End draws near for Windows XP

Masahiro Takeishi / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff WriterThe end of support for Windows XP-April 9 in Japan-is quickly approaching.

Users can continue to use personal computers equipped with the OS even after the end of the support, which distributes software updates, but the risk of a computer virus infiltrating their PCs and stealing personal information will increase.

The following are negative impacts to be expected and what customers should do if they have PCs with Windows XP.

Confirm your OS

PC users first need to confirm whether their OS is Windows XP. For instance, a sticker with the Windows XP logo is pasted on the body near the keyboard for laptops. Also, when a user starts up a PC, the XP mark will be displayed on the screen if that is its OS.

Another way to check is to click the 'Start' button on your PC, right-click 'My Computer,' and then click 'Properties' option.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

The Yomiuri Shimbun

What is an OS?

An operating system is a collection of software that manages the computer's hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs that let a PC function normally. Thus, an OS is often referred to as 'the conductor of a PC.'

All PCs have an OS installed, making it possible to use e-mail, access the Internet and create documents, among many other functions. Windows XP was released by Microsoft Corp. in 2001. It became a smash hit worldwide due to its user-friendly features.

Microsoft later released new operating systems such as Windows 7 and Windows 8, but Windows XP has been the overwhelming favorite among users. According to the business research company International Data Corp. (IDC) Japan, 5.98 million individual-use PCs, or 14.5 percent of all individual PCs in Japan used Windows XP as of the end of 2013. Among corporate and other non-individual PCs, 7.24 million, or 20.2 percent, used XP.

Possible risks

What kind of risks will PC users encounter if they continue to use Windows XP even after support ends?

'Comparing a PC to a house, suspicious people [viruses] could trespass and steal valuable items [money and personal information] or damage the furniture [websites or other data],' said Shinichiro Kagaya, a senior research official at the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan and an expert in PC security affairs.

Operating systems are sometimes found to have security holes, and Microsoft has sent users free software updates through the Internet to fix these holes. However, such updates will no longer be provided after support ends, and security holes will remain open. Crackers can then send viruses to PCs that target the security holes.

If PCs are infected with computer viruses, users' IDs and passwords for online bank accounts could be stolen. If this happens, users' money may be illegally transferred into other people's accounts, and their important personal information, such as names and addresses, may be stolen, resulting in data being abused. In some cases, websites may be altered with malicious intent.

Even if users think they have nothing in their PCs that could harm them if stolen, they should not lower their guard. Their PCs could be infected with viruses and used as remotely controlled terminals to attack third parties' PCs, without the user even noticing.

Countermeasures

What measures can be taken to prevent such problems? There are three options.

-Purchase a new PC with the latest OS installed.

-Upgrade your OS to the latest version on the same PC.

-Never connect to the Internet if you continue to use Windows XP.

According to Kagaya: 'Even with the second option, there will probably be cases in which some PC models will not function normally. The risk is not zero with the third option either, because PCs could be infected with viruses via a universal serial bus [USB].'

Kagaya said the effectiveness of commercially available antivirus software is limited because they cannot cover OS security holes.

'If the newest OS is a ferro-concrete condominium with a sufficient security system and various crime-prevention features, Windows XP will become a cheaply built house with many holes in the walls and roof. Buying a new PC is the best solution,' Kagaya said.

Retailers offer trade-ins

Many electronic store chains are having sales campaigns in which customers can trade in old PCs with Windows XP.

Bic Camera Inc., Kojima Co. and Sofmap Co. will purchase notebook PCs containing Windows XP for ¥3,000 and desktop PCs for ¥1,000 if a customer purchases a new PC. The campaigns will last until April 9.

For people who only want e-mail and Internet browsing functions, a good option is to replace their PCs with tablet computers, which are less expensive than desktop and notebook PCs. Purchasing them before the scheduled consumption tax rate hike in April would also save money.

Best-selling PCs at Bic Camera stores with Microsoft's latest Windows 8.1 OS run from ¥100,000 to ¥150,000.

Tablet computers with seven-inch (about 18-centimeter) screens are popular. According to Bic Camera, models that cost half or less than PCs also sell well.

If users want to upgrade their OS to Windows 8.1 without replacing their actual PC, software is available for around ¥12,000.

Microsoft has started a free telephone consultation service for people who have purchased PCs with the latest OS. The telephone number in Japan is 0120-256-790.

Until May 31, Microsoft will provide consultation for such issues as how to transfer data from PCs with XP to new models.