As all of you are no doubt aware by now, Windows XP support ends next month. While some of you dread letting go of the beloved Operating System that has run your practice for you for years (in some cases, since your practice opened), I'm here to tell you now that it's time to move on. Here are your reasons why:
1. XP will be the new hacker target. Hackers will look at future fixes Microsoft does for Windows 7/8.x and then look at those same files in Windows XP for features that are common. Since Win7/8x are still supported, those issues will be repaired but not for XP. Hackers will target the remaining XP systems.
2. Lack of support from third parties. You will soon purchase new hardware/software from third parties that simply will not install on an XP system. For hardware, the drivers just will not be there. For software, it will refuse to install because of a required library or other feature dependency XP simply will not have.
Note: Amazing Charts has already stated that it will cease and desist support for XP and Server 2003 as the server computer. Expect more statements from other vendors soon.
3. HIPAA compliance. Because of Reason 1, XP will no longer be HIPAA compliant. HIPAA states that if security vulnerabilities are found on your network, you should be able to fix it. You can't if there is no fix.
4. Upgrade now while everything is under your control. Let's say you purchase a new X-Ray machine and the tech says you have to have Windows 7 or higher. Now you have to stop everything you are doing, reschedule with the technician, order a new computer and wait for it, upgrade, and go through other unplanned hassle. All of which will increase your cost.
5. End of support for Windows XP goes for XP Mode as well. Windows XP Mode is Windows XP just as a virtual machine under Windows 7.
I realize many of you don't want to upgrade (read: spend the money) and there are some posts where people are talking about blocking Internet access to XP systems, etc. Such attempts/attitudes must be maintained over time and will be expensive to do so. In other words, you're going to spend just as much money avoiding an upgrade as you would actually doing the upgrade. And that doesn't count all the hassle and heartache.
Please plan your upgrade as soon as possible. In order to appropriately plan your upgrade, please follow the guidelines below:
1. Do Not Go To Best Buy.
2. Research appropriate business class machines from Dell or HP.
3. Do Not Go To Office Depot.
4. Contact a reputable local IT support company.
5. Do Not Go To Staples.
I realize I'm not saying what all of you want to hear. That's not my job. My job is to help you position your practice for long term future growth and sometimes that means..... well.... it means just being me.
JamesNT
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