Paul Ducklin and Chester Wisniewski investigate the what, the why and the how of dealing with the impending end of support for Windows XP in 2014.

Don't worry: even if you have computers that you simply won't be able to update in time, for example because they run bespoke industrial control software, or a legacy financial application, Duck and Chet have some healthy suggestions for you.

They also share some insights into why Microsoft hasn't simply packed all the improved security components from Windows 7 and 8 into the aging XP, leading to the 08 April 2014 deadline.