At least 2.5 million computers running Windows XP and Office 2003 in Thailand are facing security risks after Microsoft stops supporting its decade-old operating system on April 8.
An exhibitor demonstrates the Windows XP starter edition at an IT exhibition in November 2004. KARNJANA KARNJANATAW
Microsoft has reminded consumers that there is less than a month to go before consumers using the two operating systems will be left without security patches.
The latest security survey found that Windows XP Service Pack 3 is up to 5.68 times more vulnerable to viruses than Windows 8 RTM. It also has a staggering 82.4% higher malware infection rate.
As more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimise for more recent versions of Windows, a greater number of programs and devices such as cameras and printers will not work with Windows XP.
Based on StatCounter, a free public tracker, and IDC Worldwide PC Tracker, Windows XP is used by 25.32% of users in Thailand, or about 2.5 million personal computers.
Use of the new versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8 stand at 52.62% and 4.88%, respectively. Use of Windows 8 has grown by 84% in the past 12 months.
Microsoft is providing tools for users to migrate their software at Windowsxp.com. Those unsure of whether their computer is using Windows XP can check by visiting AmIrunningXP.com.
The company is also offering a special promotion for computer makers with a discount of 20% for customers who want to purchase its Office 365 system.
Sontiya Nujeenseng, new country manager of Intel Microelectronics (Thailand), the US-based computer chip maker, said the company is working with its distributors to run a promotional campaign to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises still using Windows XP to change their computer security patches.
He acknowledged that the expiry of Windows XP would not boost sales of local PCs in the short term due to Thailand's political climate.
Nitipat Praweenwongwuthi, senior marketing manager of Acer Thailand, agreed that Windows XP migration would have little benefit to the local PC market.
Jarit Sidhu, senior analyst at IDC (Thailand), said the ending of Microsoft's support might boost demand for PCs in the second half of this year, but the increase would not be much because Thailand still has a high piracy rate of more than 70%.
Thailand's computer market is expected to contract by 8% to 2.7 million units this year as a result of the political woe and as tablet and smartphones continue to eat into notebook sales.