Have You Upgraded WIN XP Yet? ... 95% of Bank ATMs Have Not!

[1492]

It's estimated that nearly 500 million PCs still run Window XP, 70% in China. But with the April 8 deadline for extended end of support looming, it appears that 95% of bank ATMs are still running WIN XP. Some banks have reportedly worked out extended support agreements with Microsoft until they can upgrade. No such options for end users. But would you pay for a extended support anyway?

See article CNN Money: 95% of bank ATMs face end of security support.

[cleo43]

Download
Unetbootin
with a USB key about 8G or larger, and a few ISO of Linux Mint, Ubuntu you can dip your feet with Linux before making any commitment (for free !). If you like it fine, if not, nothing is changed on your computer.

[Alfred622]

Some people may think that when Microsoft Support on XP ends next month that their software will suddenly stop working. No, end of support just means that Microsoft won't continue making patches and bug fixes available. Usually those patches become less and less frequent as the operating system ages since fewer bugs remain. Also, the majority of bugs are intended to protect against issues brought to your system via the internet. So if you are careful and don't use internet much on an old system, end of support may not impact you at all. Things that used to work will continue to work.

When you buy new software you'll want to verify its compatibility. For example, some software you can buy today will only run on Windows 8, or may only run on Windows 7 and above. If you're still using XP at that time, you can deal with it then.

I tend to keep the original operating system on each computer I buy. I keep installing the manufacturers updates. Then, when it comes time to replace the system, I'll buy all new hardware & new operating system at that time. This is one of the reasons that PC sales are down right now- consumers do not want Windows 8 therefore they are not buying new - or they are looking at Apple. I'm giving serious consideration to switching to Ubuntu (linux - free) and Open Office (also free). More and more people are moving in that direction.

Good luck, all!

[notruffinit]

XP was several OS versions ago. XP to Vista to Windows 7 to Windows 8. XP will still run and if all you are using it for is a few local apps or email it will still work. My advice would be that you still invest in a virus software package that will be updated if you are online at all. I have a vista machine and can get it updated to Windows 7 for $180 at a local shop. I can also buy a new desktop pc in a store here at the mall that runs Win 8 for $250.

Many people are badmouthing the Win 8 OS, but instead of fighting it, which will do absolutely no good, take some time to learn the new system. It really is not that bad and I do not like some of the apps, but I can always pull up the traditional desktop and all looks the same as it did under XP/Vista/7.

Have fun.

[spadoctor]

Part of my wifes' job is ATMs for a large credit union. All ATMs are being upgraded. Some at this point are still using OS2 not even win XP. The security aspect is causing the change. Also if an ATM has advanced features it needs to move to win 7. A huge cost and PITA as there are not enough techs to get the job done in a timely manner. FWIW if your new computer comes with win8 a free downgrade is available to win7.

[Turbo_Diesel_Du]

Our new computer came with Windows 8 which sucked big time and it was upgraded (really?) to 8.1 which also sucked so we went back to Windows 7. Cost $150.00 but relieved us of the aggravation.

[SCR]

RoyB wrote:
Wonder how long it will be before MS drops WIN 7 support haha...

Roy Ken

Window 7

End of mainstream support - January 13, 2015
End of extended support - January 14, 2020

Source

[RoyB]

I'm still running two high end DELL Workstation M90 laptops computers for use in my trailers. They do all I want them for. Using the DELL docking station setup I can move the LAPTOPS from the house to the RV's and use the same setup configuration. Great for running the roads using the same computer.

Hated to to see this coming...

I'm thinking I will wait it out until I get a couple of OFF-LEASE replacements for M90's. Maybe the DELL M6700 series. This is where my two M90's came from and was around $450 each - Both still had DELL Warranty on them them when I got them from a EBAY Seller for OFF-LEASE computers. I have had them for around ten years now.

I may go down to Office Depot and get the WIN 7 upgrade and see how it goes on one of my M90 Laptops. This is the one I use exclusive for MARS RADIO comms console setup here but is same model as the LAPTOP I use in my office setup. The Upgrade disk was around $100 a few years back... I think you would probably want the WIN7 PROFESSIONAL UPGRADE package. Wonder how long it will be before MS drops WIN 7 support haha...

Roy Ken

[Acampingwewillg]

I have a Toshiba running XP and I really want to continue to use it. Although its an older Laptop, it has seen very little use and is in pristine condition. I've been following suggestions on the "free" aftermarket AV available and I'm hoping to prolong the use of that machine. It surprises me that the MAX RAM I can put on this laptop is 2g's and yet even the least expensive ones today have 4-8g installed. All I can say is for my use, 2g of memory seems to work OK...

[BobsYourUncle]

Interesting info, thanks!

Never thought there was still so much widespread use of XP.

My laptop, which I am using now to type this, is still running XP Pro.

It has always worked well for me for many years, except some shutdown issues where it hangs and hangs.

Laptop came with the most useless OS, Vista. OK, second useless, ME was by far the worst!
After the plagues of problems I toasted Vista and put XP on. Worked great after that.

I have Win 7 on my home desktop. Yeah 7 is good, stable and works well.

I have never seen the need to upgrade my laptop XP.

I didn't know they were stopping support for it. Oh well, I guess it is due!

I'm up for a new laptop one of these days. This one is 5 - 6 years old? I forget. Only a matter of time before a catastrophic failure.

Until then I'm sticking with XP on it.

Now don't laugh at me for this one, but my webserver at home is still running Win2K! And it's running on a Pentium 800!!Haha. Don't wanna change it because then I will have to totally redo my website. Too much work!!

[mrkoje]

I'm surprised that companies are using Windows at all in ATM machines. I figured they would mostly be running some flavor of UNIX or Linux that has been locked down tight. I guess we learn something new everyday!

[1492]

IMO, Window 7 was a huge improvement from previous versions. Still my favorite. You'll have to do a clean install, and reinstall all your compatible software. Plus download a bunch of updates.

[rv2go]

I have a 7 year old Sony laptop that came with XP installed. When I registered it with Sony, they sent me a Windows 7 installation CD. At that time there were a lot of negative comments being made about Windows 7 so I stayed with the XP because I was happy with it. I don't how it will work today, but I am thinking about having the Windows 7 installed.