Days numbered for Windows XP

Microsoft reminded users Tuesday that it would officially retire the Windows XP operating system (OS) on April 8, 2014.

It means that the company will stop providing bug fixes, updates, and other technical support for the venerable OS, potentially leaving users without any protection from future malware.

While users in developed countries such as Australia and Singapore have mostly upgraded to newer versions of Windows--the Windows XP install base for these two markets has dropped to around 11 percent--it's not the case for emerging markets. For instance, around 45 percent of users in Vietnam are still using Windows XP, according to StatCounter.

If you don't intend to upgrade for any reason, it's probably prudent to avoid going online when Microsoft pulls the plug--most malicious threats are likely to originate from the Internet.

Businesses who cannot afford to do so, should probably bite the bullet and migrate to newer versions of Windows. According to Microsoft, it's looking to offer special deals to entice companies to move away from Windows XP.

Besides Windows XP, Microsoft will also stop supporting Office 2003 from next April.