(Nederlands) Windows XP wordt niet meer ondersteund

Windows XP was released twelve years ago. As of April 8th, 2014 Microsoft no longer releases security updates for this obsolete operating system. This makes it dangerous for both consumers and businesses to continue to use it.

StatCounter, an independent web analytics specialist, issued a warning that Windows XP is still the second most popular operating system. The use of Windows XP in the Netherlands has declined over the last year, but it is still widely used (9,24% in January 2014).

Windows 7 is by far the most popular operating system for Internet users. The use of the already unpopular Windows Vista increasingly decreases. Android and iOS (iPhone and iPad ) gradually gain ground, showing that mobile usage is increasing. Windows 8.1 is emerging as most PCs are now supplied with it pre-installed. Usage of Mac OS X has remained fairly similar over the last year.

The choice for a current XP user is not an easy one: switch to Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or something else, such as a Mac or take a leap of faith and try a Linux desktop. The latter is a very good choice when purchasing new hardware is not an option. Ubuntu has long been the most popular flavor of Linux desktops.

Apart from the security risks, little will change for 1A users with Windows XP. For the time being you can keep using your shares and all other functions. The 1A manuals however, will not be updated anymore and at the end of the year we will cease certification of Windows XP when making 1A updates.

Please contact your 1A partner to obtain a more recent operating system or a new PC.

Update 25-03-2014: Due to the many questions about using Ubuntu the following.
A switch to a different operating system is often a difficult and time-intensive process for users. Also, please take into account that Windows software can not be used on Linux. There are often alternatives available, such as OpenOffice instead of Microsoft Office, but take into account that users have to get used to it and there are differences in specific functionality. License-free does not mean that using open source software is free (it requires training, has a learning curve, and searching for alternative applications takes time).
There are currently no 1A partners that officially support Linux-on-the-desktop.