Microsoft Ending Support for Windows XP SP2

As of July 13, Microsoft will no longer support XP SP2. This means that there will be no more patches, no more updates, no more security fixes...

So why isn't everybody upgrading to SP3? I mean, it's free! And it includes all the updates and additional features you could ever want, or get... short of upgrading to Windows 7, right?

Well... not so fast.

SP3 has been reported as causing many problems with drivers, certain applications, and even with certain processors. Most of the issues have been solved. And others require fixes that would be considered "easy" for a novice computer enthusiast. But the fact is that there are many who are unconfortable meddling with settings, drivers or installing updates. And even those who are knowleadgeable might think twice before upgrading. They've had bad experiences. And there is no way to know for sure if their particular grievance was fixed or not, other than going for it. The bright side is that SP3 is easy to uninstall (through the Control Panel), and leaves no residues, in case you do encounter a problem.

Microsoft will no longer be searching for security holes that hackers might exploit. The problem is that hackers aren't going to stop so easily. And they will find those holes. Counting on the fact that many people will just not want to give up their tried and true systems.

Our advice: Microsoft will tell you that the best thing to do is upgrade to Windows 7. And I would say that's good advice, regardless. But if you use your computer just for email, Internet browsing, and Microsoft products, you'll be safe upgrading to SP3. The vast majority of users who use standard commercial programs like Office or Quickbooks will have no problems. Just go to the Microsoft Update Site and follow the instructions. But if you use a non-standard application, you might want to check with the vendor to make sure that SP3 is a good idea.