Windows XP SP2 Support Ends July 13

Are you still using Windows XP with Service Pack 2? If so, you'll want to take note of Microsoft's warning that it will terminate support of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) on July 13th, 2010.

According to a recent PC Advisor poll, 37 per cent of respondents are still using Windows XP. Of that number, 15 per cent of those users still have not yet upgraded to Windows XP Service Pack 3. (Source: pcadvisor.co.uk)

Windows XP users who have not yet upgraded to Service Pack 3 will need to do so before July 13th, 2010 in order to continue receiving Microsoft's latest security updates. Without the latest security updates, PCs are vulnerable to security exploits, including hackers, worms, and viruses. (Source: itbusinessedge.com)

XP SP2 Cut-Off Date Could be Costly For Some

Some businesses continue to use Windows XP with Service Pack 2 for hardware and software compatibility reasons. While some firms are considering the leap from XP SP2 directly to Windows 7, it may prove to be costly. For example, older hardware may not be capable of Windows 7; furthermore, the upgrade may not be worth the cost in terms of compatibility with existing software programs, even though Windows 7 offers vastly improved security protection.

XP Service Pack 3 Cutoff: April 2014

While small or medium-sized business users of Windows XP may troubled by the XP SP2 cut-off date, few analysts blame the company for dismissing Windows 2000 support. Microsoft says it will continue to support Windows XP SP3 until April 2014. (Source: v3.co.uk)

If there wasn't enough reason to upgrade from Windows 2000 or XP, here's something new: Microsoft is currently investigating a boundary error-related bug affecting both operating systems. Security experts say it could compromise a system's security and make a PC vulnerable to remote code execution.