What to do now XP end is nigh
Gartner analyst Michael Silver gives some tips for users Microsoft's ageing OS after Tuesday
How many organisations do you think are still using Windows XP?
Lots. Really, almost every organisation will have some XP left. There's still lots of Windows 95 running in hospitals, I should add.
Overall, when support ends, we estimate that 20-25 per cent of enterprise systems will still run XP and that a third of large organisations will have more than 10 per cent of their systems remaining on XP.
The security risk is high if you're still running Windows XP beyond 8 April, when support ends. What should you do?
1) Have a plan to get rid of it ASAP.
2) Reduce user rights on the machines, restrict the PC to run only "known good" applications, and minimise web browsing and email use on the PCs.
3) Move critical applications and users to server-based computing. Where users or applications can't be moved for regular use due to licensing cost, or capacity issues, have the applications installed for server access in case of emergency.
What other risks might there be for a company still on Windows XP after 8th April?
Even in organisations without Windows XP, a user that puts an unpatched Windows XP machine on the network can introduce problems.
For a company getting rid of Windows XP, what must be addressed before beginning a migration?
While most applications now support Windows 7, it's possible an organisation has very old applications or versions that don't. Application testing is of paramount concern. Organisations need to decide whether to deploy Windows 7 or Windows 8.
A migration to Windows 7 will likely be faster, but one to Windows 8 will have more longevity - Windows 7 support ends in January 2020, less than six years away, and organisations that are so late on Windows XP should not get into the same situation with end of Windows 7 support.
For many, the best alternative would be to deploy Windows 7 for the most critical users and applications now and working to be able to start deploying Windows 8 starting early in 2015.
Michael Silver is vice president and Distinguished Analyst at Gartner