By Sal Cuomo- Business Technology Consultant, Special to the City-Times

All good things must come to an end.  In the world of technology we must soon say good bye to Microsoft’s most dependable operating system, Windows XP. 

So what does end of life mean and how will it affect me?

As you may know, Windows 8 is the latest incarnation of the Windows operating system.  XP debuted in 2001 and it’s still in wide use today. Despite the April 8, 2014 end-of-life support date looming, it is estimated that roughly 40 percent of desktops still run it. That is frightening for a number of reasons.

An unsupported version of Windows will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update. These include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, which can steal your personal information.

When you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter greater numbers of apps and devices that do not work.

It’s a world rampant with cyber security threats, where even the most secure government computers in the world are being compromised. To boldly risk continuing to use an aging and soon-to-be unsupported Operating System is to invite hackers and malware writers to exploit and affect your business or home computer. Malware writers and hackers are mostly after the glory and attention. What better opportunity than to try and exploit an installed base of 40 percent of PCs that Microsoft is no longer patching?

So the risks are clear, but what are the alternatives?

You can choose to do nothing but I wouldn’t suggest rolling the dice.  If you are a Windows fan then upgrading to a new Windows Operating System is really your only option.  Whether you like the tablet type look of Windows 8 or the more traditional 7; upgrading sooner than later is a must.

You can also choose a new operating system by purchasing a non-Windows type of PC.  Mac’s or the Google Chrome Books offer a wide range of functionality and price point with a limited amount of malware & virus threats.

Whatever your decision, make sure that this is a deadline you don’t miss.