Technology Planning: Windows XP Vulnerability
Author: Rick Phelan
Published: 04.15.14
Microsoft is discontinuing support for its popular Windows XP operating system this month. Businesses, schools, and individual users should be aware that if they are still using Windows XP on Internet based devices they will be increasingly vulnerable to malware and data breaches. This blog post provides suggestions for schools managing Windows XP workstations during this time of change.
Windows XP has proven to be a reliable operating system for many schools in California. Based on statewide results from 2013 Smarter Balanced Technology Readiness Tool, over 50% of student workstations in California classrooms use Windows XP.
Microsoft released Windows XP in the fall of 2001. Because of its durability, it continued to be installed on computers through 2009. If schools have Windows desktop or laptop computers that are over five years old, there is a good chance they are running the Windows XP operating system.
Schools can still run XP after this month, but Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, issue fixes to non-security related problems, or offer online technical content updates. Microsoft maintains that it is discontinuing Windows XP to focus on its newer operating systems. It will provide anti-malware updates through July 14, 2015, but warns that the patches could be of limited help on outdated operating systems.
Experts point out that, without the patches to fix bugs in the software, Windows XP computers will be prone to performance degradation and crashing. The absence of security protections will make the computers vulnerable to hackers.
What should schools do?
Schools should inventory their computer hardware to see which devices are running Windows XP. To check the operating system, open a web browser on each device you have questions about and go to http://amirunningxp.com. The site will tell you if your computer is running Windows XP.
Based on inventory results, schools should evaluate the tasks performed and software used on the Windows XP computers. Here are some suggestions for how to do that.
Evaluate the tasks being served by the Windows XP computers. The chart below offers a means of organizing this information.
Prioritize risks that warrant immediate action. Any Windows XP computers that have primary tasks focused on student data and school financial information should have high priority for either an operating system upgrade or device replacement.
Assess applications in relation to how they support teaching and learning. Some dated applications may be inconsistent with current educational focus areas. Technology and curriculum teams should consider applications and their intended learning outcomes. Potential questions:
- Is the application supporting the Common Core State Standards?
- Is the application supporting 21st century learning areas?
- Is the application supporting special focus areas relevant to the student population?
If the computer application has a positive response in one or more of the above question areas, school teams should look to upgrade the operating system and/or replace the computers.
Consider the complexity of the student authoring activities. Computers used for authoring activities (for example, word processing and multimedia) can frequently be replaced with iPads or Chromebooks. However, schools should recognize that there are more complex authoring tasks that iPads and Chromebooks are not suitable for. In these situations, a new workstation should be considered.
Consider the need for computer research stations used for Internet browsing. Technology committees should look to replace these devices with upgraded desktop workstations and/or one-to-one student device programs.
Blog: Technology for Learners
