前言： 4月9日，微軟正式停止對Windows XP操作係統的技術支持，將不會針對該係統發布任何更新修補漏洞，包括Office2003的技術支持、係統和補丁更新。微軟Windows XP退役知多少，一起來看！
Although the operating system is more than 12 years old, and Windows XP computers haven't been shipped since 2010, there are still millions of them in use. Gartner estimates that as much as 25 percent of Windows PCs in the workplace are running XP. Consumers tend to be even slower in upgrading.
盡管Windows XP係統已服役12年多了，並且從2010年起就不再生產搭載Windows XP係統的電腦了，但使用這一係統的人仍然很多。美國谘詢公司高德納預計，世界25%的辦公用電腦仍然使用XP係統，而消費者更新係統的速度似乎更慢。
Microsoft Corp. is pushing remaining XP owners to upgrade to a newer operating system, such as Windows 7 or 8. It will still be possible to use existing Windows XP computers after Microsoft retires it Tuesday, but that comes with risks.
微軟公司一直在推動XP係統的用戶把電腦更新為Win7或Win8係統。盡管微軟公司周二宣布Windows XP係統正式退役，但現有的Windows XP係統仍然可以繼續使用，然而因為沒有了微軟的支持、使用XP將麵臨許多風險。
Here's a guide to the risks and your options.
下麵是使用風險及個人選擇指導手冊。
Q. What happens on Wednesday?
問：周三發生了什麽？
A. That's the day Windows XP reaches what Microsoft calls "end of support."
答：這一天微軟宣布，Windows XP係統正式“退役”了。
You'll still be able to run XP computers and install past updates. If you need to reinstall XP from scratch, you can do so if you still have the discs that came with your computer.
你仍然能夠使用XP係統的電腦，並且安裝以往的更新。如果你想重新安裝XP係統，隻要你還有與電腦匹配的安裝磁盤，就可以實現。
Q. If XP will still run, why do I need to upgrade?
問：如果XP係統仍然能夠使用，我為什麽還要做係統更新呢？
A. A big reason is security. Hackers know Microsoft will no longer fix security flaws, so evil-doers have extra incentive to look for them. In addition, if a flaw is found for Windows 7 or 8, there's a good chance a similar issue exists for XP as well. So when the fixes come out for Windows 7 or 8, hackers can go back to XP to look for an opening.
答：安全是一個重要原因。黑客知道微軟不再修補安全漏洞，於是他們就會更有勁頭尋找這些漏洞。另外，如果Win7或Win8係統發現了漏洞，相似的技術漏洞XP係統也會存在。所以，當Win7和Win8係統漏洞修補之後，黑客就可以回到XP係統上尋找突破口。
There are also performance issues. If you buy a new printer or scanner, it might not work on XP. Same goes for new software, particularly if it needs faster processors and more memory beyond what was standard in XP's heyday. XP also lacks features that are common with newer operating systems, including energy-saving measures for laptops.
同時還會出現設備運轉問題。如果你買了一台新打印機或顯示器，很可能XP係統是不能匹配適用的，尤其是如果新設備需要XP標配所不具備的更快的處理器、更大的內存，那麽XP係統與新設備不適配的問題將更加突出。此外，XP係統也缺乏新係統的一些普遍功能，比如手提電腦的節能措施。
Q. What are my options for upgrading?
問：如果更新係統的話，我可以怎麽做呢？
A. You can upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 by buying a disc. You will need to back up your files and have discs for any programs you may have installed, as upgrading requires completely wiping your hard drive and starting from scratch. Microsoft sells Windows 8 as an upgrade for $120; be sure to buy the DVD version and not the download.
答：你可以買一個安裝磁盤，把係統更新到Win7或Win8係統。為了預防安裝過程中出現任何問題，你需要先把文件和磁盤存儲做備份，因為係統更新需要徹底清除硬盤內存，完全重新安裝。微軟出售的Win8更新磁盤售價120美元，請確保你購買的是DVD安裝軟件而不是下載版本。
Q. My XP computer works fine and fits my needs —and I don't want to spend money on an upgrade or a new machine. What should I do?
問：我的XP係統電腦功能良好，可以滿足我的需求，所以我不想花錢更新係統或買一台新電腦。那麽我應該注意些什麽呢？
A. First, be sure to run all of Microsoft's previously released updates, plus the last one on Wednesday.
答：首先要確保你已經完成微軟給XP係統的所有漏洞修補更新，包括周三的最後一次。
Then think about what you really need the computer for. If you don't need an Internet connection, unplug it. That will minimize the risk. Be careful about attaching USB storage drives, as that might introduce malicious software. If you need the Internet, refrain from using email, Facebook and other communications channels through which malicious software might travel. Use a tablet, phone or another computer instead.
然後考慮一下你對這台電腦的需求到底是什麽。如果你不需要互聯網鏈接，那就斷網，這樣可以把風險化到最小。在插入USB設備時要格外小心，因為那有可能帶來病毒軟件。如果你需要上網，要少用電子郵件、Facebook以及其他可能包含病毒的交流渠道。你可以用平板電腦、手機或其他電腦來替代。
Q. Why is Microsoft doing this?
問：微軟為什麽要這樣做呢？
A. As technology improves, it makes less sense to support something designed a PC generation or two ago. The company's resources are better spent on making newer products better.
答：隨著技術的改進，維護一兩代電腦係統（Win8、Win7）以前的XP係統設計、意義不再那麽大了。微軟公司的資源更多地被用在生產更好的新產品上。
