Microsoft to stop support for Windows XP SP2

Customers can upgrade to SP3 and use system till 2014

 If you are still running Microsoft Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2), you have until July 13 to upgrade. The venerable SP2 version reaches the end of its life on July 13, after which there will be no more updates.

Microsoft will no longer shore up security weaknesses in computers using Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows 2000 operating systems after July 13.

Wilson Xavier, Business Group Lead - Windows Client, Microsoft Gulf, told Gulf News that malware writers are not going to stop targeting it, but Microsoft is going to stop updating drivers and patching holes, leaving users vulnerable and the machine becomes increasingly susceptible to attacks from malicious software.

Microsoft issues security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, known as Patch Tuesday.

"Infected PCs in corporate settings are in huge demand by cyber gangs who place them in networks, or botnets, of thousands of other infected PCs used to spread spam, steal data, hijack online bank accounts," said Wilson.

Windows XP, a very robust and secure operating system, has a market share of around 63 per cent globally, followed by Vista with 21 per cent market share and Windows 7 with 9.40 per cent, according to StatCounter GlobalStats.

He said the quickest and simplest way is to install Service Pack 3 as plenty of PCs are still running SP2 regionally and globally.

Microsoft has informed corporates and customers about the switchover and if XP users for some reason cannot download the SP3 upgrade can call support centre at 04-3917000 or get in on a disc from Microsoft at a reasonable price.

The other alternative is to upgrade to Windows 7, which has gained a big market share.

But this requires much more effort, because there is no in-place upgrade from XP: you have to do a clean installation. Moving to Windows 7 also costs more, at the same time SP3 is free.

XP users will have to upgrade eventually, because support will end on April 8, 2014, and for those still running a version of Windows 2000, all formal support channels will close on July 13, 2010 with online support to continue until at least July 2011.

Some companies may therefore decide it's cheaper to move to Windows 7 now than to keep putting it off.

Is it too early for Mircrosoft to stop offering upgrades for Windows home XP SP2? Do you think this decision is driven by commercial interest?