, Microsoft is giving away $100 credits that will help your upgrading be less painful on your wallet. Get off of Windows XP today and start surfing safer tomorrow.