Microsoft support for Windows XP
What's happening?
From 8th April 2014, Microsoft is ceasing support for the Windows XP operating system. This will reduce the capability of IT providers to offer support for Windows XP and consequently BUCS will be reducing its support for Windows XP to best efforts.
What does this mean?
In practical terms this means that security updates, patches and bug fixes will no longer be released by Microsoft. At this point the Windows XP operating system will become vulnerable to viruses and other security threats. The Windows XP operating system could become unstable and may become difficult to use. Additionally, BUCS anticipates that it will become increasingly problematic and costly to support Windows XP going forward but will make reasonable efforts where systems are deemed essential.
What can we do?
BUCS has already been working on this problem for some time with a programme to upgrade the Campus to Windows 7. Much of this work has already been done, but there are still a number of systems running Windows XP for a variety of reasons. BUCS recognises that it won't be possible to upgrade 100% of these, but action is needed to protect critical systems and reduce the risk to information security.
Over the coming months, BUCS will be working with system owners to assess the systems that are running Windows XP and assisting in the development of plans to upgrade where possible. Essential systems will be identified and isolated and a plan for maintenance drawn up. The current proposal to isolate systems is to either disconnect or restrict network connectivity (such as a block on access to the internet).
Do I need to do anything?
For further information or to discuss what options are available, please raise a support request with your IT Support. Below is a list of questions to get you thinking about aspects that need to be considered.
- Is the system critical to your work?
- Is the system critical to the operational needs of the Department, the Faculty or the University as a whole?
- Can the system be upgraded?
- Would you require funding to update your system, if so how much?
- Where could the funding come from to update your system?
- Are there plans to decommission or replace the system in the near future?
- Can parts of the system be upgraded to remove the dependency on Windows XP, such as hardware components and peripherals?
- Does the system rely on a connection to the Internet or University storage, such as X-Drive / Research Storage?
- What would be the impact if the system was not connected to the University Network / Internet?
- What would be the impact if the system failed and couldn’t be recovered?