So Microsoft’s support for Windows XP, at some point the most widely used operating system Microsoft has ever put out,  is ending early next year – April 8, 2014 to be precise. But what exactly does that mean?

Well, let’s break it down. It means that after April 8, 2014, there will be no

New security updates: These are part of the typical monthly updates Microsoft releases to address known vulnerabilities in Windows XP that a hacker could exploit to take control of your computer or steal information from it. But in fact any Windows XP based computer that otherwise abides by the security model I laid out 4 years ago, is well protected against these exploits. However it’s always a good thing to plug the holes in the fence that might otherwise allow scoundrels to get in. It’s just an extra layer of protection that might make the difference between a computer that is more likely to be affected by malicious programs and one that is not.

Non-security hotfixes: These are also updates, but normally try to mend a performance or stability problem in the operating system and not necessarily a security issue. They, in other words, try to fix “bugs” that have been uncovered, or developed.

Free or paid assisted support options: Not much to explain here. Microsoft provides support for issues related to Windows XP, some issues for free, some for a fee. This won’t be available as an option after the April 2014 deadline.

Online technical content updates: This refers to technical publications that Microsoft publishes online, mostly for computer type guys like me, who can use them as a resource to look for solutions to issues related to the operating system when providing support to end users.

 The bottom line

If you’re still using Windows XP, it’s probably a good idea to upgrade to a newer operating system at some point in the near future, namely Windows 7. I don’t recommend Windows 8 (or 8.1 for that matter), but I do recommend Windows 7.