Windows XP holdouts are even more danger than ever after Microsoft abandoned anti-malware support for the ancient platform.
Redmond overnight stopped providing XP support for new and existing installs of its Security Essentials package.
The run-as-needed Malicious Software Removal Tool has also been axed, while support for patching ended in April last year for those who aren't paying large wads of cash to stave off an upgrade.
"Please note that since the above real-time protection products have limited effectiveness on PCs that do not have the latest security updates, your PC will still be at risk for infection," Redmond says.
"We strongly recommend that you complete your migration to a supported operating system as soon as possible so that you can receive regular security updates to help protect your computer from malicious attacks."
Netmarketshare.com data shows XP is alive and kicking
Windows XP's market share still beats its loathed successor Windows Vista, MacOS and Linux on the desktop.
The operating has a 12 percent market share or 180 million users, according to netmarketshare.com , putting it in third spot just behind version 8.1 representing 13 percent of installs, and version 7 with a whopping 61 percent of installs.
Are you still running Windows XP? What about your company?
(Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Thursday July 16 2015, @02:07PM
XP isn't all that unique, IMHO. Twins or clones of XP can be had with any of the following:
XP 64 bit (still supported with updates because it is part of the 2003 Server family)
2003 Server converted into desktop use
Win 7 "classic" mode, with a few mods
I really don't like Windows much, and seldom run it, but I'm at home in all of those environments. They're XP, just a little newer. Grab one and try it!
(Score: 3, Informative) by iamjacksusername on Thursday July 16 2015, @02:36PM
Server 2003 wend EOL this month... 7/13/2015. I am in the process of decommissioning my last instances this month and I know there are many places that are far behind me.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/products/windows-server-2003/ [microsoft.com]