As Microsoft desperately tries to banish XP, it just wont go away, new stats show
Although support is soon to be killed, Windows XP remains the second most popular operating system, globally, in terms of internet usage, according to StatCounter.
Globally, Windows 7 was the top OS, accounting for 54% of all users, while XP took away almost 20% in January, last, despite Microsoft’s plan to discontinue support this April.
In Australia, Win 7 is by far and way the most used OS, on over 50%, followed by Apple Mac.
But Windows 8/8.1 usage appears slightly higher here than the global average, on 8.3%, while XP accounted for 7.7%.
Microsoft’s touch-based OS, 8.1, also saw a slight lift in usage on just over 3%, globally, although it comes nothing near predecessor Win 7 runaway success.
Even in mature markets like US, UK, XP remains ahead of Windows 8, 8.1 and Vista, said Aodhan Cullen, CEO, StatCounter.
“This has serious implications for users, especially businesses, as lack of support may leave their data and systems at risk of exposure to security and virus issues,” he warns.
Microsoft has long advised that it will end support for Windows XP on April 8. ” XP customers and partners will no longer receive security updates or be able to take advantage of tech support from Microsoft.”
Updates for Microsoft Security Essentials will be available until July 2015.
