Microsoft will stop supporting Windows XP SP3 on April 8, 2014. However, what they mean by support is no more security updates, no free or paid support options, and no more online technical updates. There also may be hardware and software companies that make products that run on Windows, that will no longer provide support for this version either.
You can still use it on your PC, however with no security updates and patches, you run a much higher risk of security problems on your PC. You will be at higher risk for attaches, viruses, etc. You might have a company that makes keyboards, for example, and when you buy a new one, that keyboard might not be compatible with Windows XP, or some software program might not be able to run on Windows XP. So it may become harder to find programs and hardware that are compatible.
If you do decide to go with Windows 7, make sure you go to Microsoft's website to their "Upgrade Advisor". It will check your PC to see if it can be upgraded to Win 7 or not. Also, I believe the upgrade would actually be a clean install...you would be basically starting over from scratch installing the newer OS. It will not preserve any info you have on your PC. Make sure you print out and read all the instructions beforehand, and make backups of everything you want to put back on your PC.
I have a lap top that has XP on it and am confused regarding the news that Microsoft will no longer support this Windows system. Does anyone know the date and what will happen when this happens?
Also, I have been getting lots of lots of offers to upgrade to Windows 7. If I do purchase this upgrade, how can I be sure Microsoft will support it?
I had a problem in the past when I upgraded my desk from XP to Vista. Microsoft said they couldn't support that when I ran into some issues and called them.
I would appreciate any and all information regarding this subject. Thank you.

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