There’s Life In The Old Dog Yet
Last week saw Windows XP move one step closer to obsolescence.
Microsoft has different levels of support which fall in line with the lifecycle of their products. Windows XP has just entered what they call the “Extended Support” phase.
What this means is that any support calls to Microsoft relating to Windows XP will be chargeable. What it doesn’t mean is that you have to panic and rush out and buy a new operating system or new computers. Microsoft will continue to issue security updates to make sure you are not at risk from hackers and other online worries. Windows XP will continue to work for some time.
The hidden issue that’s been widely covered in the computer press but is worth restating is that some larger IT departments have not upgraded to Windows Vista, preferring to stay with what they consider a more stable operating system. This means that if they skip Windows Vista altogether and go straight from XP to the next version of Windows (Windows 7) their upgrade path will be more tortuous and probably more expensive in direct costs and downtime.
You may think this is not a worry for you if you run a small business and don’t have a big IT department but you could be wrong. If you have old PCs working with an even earlier version of Windows, or you stick with Windows XP right to the bitter end, you’re probably only saving yourself a few hundred pounds. With the plumetting cost of hardware, the cheapest way to get a new operating system is actually to plan an upgrade of your computers. Wait until Windows 7 has been around for a few months and then get a quote for new computers. You can generally get everything you need for about £300-£400 each (no need to replace monitors usually) and the new operating system comes free.
Be aware and plan ahead and you can remove the risk of having to update everything all at once later down the line. It’s just a case of putting off the inevitable and your staff will thank you for thinking of them and investing in shiny new computers for them.
