Microsoft's support of Windows XP is finally over, ending a 12-year run of updates and security. The operating system is probably their most successful ever, and lasted for such a long period due to its solid foundation and ease of use. It's still being widely used, and currently holds more of the market than Windows 8, which is not something Microsoft desires.
When the OS launched in 2001, Bill Gates declared, "Simply put, Windows XP is the best operating system Microsoft has ever built." Up until that point, it was pretty hard to argue--and likely still is today.
I personally like Windows 7 now more than I did XP, I think, but that's partially just due to the modern features I've come to rely on and enjoy. There certainly was not much wrong with XP, and if I hadn't been given an upgrade to Windows 7 (skipping Vista altogether, thankfully) with a new computer, I probably would have stuck with the OS for a long time. 7 is optimized for gaming, though, which is a big draw for anyone who plays heavily on their PC like myself.
So, what will Microsoft pulling support for XP mean for users still running the operating system? It genuinely can hurt your PC, which is partially why Microsoft is urging people to upgrade. Any security holes that develop from here on will not be patched by Microsoft, potentially opening the doors for malware and scams. Any bugs or glitches won't be fixed either, so it could mean an overall decline in your system's performance.
You will be able to use XP--it won't suddenly stop working--but there are the aforementioned concerns to take into account. It's ultimately up to each user (though I feel a large percentage of those still using XP may be unaware of this situation entirely), but I would recommend upgrading. If you're thinking about getting a new computer and are still running XP, this might be another incentive.
Check out the video below of Bill Gates from 2001 bidding farewell to Windows 98, beginning XP's long and successful reign.
Source: PCWorld